cheryl33 Posted April 16, 2009 Report Share Posted April 16, 2009 As you know the trouble I had with the last dog walker ( ) i just wondered what people were paying for theirs and what you expect of them? (e.g, just to go in, walk the dog and then go, or walk the dog, give it a bit of fuss, then go etc??) Henry did go to day care for almost two years but I had to stop as its in the opposite direction to where I now work and the cheapest day care round here is £16.50. I love my dog but I can't afford that. I have found a few dog walkers that range from £5 to £11.50 for a 40 min walk. Do you think the price would reflect on the service?? xx thanks xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rileyroo Posted April 16, 2009 Report Share Posted April 16, 2009 (edited) Dog walking is big business where we are. There's one woman who clears over £100K a year (based on my rough calculations) but she walks 10 dogs at a time, often off lead on roads, and wouldn't get within a mile of being asked to walk a dog of mine. What I expect from a dog walker is: reliability, common sense, and to care about the welfare of the dogs they're walking. So, they turn up when they say they're going to and if multiple dogs from different homes are being walked together then it's in a well-matched group, with no more than 4 at one time. Dogs are transported in individual crates in a suitably equipped car / van unless they come from the same house and are happy to share. All poo is picked up, dogs are on lead where appropriate for the dog, but always around roads / livestock etc. No aversive methods are used - so the dog walker on the common that beats any dog that doesn't recall instantly is also never getting within 1 mile of my dogs, ditto the one that uses spray collars to stop the dogs barking in the car - and treats (if used) are dispensed sensibly so no-one fights over them. Most walkers around us walk for approx 1 hour - but the dogs will be out of the house for longer because of being picked up / dropped off and how many other dogs need also be taken home after the walk. Lunchtimes are busiest - as most people want their dog walked in the middle of their working day. We've had three dog walkers - the first started well, but became a nightmare and we sacked her. The second was lovely, and Riley adored her, but we stopped using her when Riley was ill. We now use the guy who runs the training sessions that I also teach at - and if he'd being doing dog walking when we first needed one we'd never have gone elsewhere. He charges £12 for an hour, never walks more than 2 dogs together (unless they are a family group) and Riley (and Kevin now) is as pleased to see him as she is us. Edited April 16, 2009 by Rileyroo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackmagic Posted April 16, 2009 Report Share Posted April 16, 2009 I would want somebody that I felt happy to entrust the care of my dog to. I would expect them to want to meet me and my dog beforehand to discuss what they provided and what my dog needed, where they would go, how many dogs do they walk etc Some walkers will leave a record of when they called, where they went etc I would want to go out with them to see how they handled my dog. I would ask for recommendations from other clients. I would want to see details of their insurance cover. Also, as you are trusting the person with your dog and the keys to your house, a police disclosure document would be useful. If you do a search for dog walkers you will see what is offered by different people and can decide what you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greytgirl Posted April 16, 2009 Report Share Posted April 16, 2009 (edited) I do dog walking..my rate is £7 for 30 mins or £9 for an hour, that includes PLENTY of cuddles, on/offlead play..anything you want really. Discounts for block bookings and 2nd/3rd etc dogs from the same home. I also feed the dog if required for that price (a £2 extra is payable on wk ends, banks hols etc) I do dog boarding and day creche which is £16 per day (£8 for the 2nd dog) but again say for example 4 days would only be £55 for 1 dog..discounts again available. This price includes various walks/play during the day and picking up/dropping off. Also LOTS and LOTS of cuddles and kisses. I also offer pet visits for full time workers..cats and so on or dogs just needing a wee break. Also small pet boarding such as rodents, which I LOVE!!! I find my job a pleasure, I adore all animals and only started in October last year because I thought I can offer a loving, loyal, trustworthy service to people I know worry about their beloved pets when on holiday at work and so on because I know I do ps I also do lots of texts and piccies for mummies and daddies Edited April 16, 2009 by greytgirl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruthi (borrowadog) Posted April 17, 2009 Report Share Posted April 17, 2009 We charge £12 for a minimum 40 minute walk(but we are in the South East where prices are generally higher for services). that's 40 minutes of actual walk, transport, drying off etc don't count. We'll walk up to 4 dogs at a time, but it really depends on the dogs' needs how many we'll take out. They need to be well matched in temperament, activity level and sociability. I only ever have on dog on lead in a group - once we get to the woods or fields and they can be let off. Cuddles, games, treats etc are all included. Really it should be more about the experience for the dog than the exact time. Sometimes, if its really hot, for example, things can happen to make us decide on a shorter walk. But we'll do other stuff with the dogs to make sure they get the right level of input. Its usually their only break in a long lonely day, and we are aware of how precious that time is to them - even if they can't put it into those sort of words. On the other hand, if I have time and its a nice day, and the dogs are up for it, I'll go out with them for much longer. But I can't afford to pay my staff for that - so some will do it, some won't. In addition to insurance, CRB checking and references, you also need to think about training - especially first aid training. Will your walker know what to do in an emergency? Will they have the nouse to take the dog to the vet if the need arises, will they be able to call for help to get a large dog back if it collapses on the walk? And also how will you be affected if they are ill or on holiday? Most single-handed dog walkers don't have backup and you need to know how you will cope with that. A lot of our relatively high price goes on the backup facilities and the invisible stuff. Ruth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReikiAnge Posted April 17, 2009 Report Share Posted April 17, 2009 God Sian, you have to wonder why some people get involved with dogs don't you?! Sorry Cheryl, nowt to do with your questions, but to those that *are* dog walkers, how much does insurance cost you each year, roughly, if you don't mind me asking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruthi (borrowadog) Posted April 17, 2009 Report Share Posted April 17, 2009 I've just had a renewal notice through. £314.25 from PBI, that's for up to 5 part time employees including me, and includes employer liability as well as the 'care and control' stuff and key insurance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheryl33 Posted April 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2009 Thanks guys, so the prices are about right then. Ruthi, are you still Petpals? There is one near me but he doesnt cover my area yet I've got two coming to see me over the next few days (recommended by the vets) to see how they are. I'm going to look at putting him in day care once a week as well for socialisation (have found one for £12.50 - still incredibly steep but hey ho) thanks guys x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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