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.
The founder and owner of Astrith's Pet Sitting Services has worked in the pet care industry for more than 15 years. The staff have experience in medical animal care such as administering Sub-Q fluids, insulin shots, post-surgery care, basic pilling, and CPR. The company provides short potty breaks or daily dog walking in 30 to 60-minute sessions. The business also transports pets to vet or grooming appointments, provides overnight, in-home pet sitting services, or checks in on pets during the day while their owners are away.
The owner of Four Paws Pet Sitting LLC has lived with animals for most of her life and has personal experience with special needs animals. She is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR. The business was a finalist in the A-List Best of Milwaukee Best Pet Sitting in 2014 and 2016. The company walks dogs for 30 to 60 minutes, and can walk dogs individually or in a small group. The staff also pet sit cats, give overnight care in the pet's home, and care for other small or exotic pets. Four Paws Pet Sitting supports foster animal families by performing foster animal care for no charge, and the business features local pets up for adoption on its website. Pet owners say the company has experienced, loving, and caring staff and trustworthy, reliable care.
Milwaukee Paws Pet Care is a dog walking service that caters to clients in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. This company provides dog walking, dog sitting, and hourly care for animals that require attention while owners are away. It offers urban adventure decompression walks and puppy pack playgroups, as well as dog transportation services and concierge services, including groomer, vet, and activity referrals. Daily care for cats and in-home and virtual dog training are also available.
Milwaukee Pet Services hires dog walkers and pet sitters who are passionate about pet care. The business, based in Oak Creek, won the Angie's List Super Service Award in 2013, 2014, and 2015, Thumbtack Best of 2015, and WISN A-List Best of Milwaukee 2014. Staff walk dogs for 15-minute potty breaks up to 60-minute walks for energetic dogs, and pet owners can choose to set up a group walk with another dog in the same building or block. The company's other services include transportation to the vet or groomer, fluid therapy, medication administration, nail trims, pet food and supply pick up and delivery, and key pick up or drop off. Milwaukee Pet Services pet sitters cares for pets in their own home while their owners are away, and can stay overnight for extra company. Pet owners give positive feedback for the company's professional and reliable staff, easy online scheduling system, and text pictures and updates.
Off Leash MKE is a dog walking company that provides exercise and pet sitting options to residents in the Milwaukee area. The company's dog walking services include the provision of drinking water, feeding if requested, and decompression options where dogs are invited to sniff, dig, run, and explore in nature. Off Leash MKE provides daily and overnight pet sitting, has care options for cats, and arranges puppy pack play sessions for young dogs to socialize with trained puppies.
The Dogwalker specializes in walking Milwaukee dogs in 30-minute sessions for dog owners who have busy lifestyles. The bonded and insured pet care company helps pets stay healthy and get important exercise on a regular schedule. Dog walkers walk up to three dogs at a time. The A-List has rated The Dogwalker among the Top 10 Best Dog Walkers in Milwaukee. Pet owners give positive feedback for the company's flexible, accommodating staff who take excellent care of pets.
While You Were Out Pet Sitting Services, LLC is a licensed dog walking business with flexible hours. The company is insured and bonded through Kennel Pro. The business provides daily dog walks and pet sitting services, including overnight stays in the pet's home, and pet sitters are available seven days a week. The company also offers scheduled overnight pet boarding at the owner's home, which is cleaned with organic, nontoxic cleaning products. The facility allows pets on its couches for cuddling time and each room contains water bowls and dog beds. Dogs can run around outside in the fenced yard. The pet boarding service includes natural food preparation and medication administration in the price. Pet owners have praised While You Were Out Pet Sitting Services for its affordable prices and dependable, loving staff.
Wisconsin Pet Care employs caregivers who have many years of experience in the pet industry, and each pet sitter passes a criminal background check, a personality assessment test, and a security interview by a former member of the NYPD. The dog walking business is available every day of the year and has flexible scheduling available. The company won the Angie's List Super Service Award from 2012 to 2016 and won A-List Best Pet Sitting by CityVoter from 2012 to 2016. Founded 10 years ago, Wisconsin Pet Care walks dogs individually or in a group for 30 to 60 minutes, and dog walkers bring their own poop bags. The business also provides in-home pet sitting overnight or as short visits, and can visit pets for quick poop-scooping appointments. Pet owners have praised the business for its easy communication and regular photo updates.
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:
