What to Look for in a Dog Walker: Green Flags & Red Flags Every Owner Should Know

Ellen Greenwood-Sole
Aug 5
2 min read

Choosing the right dog walker can feel overwhelming – especially when you realise the dog walking industry (like grooming and dog training) is completely unregulated.

That’s right – anyone can set up as a dog walker without qualifications, experience, or even insurance. While there are many brilliant, caring professionals out there, there are also people who lack the knowledge or safety standards needed to keep dogs safe and happy. Unfortunately, it’s often the dogs who suffer as a result.

So, how do you know who to trust with your four-legged friend? Here’s a guide to what you should be looking for – and the red flags you should never ignore.

1. Safe Transport Practices

✅ Green Flag:

Dogs are transported individually within their household group.
Secure crates are used for safety.
The vehicle is clean, well-ventilated, and dogs aren’t left inside longer than necessary.

🚩 Red Flag:

Dogs from different households loose together in the back seat or boot.
This is a recipe for disaster – if a dog becomes frightened, hurt, or stressed, fights and injuries can happen quickly.

2. Professional Insurance

✅ Green Flag:

Your dog walker holds professional insurance and will happily share a copy of their policy summary with you.

🚩 Red Flag:

No insurance, or they become defensive or evasive when you ask about it.

3. Canine First Aid & Qualifications

✅ Green Flag:

Up-to-date Canine First Aid training (refreshed regularly).
DBS checked for extra peace of mind.
Holds a formal qualification in canine behaviour so they can safely match and manage dogs in groups.

🚩 Red Flag:

First aid training is out of date – or non-existent.
No formal behavioural qualifications, relying on statements like “I’ve owned dogs for 30 years” or “I’ve had a reactive dog, so I understand”.
While personal experience is valuable, professional knowledge is essential – just like you wouldn’t visit a dentist whose only qualification was “having teeth for 30 years”.

4. Group Sizes & Compatibility

✅ Green Flag:

Dogs are matched based on temperament, play style, and confidence level.
Group sizes are small and manageable.
The walker provides regular photos and videos so you can see how your dog is getting on.

🚩 Red Flag:

Large groups, or several walkers meeting up to exercise huge numbers of dogs at once.
Limited communication or updates about your dog’s walks.

5. Meet & Greet Process

A good dog walker will:

Offer a free meet and greet to get to know you and your dog.
Possibly suggest a trial period to make sure your dog fits well into the group.
Welcome your questions, provide references or testimonials, and explain how they work.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

Final Thoughts

There are so many amazing, professional dog walkers who are truly passionate about dogs and their welfare. But there are also those who are in it for the money, or who mean well but simply don’t have the skills, training, or knowledge to do the job safely.

Your dog’s welfare should always come first. Take the time to find a walker who is safe, knowledgeable, compassionate, and professional – your dog will thank you for it.