You know your furry family member deserves the best. That’s why you want to find the best dog walkers and sitters in Brisbane for them!
Whether you’re a busy pet parent or just looking for someone reliable, finding the perfect person for the job can be a bit challenging. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find the right dog walking and sitting services in the city so that Fido gets all the love and attention they deserve. Let’s go!
Step 1: Do Your Research
To start off, you can Google “dog walking services near me” or “dog sitting services near me” and take a look at some of the options available.
During this step, make sure to browse their websites and learn about the services they offer. What’s their experience with sitting and walking dogs? What do previous customers have to say about them? This step is key to finding the best candidates, so really take your time, and read through all the details.
You can also read reviews on Yelp or Google to get an idea of what the best-rated dog walkers and sitters are in the area. This is a great way to compare different companies and understand which of them has earned the highest ratings from their clients.
Step 2: Ask Around About the Services You Found
Once you’ve found potential dog walkers and sitters from your “dog walking companies near me” online search, you can ask some of your friends or other pet parents you may know about your options. Most probably, they may already be familiar with one or more of the best dog-walking services in your area. And, it never hurts to get a second opinion!
Word-of-mouth can be an invaluable resource when trying to find the perfect dog walker or pet sitter Brisbane has to offer. They may even know of somebody who provides services tailored specifically to your pup—making sure that your furry bestie gets exactly what they need.
Step 3: Contact Potential Dog Walkers
After you have gathered essential information from your “dog walking and dog sitting near me” online search, you can move on to the next step, which is contacting potential dog walkers and sitters. There are various ways to do this, including phone calls and email.
When you get in touch with them, make sure to ask all the questions that are important to you. Find out what their availability is like, what kind of experience they have in walking and sitting dogs, if they provide additional services, such as feeding or grooming, and so on.
It’s also essential to inquire about insurance so that your precious furry friend is always safe under their care. And lastly, don’t forget to discuss pricing with each potential dog walker and sitter—you want to ensure that it fits in your budget!
Step 4: Arrange a Meeting with the Top Dog Walkers on Your List
During this time, you should already have a few dog walkers and sitters who you think best fit your needs. So, arrange a meeting with them so that you can get to know them better.
This should be done in person, as it will give both parties the opportunity to become more familiar and comfortable with each other. Once again, make sure to ask any questions that may come up during this stage. In addition, take your pup along and observe how they react around the walker or sitter—if Fido seems happy then you can feel good about leaving them in their care!
Essential Traits to Look for When Vetting Local Dog Walkers and Sitters
The best dog walkers and sitters should have certain qualities that make them great at their job. Here are some of the traits you should look for.
Natural Affection Towards Dogs
A great dog walker or sitter should be passionate about animals, which will show in the way they handle your pup.
Again, observe how they interact with your dog and if they naturally show affection. If you sense that they are not that comfortable with dogs, best to look for somebody else.
Punctuality
When it comes to dog sitters and walkers, punctuality is essential. They should have a track record of arriving on time, otherwise, your pup may miss out on valuable exercise!
So, make sure to keep an eye out for any signs that they are unreliable in this regard. After all, you want somebody who will always be there when you need them.
Professionalism
In addition to punctuality, a reputable dog walker or sitter should always be professional. They should take the job seriously and follow your directions, from providing an update after each walking session to making sure that your best four-legged buddy is safe and happy at all times.
Flexibility in Their Schedule
The main reason why you would hire local dog walkers is for convenience. You want a service that is flexible and can accommodate your schedule, whether you need them for regular or last-minute walkings.
Knowledge About Different Dog Breeds and Their Behaviour
You can easily tell if a dog walker is experienced in their field by simply asking about different dog breeds. The best ones will be able to provide tips on how best to manage certain behaviours, such as leash-pulling or unruliness. They should also have an understanding of the importance of puppy socialisation. Again, these questions can be asked during your interviews with potential walkers and sitters.
Step 5: Make the Final Decision and Start Enjoying a Stress-Free Life!
After you’ve completed all the steps during your “dog walker and dog sitter near me” online search, it should be easy to determine which service best fits your needs—and those of Fido. Once you have chosen the best candidate, you can enjoy a stress-free life knowing that your pup is being taken care of by an experienced and reliable professional.
All that’s left to do is sign a contract and start living the best of both worlds—having a happy pup and some additional free time for yourself!
Dog Walking and Sitting FAQs
Q: How are dog walkers and sitters paid?
A: Most dog walkers and sitters charge an hourly rate for their services, though some may have a flat rate. It’s best to discuss payment terms before hiring them.
Q: What extra services do they offer?
A: While most dog walkers provide basic services, such as walking and brushing, some offer additional activities, such as feeding or providing educational tips on training your pup. It all depends on the individual service provider so make sure to ask about it in advance.
Q: Is insurance always included?
A: Not usually. Most pet-sitting companies carry their own insurance policies, but you should always double-check this with each potential hire.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the best dog walkers and sitters should not be a daunting process. With enough research, you can make sure that you are leaving your best friend in capable hands and have the peace of mind of knowing they will be safe and happy. Follow the steps discussed above, and you’ll surely find a paw-sible fit for your precious furball.
For more useful and interesting tips on pet care, feel free to check out the rest of our posts!
