How to Find a Dog Walker That Fits Your (Dogs) Lifestyle
You did it! You got a dog - congratulations! Or maybe you’ve had your furry friend for years and you want them to get more socialization and exercise. Whichever the case may be - you need a dog walker!
16 week old, Tillie, is loving her new Puppy Visits with Boston Fetch in Brookline.
Having a reliable and friendly dog walker to support you and your canine has never been as accessible as it is now - nor has it ever been more necessary! Having someone to provide loving care to your pet when you have to dash into work unexpectedly, or when you are off travelling is so important. And just as important is finding the perfect dog walker to compliment you and your dogs life. There are many choices out there - from local, family run businesses (like us at Boston Fetch) to tech-funded, gig worker staffed corporations.
To make finding that perfect fit a bit easier for you we compiled a list of the most important questions to ask your prospective dog walker. To make it even easier for you Boston Fetch has provided answers to all your (and your dogs) questions below!
Toby loves his walker, Finn… and also treats!
Questions About Your Pet’s Care:
Does your service provide options for group or solo walks for your dog?
Boston Fetch offers both group walks for social dogs and solo walks for dogs that want more personal attention from their Pet Care Professional.
How many dogs are in a group walk?
At Boston Fetch our group walks top out at three dogs per pack. This allows your dog to socialize with their furry friends, absorb and learn good pack dynamics, and receive the most personalized attention possible from our Pet Care Professionals.
How are group walks structured?
Dogs are sorted into packs based on their shared temperaments and their geographical location to one another. This ensures maximum compatibility between the dogs while keeping the walks timely, social, and fun.
Outside of dog walks what services do you provide?
Boston Fetch offers pet sitting services, puppy visits, cat visits, and quick pit stops for dogs on-the-go!
Do you offer pet sitting or boarding services?
Boston Fetch offers pet sitting services for all clients. This services allows your pet to stay in their own home with one of our well trained Pet Care Professionals - reducing their stress and yours while you’re away.
Do they provide services to other types of pets?
We’re happy to help out with most pets in your home!
Questions about the walker’s tech:
What app do you use to manage walks?
To make your (and your dogs) life as easy as possible Boston Fetch uses Scout (iPhone/Android/web) for all your pet care needs. This simple app handles every aspect of your pet care needs from scheduling, billing, to GPS tracking while your dog is out with their walker.
How do I schedule appointments?
Scout allows you to book all of our services through their easy to use app (iPhone/Android) or through their convenient website.
How is billing handled?
Billing is processed automatically on a weekly basis through your credit card or a ACH bank transfer via Scout. Simply set it and forget it!
Does your service include a report card at the end of each visit?
Our favorite feature of Scout is the post-walk Report Card! You will receive a personalized Report Card after each outing that contains all the important details of your pups adventure, a handwritten note about their outing, and photos and videos of them having a great day!
Are the outings GPS tracked?
Yes! Attached to every Report Card is a map of your dog's adventure. You can see when they were picked-up, how far they walked, and the route they took.
Do I have access to the walker while they are with my dog?
Our team is always just a phone call, text message, or email away and happy to assist you with whatever you need.
Questions about the walker’s policies:
Is your company insured and bonded?
Boston Fetch is proudly insured and bonded by the Pet Sitters Association.
Do you have a lost dog plan?
Boston Fetch utilizes a comprehensive plan to prevent dogs escaping in the case of a broken leash, collar, or harness.
Do you offer a referral program that rewards me for referring my friends to the service?
Boston Fetch offers a $100 account credit to all clients who refer a friend, family member, or neighbor to our service.
What is your cancellation policy?
There are NO cancellation fees as long as the appointment is canceled before 8am the morning of the appointment.
Questions about the Staff/Pet Care Professionals:
Are your dog walkers employees of your business or are they contract/gig workers?
Boston Fetch proudly employs each and everyone of our Pet Care Professionals. We love our team and value their effort by employing them as employees of Boston Fetch, as opposed to making them freelance/gig workers.
Are your employees background checked?
Boston Fetch uses Checkr to background and reference check all of our prospective Pet Care Professionals before they are hired onto our team.
Important questions your dog would like to ask:
Do you have any treats for me?
Only the best, buddy. And lots of them!
Can I walk and play with all my friends?
You sure can! We’ll always make sure you get to hang out with all your pals!
How much do your Pet Care Professionals love dogs?
So much! We love all our furry friends, and that goes double for you!
My mom says I’m a very good dog, how correct is she?
She’s so right! You are a very good pup!
Coco, Austin, and Ray (The Hound Pound) love seeing each other 3 times a week!
We hope your furry friend finds a great fit in whichever dog walker you end up selecting. At Boston Fetch we pride ourselves on making the day of each and everyone of our dogs, cats, and pets by providing loving service to all. Our services currently extend to several neighborhoods in Boston including: Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, West Roxbury, and the South End as well as all of Brookline and Chestnut Hill.
If your pup is ready to join the adventure please reach out for a Meet and Greet here!