Having been in the business for 10 years, I feel like I have watched dozens of dog walkers come and go every single year. This includes companies with multiple walkers and many independent or rover type (side hustle) individuals.
Many do not realize that simply thinking dogs are cute and adorable - does not a good walker make. Doing it Right and having longevity in this business is no easy feat. Don’t get me wrong, I started out as an independent walker, but along with my passion and enthusiasm I have a strong business acumen and professionalism gained through a decade long successful career in technology. A work ethic and drive for excellence that never let me settle for anything less than the best in myself, my walkers, and my dogs. I have a large appetitie for knowledge and have continued to educate myself (achieveing certifications and connecting with industry specialist) on all dog related areas over these past 10 years so that I could add as much value to my clients and their furry family members. Last but not least, I modelled my pet care philosophy based on how I treated my very own fur child, Poyo.
I inherited Poyo from my cousin who passed and I promised her that he would want for nothing and would make sure he received all the love in the world. He passed away last year after a 6 month battle with illness. Throughout this difficult time, we did every test, seen multiple specialist, administered multiple medications around the clock, and spent more than most people spend on 2 years of mortgage payments. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that we wouldn’t have done to give him a chance to get better because this is who we are and this is how much we loved him. If you would not do the same for your pet, I am not the right dog walker for you and that is ok.
I’m not saying that every dog walker/pet pawrent needs to be as “hardcore” as I am, but if you are the kind of Type A dog pawrent that I am I would want somebody:
I could trust to handle the situation if “shit hit the fan” and would do everything in their power to make sure that my pet received the best care/treatement if necessary;
who makes me feel at ease when i’m at work knowing that my pet is being well taken care of and never have to worry if my dog has been picked up for their walk (sending you real time updates and photos/videos);
who is well versed in dog body language/behaviour and knowledgeable on various other pet topics including nutrition and health so that they can help identify and provide guidance in these areas as and when required;
who is always learning and sharing important information so you can be up to speed on knowledge to help you be a better pet parent;
strives to help you develope a happy, healthy, confident pet;
who holds a high standard when it comes to dog behaviour so that your dog is better behaved than most;
who creates a community of other like minded dog owners and events so both you and your dog make new friends enriching your pet ownership experience; and last, but not least
loves your dog as much as you do!
