Rover offers doggy daycare services for pet owners throughout the local area. Its network includes thousands of pet sitters that are available to care for dogs while their owners work or travel. The service connects sitters with clients online or through its app. Customers can meet with sitters prior to booking, and services are available for a range of dogs, including high-energy puppies and dogs with special needs.
A Walk In The Park has been walking dogs since 2002 and is trusted by owners in Saugus and nearby communities. Services include shorter walks in the dog's own neighborhood along with basic pet/house duties, one-hour walks in the woods, and longer one-hour house visits as well. Owner/operator Chris La Voie is committed to providing top-quality service and personalized attention for each pet, is a member of the American Eskimo Dog Club of America and the Agility Club of New Hampshire, and is active in raising money for American Eskimo Dog Rescue & Canine Health Research. References are available upon request, and dog owners can request a free consultation.
Citizen Canine Walking Company handles dog walking for residents of Lynn, Swampscott, Woburn, and the surrounding areas. All dogs are treated like family with plenty of personalized care, and services include a walk for a quick potty break, a 30-minute structured walk, and a one-hour walk/hike. Clients can also request obedience training and leash training, and additional fees apply for more than one dog, clients outside the service area, and walks that take place after hours or on the weekends. In-home dog and cat sitting, as well as services for other animals, are available, and interested parties can contact the team for further information.
Companion Synergy is a North Shore dog walking service backed by over 15 years of canine experience. The team specializes in caring for reactive and fearful pets and offers individual dog walking per the client's needs, training reinforcement and socialization during every visit, play groups, pet sitting, training, and nutrition. Owner/operator Liz Jacques is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter via PSI and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed, and the group works alongside WiggleBums! Dog-friendly Training and Behavior Consulting to help with various behavioral issues. Services are also available for cats and kittens, reptiles and amphibians, birds, and small caged animals. Companion Synergy holds an A+ rating with the BBB.
Everydog Training Center is a Danvers dog walking company backed by over 50 years of combined experience with dogs. Owner Diane Kurkjian is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a former training director at New England Dog Training Club in Cambridge, MA and walks dogs along with another team member, Mark. The facility focuses on "Science-based, humane training" for everything from basic manners to dog sports and uses "gentle, force-free methods" in a fun and caring environment. Bios for all staff members can be reviewed on Everydog Training Center's site, and interested parties can phone, email, or submit an online form to ask about dog walking or request additional information about training.
Hikes for Hounds offers dog walks to residents of Melrose, Stoneham, and Malden. The company specializes in off-leash hiking trips for 60 to 90 minutes that allow dogs true freedom, exercise, socialization, and fun in a pack setting. Traditional private and small group walks are available as well for 20 to 30-minute breaks in the dog's own neighborhood. The owner also offers boarding and daycare in her own home with a fenced yard and close proximity to local woods and pond. Clients can request pet/house sitting services at the dog's own home as well, and the owner has experience with numerous types of animals from cats to turtles to horses.
Most Valuable Pup offers dog walking in Burlington and Billerica. Dog owners can first request a free Meet & Greet to get to know the team and introduce their pooch, and services include 30 or 45-minute walks/playtime, 15-minute drop-ins, group play dates, field trips on Fridays, and full sitting/doggie sleepovers. Training services are also available, and employees are educated in dog training and handling via CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and certified in pet CPR and first aid. The company is insured as well, is a member of Pet Sitters Associates, and follows the motto of "every pup is an MVP." Owners with rescue dogs, as well as military personnel and veterans, receive discounts.
Muddy Paws Dog Walking & Pet Sitting works throughout the Greater Boston area. Services cover short potty breaks, 30 or 60-minute group walks, and field trips, and clients can even use an app to communicate with their walker, receive photos, and schedule service. Pet sitting, boarding, and other concierge services are also available. The full-service team of 27 dog lovers is known for its flexibility and experience with a wide range of dog breeds and temperaments, and bios for each walker can be found on the company's website. Muddy Paws has walked thousands of dogs to date, all walkers have passed background checks, and services can be customized per each dog's and client's needs.
Running The Pack has been walking dogs for local residents since 2006. Professional walkers provide dependable service for dog walks all year long with a customized journal and poop scooping included in each service. Solo and small-group walks are available, and additional services include dog running, training, new puppy sessions, and pet sitting. Clients can also conveniently schedule and pay their bills directly via the company's site. Running The Pack is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and took home an Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2013. Owner Jill Hourihan serves on the NAAPS Animal Rights and Law Committee as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On average, you can expect to pay between $0.05 to $1.00 per minute to have your dogs walked. An average of $0.75 means a 30-minute walk is usually $22.50 and an hour walk is $45. Of course, many things can impact the price, including your location, the length of walking, and the number of dogs.
Tipping isn’t necessary or all that common for dog walking services. However, if you have a particularly difficult dog or one that needs special attention, you may choose to tip your dog walker. Additionally, if you have the same dog walker for a while, a tip around the holidays is a nice gesture.
The snow can be painful for your dog's sensitive paws. More importantly, the salt on the ground can also hurt your dog's paws. Lastly, the snow and ice increase your dog's risk of slipping and injuring themselves (or you). When walking your dog in the snow, always put on dog booties.
Dogs may love their walks, but in extreme temperatures, it can be safer to remain indoors. At a certain point, extreme cold temperatures can be life-threatening for your dog. Don't take small breed dogs out in temperatures below 23 degrees F and 14 degrees F for medium to large breeds.
Just as frigid temperatures can harm your dog, the same rule applies to hot weather. If temperatures rise above 68ºF, it's easy for your dog can get overheated and dehydrated. When it's hot outside, consider exercising your dog indoors, shortening their walks, and/or buying booties to protect their paws from pavement. Even if it seems cool, remember that the hot sidewalk can hurt your dog's paws.
If your dog is walking in circles before lying down, this is normal hereditary behavior. However, if your dog is walking in circles around an area without settling, it might be a sign of stress or anxiety. This likely means they’re not getting enough stimulation and need more (or longer) walks.
First, if you're going to walk two dogs at once, the dogs must get along. Many dog walkers tackle walking two dogs at once. Using a dog leash coupler can help keep the dogs side by side while still having separate leashes and some freedom.
Some dog breeds are more prone to walking sideways, also known as “crabbing.” In particular, dogs with long legs do this to avoid tripping. Border collies, spaniels, vizslas, pointers, and German shepherds are prone to sideways walking. Other causes might be hip dysplasia, vestibular disease, or an injury.
There are two common reasons why dogs walk and poop. First, it’s a way for the dog to leave a strong scent behind. Walking puts added pressure on the anal scent glands, so a more potent smell is produced. Secondly, walking can help make passing their bowel movement easier. If your dog is backed up, walking helps them pass their poop.
Dogs can be trained to walk backwards. It looks quite cute when dogs do this, which is why some dog owners teach this trick. You can request that your dog walker practices walking backward with them. If your dog does this unprompted, though, it might be a sign of a health issue.
Usually, dogs should be allowed to rest with minimal activity the first 24-48 hours post-neutering. During this time, just take your dog out for their bathroom breaks. After that, you can start integrating short walks back into their routine. Your vet should provide you with clear guidelines for walking post-neutering.
You don’t necessarily need professional training in dog walking to start a dog walking business; although, it might help! After creating a website, you’ll need to build up a clientele roster. You can do this by offering introductory competitive rates as you wait to grow a reputation in your area.
There are several ways you can become a dog walker:
