January is almost over at the time this is being published and that means Walk Your Dog Month is also coming to an end. Let’s dive in and see what we can find to these top 4 questions you should ask yourself when choosing the best dog walker for your family in Melbourne, FL.
- What is a dog walker and what do they do?
- What other services are offered?
- How much does a dog walker cost?
- How do I choose the right person or company?
As a pet parent, sometimes we all need a little help. But one of the hardest things to know is how to choose the right dog walker, pet sitter, or person to help with your pet’s needs. There are so many variables to consider: timed walks vs. untimed and what other services do they offer? Obviously, the cost is a big factor, but how do you know what you’re going to get for your dollar?
What exactly is a dog walker?
A dog walker is someone who will come to your home while you are away, snap on that fashionable leash you keep, open the door, and go outside with your sweet pooch. Depending on the company, the walks will be exclusive or with a small pack. This is an important distinction to make when choosing a dog walking service. Not every dog walks well in a pack, and you may want to consider this when determining what company to choose.
Another factor to consider is how long do the walks last? Most companies charge by the time block – 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes. This is good if you only want to exchange money for time. Our company does not operate this way; instead, we walk dogs to fit their needs and abilities. When a person is only watching the clock, they aren’t giving your dog the attention he deserves. They are a passive participant (instead of an active one) who doesn’t contribute to the higher-level purpose of the walk, which is your dog’s well being.
We believe that walking with your dog, talking to him, engaging with him, and letting him have a fun and pleasant walk is better accomplished when we aren’t watching the clock and hurrying off to the next house. Here at Space Coast Pet Services, we average about 30 minutes for dog walking visits because we love dogs, and caring for your pups is more than just a job. We also only walk dogs from the same household together – no pack walks!
What services are offered and what does it cost?
Knowing your dog is getting a great walk is half the battle. What else can you expect from a dog walking service? Do they offer additional services if you need something a little more? Or will you be forced to hire a separate company? The average cost of a dog walker in the area is about $20 for 30 minutes. This doesn’t typically include anything more than the obvious walk-on-leash service and is also usually your hobby sitter- a college student trying to make extra money between classes (and likely someone who isn’t investing in insurance or paying business income taxes!). This option may be right for some people, but for others, it leaves something to be desired.
When looking for a company, it’s best to find one that provides more than the basics and is prepared to care for all the needs of the pet – both anticipated and unexpected. This will give you, the pet parent, peace of mind when hiring a dog walker. Oftentimes, professional care is worth the extra few dollars to achieve that peace of mind when leaving your precious pooch in someone else’s hands. We sure think so!
Now for the big one: How to choose the right company?
We’ve covered what it means to be a dog walker, how long a walk can last, and why it’s good not to have a clock watcher walking your dog as well as the average cost. But what should you look for in a company? The most important thing is professionalism. You do not want to have to worry about the people you are inviting into your home. Make sure the company you choose not only performs background checks but is bonded and insured as well.
Look for companies that will do a meet and greet so you can ascertain the level at which they love the animals they are supposed to be caring for. A full-service and professional company is recommended when searching for a dog walker. That way, you can establish a relationship with the individuals and have the ability to hire them for more services if you’d like. It’s always helpful if the company you are looking at has reviews and testimonials, then you have access firsthand of other peoples’ experience with the company you are considering hiring.
How can Space Coast Pet Services help you?
At Space Coast Pet Services, we combine the best of services with the highest level of professionalism and security. Each of our team members has undergone a full background check including driving records, is pet first aid & CPR certified, and trained to best be able to care for your furry loved one. Here, we don’t just care for animals; we are true animal lovers.
Our pet care services include dog walking, pet sitting, home visits, cat sitting, and much more. We love ALL pets, and giving that “extra bit” is just what we do. Whether it’s snuggles, medication management, or clean up, we are here for you and your pet.
To find out more about our services and schedule a meet and greet, give us a call!
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