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2024

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Best Dog Walkers in Washington DC

Our Recommended Top 15

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Washington DC Dog Walkers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

148Reviewed

94Curated

15Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Washington, DC 20012

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Peticular Charm Pet Care is a pet sitting and dog walking service in the DC area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia. The staff has over 10 years of experience and uses “pet check technology,” which works by a magnet on the customer’s refrigerator that a pet sitter scans upon entering the customers home. The customer automatically receives a notification that the sitter has arrived, and the sitter scans the magnet again which notifies the customer that the dog’s walk is over and they are leaving.

Washington, DC 20038

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (13)

Why choose this provider?

The motto of DC Dog Sitter is “Where all pets become family!” and the company provides dog walking, sitting, spa and fitness, doggy daycare, and pet taxi services, as well as cat sitting. The company opened in 2011 and serves the DC metro area. DC Dog Sitter is licensed, bonded, and insured, and all employees are certified in pet first aid and CPR. The company’s most unique services include park and fun adventures for pets and pet nanny service for executives and celebrities that would like their pets to travel with them.

Potomac, MD 20854

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (6)
Google
4.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Daisy’s Pet Service has been offering caring, compassionate walking and sitting services for pets and their families in the Potomac area for over 14 years. Daisy's team focuses on providing loving attention and care for pets' health and emotional needs by providing dog walking, cat sitting, and overnight care at clients' homes. The dedicated staff at Daisy's has studied dog behavior and training and can house-train puppies as well as practice commands puppies learn through training. Daisy's team is also able to administer insulin, and Daisy Pet Service is dog and cat Red Cross Certified. Daisy's team attends training seminars and always strives to not just be excellently qualified, but to go the extra mile for their furry clients.

Washington, DC 20010

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (190)
Yelp
4.0 (80)
Facebook
3.7 (9)

Why choose this provider?

District Dogs is a pet services provider in DC. The company offers dog walking, doggie daycare, and a pet shop. The company opened in 2013 and is licensed, bonded, and insured. Clients who make a weekly commitment get discounted services and a 15-minute walk starts at $13 for committed customers. Dog sitting service includes two 15-minute and two 25-minute visits in the same day, starting at $60 per weekday.

Washington, DC 20001

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

P3 Pet Services is a small dog walking and pet sitting company that serves residents of North DC. Customers are invited to contact the company for a free meet and greet so the sitters can get to know a pet and discuss services. The company offers walks and visits from 15 minutes to one hour, as well as pet sitting and overnight sitting.

Washington, DC 20056

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (73)
Google
4.9 (25)
Facebook
5.0 (18)

Why choose this provider?

Pet Peeps has been offering dedicated, compassionate pet care services to the Washington DC area since 2006. Pet Peeps's mission is to keep pets comfortable and safe with excellent in-home services at affordable rates. The team at Pet Peeps is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and the company is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Pet Sitters International, and Professional United Pet Sitters. Pet Peeps has a variety of dog walking packages and also offers in-home pet sitting services for dogs, cats, pocket pets, and even exotic pets.

Washington, DC 20010

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (28)

Why choose this provider?

Underdogs Pet Care offers dog walking and pet sitting in the DC area. The company is based in Mt. Pleasant and is a member of Pet Sitters International and Pet Sitters Plus. The company has a team of pet-loving dog walkers, and past clients have left great reviews including, “The best dog walking DC has to offer.”

Washington, DC 20009

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (23)

Why choose this provider?

FurPals Pet Care serves the metro DC area and provides pet care visits and home checking services with a variety of options. The company is insured and bonded, participates in multiple professional associations, and maintains employee knowledge through continuing education on better pet care and first aid training. The company offers services year-round including holidays and in cases of inclement weather.

Washington, DC 20009

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (49)

Why choose this provider?

Brighter Days is a small group of animal lovers that offers dog walking, dog sitting, and cat sitting in the DC area. Dog walking starts at $18 per 30-minute visit, and dog sitting starts at $60 per day for one dog. The company opened in 2006 and is a worker-owned cooperative business, meaning each employee is totally invested in the success and reputation of the company.

Washington, DC 20001

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.9 (51)

Why choose this provider?

Customers have raved about Fairy Tails services saying, “She took care of my puppy as if it were her own,” and “She understands dogs and people, and, most importantly, people with dogs.” The owner has independently rescued, fostered, and placed more than 40 cars and dogs over a decade, and opened Fairy Tails in 2012 to apply her passion to a business. The company offers complementary consultations and pet care for dogs and cats.

Washington, DC 20010

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (90)
Facebook
4.9 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Patrick’s Pet Care serves “all creatures great and small” with dog walking, pet sitting, daycare, and overnight stays. Patrick’s Pet Care also offer dog training and will soon offer grooming and transportation. Customers may book services online or simply call for more information.

Washington, DC 20016

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Puppy Love opened in 1993 in Washington and offers dog walking, home visits, cat care, and overnight boarding. The company provides pet care services in the Northwest DC area from Dupont and Georgetown to Chevy Chase. Puppy Love is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and is well reviewed on Angies List. Customers have said, “We recommend them without hesitation,” and, “I trust them completely.”

Washington, DC 20002

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (22)

Why choose this provider?

Wanderpups offers dog walking and pet sitting services in DC with free consultations. Dog walks start at $18 for a 30-minute walk and dog runs start at $20 for a 20-minute run. Wanderpups is passionate about giving back to the pet community and gives a portion of profit to a local pet charity each month. The company veteran-owned and is licensed, bonded, and insured and is a member of Pet Sitters International.

Washington, DC 20009

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

DogWalkingDC provides customized dog walking and dog sitting in the DC area. The dog walkers will take on an in-progress training plan for customer’s dogs and will walk them alone or in a group, depending on the customer’s preference. DogWalkingDC also provides pet sitting in-home and house checks including taking in mail, watering plants, overnight protection, and greeting service providers.

Washington, DC 20009

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Go Dog Go is a dog walking and running service providing professional care and service for dogs in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Marty Daniels brings in 20 years of experience in caring for pets and was a volunteer in helping dogs transition to foster and permanent homes. Go Dog Go offers walking services that last 20-30 minutes, which includes feeding and playing. The company is fully insured and pet first aid certified by the American Red Cross.

Compare our Top Dog Walkers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Peticular Charm Pet Care
Washington, DC 20012
DC Dog Sitter
Washington, DC 20038
Daisy’s Pet Service
Potomac, MD 20854
District Dogs
Washington, DC 20010
P3 Pet Services
Washington, DC 20001
Pet Peeps
Washington, DC 20056
Underdogs Pet Care
Washington, DC 20010
FurPals Pet Care
Washington, DC 20009
Brighter Days
Washington, DC 20009
Fairy Tails
Washington, DC 20001
Patrick’s Pet Care
Washington, DC 20010
Puppy Love
Washington, DC 20016
Wanderpups
Washington, DC 20002
DogWalkingDC
Washington, DC 20009
Go Dog Go
Washington, DC 20009

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Many people have turned to dog walking as a regular household service. Dog walking can give your pet some exercise while you’re away at work or just take this chore off your hands when you’re having a busy day. Additionally, some people simply need dog walking help if they’ve sustained an injury or have health-related issues.


    Regardless of why you’re hiring a dog walker, it’s a hugely positive act for your pet. They get exercise, company, and an extra set of eyes on them.

  • How often should you walk your dog?

    The general rule is to walk your dog at least three to four times a day, with each walk being at least 15 minutes long. However, this can significantly vary depending on the dog breed, the dog's age, and the dog's energy levels. For example, some breeds that require a lot of exercise are Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and boxers.

  • How long should I walk my dog?

    In total, most vets recommend a dog receives between 30 minutes to two hours of exercise a day. The variation depends on your dog’s energy levels. So, if you're hiring a dog walker for a one-hour morning walk, you can choose to do the other 30 minutes to an hour yourself in the evening.

  • How do you walk a dog?

    Usually, it’s safest to walk your dog on a leash so you can prevent them from wandering away. Dog walkers can help your dog learn how to walk well, as they are experts in dog walking. In general, dogs should walk close to their owners (or dog walker) and stay on the left side.

  • How do you train a dog to walk on a leash?

    Many dogs don’t adapt to leash walking right away. They may lunge, pull, or even stop walking. You can ask your dog walker to help train your dog to walk on a leash better. For example, when dogs pull on a leash, the correct reaction is to stop walking. Eventually, this teaches them that pulling won’t be tolerated.

  • How do I stop my dog barking when out walking?

    It doesn't feel great when your dog barks at other dogs. Luckily, you can train this behavior out of them. The experts recommend you teach your dog to heel. This way, when other dogs pass by, you can get your dog to heel and reward them for their good behavior. You can ask your dog walker to practice this on their walks.

  • Why do dogs like walks?

    Walking your dog has two benefits: it's physical exercise for them and it's mentally stimulating. Dogs are genetically a very active species that likes to be outdoors, so they enjoy getting outside a couple of times a day. Additionally, the smells and sights on their walk stimulate their brain. The human equivalent of a dog’s walk is like reading a good book.