Dog walking: how to find a walker nearby and not overpay
You trust them with your keys and your dog: what to look at
Dog walking is not only “taking the dog out”. Someone gets the keys to your home and responsibility for your pet, so reviews and honest answers matter more here than the cost. So instead of taking the first notice from the neighbourhood, it is better to collect several offers and compare not only the price, but also experience, schedule and readiness to work with your dog's character.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request: the dog's breed and weight, when and how long to walk, your area. The site checks the text and tells you what else to clarify. Then dog walkers and pet sitters reply in the chat: the cost of a walk or a package, free hours, and whether they can send a photo report. Reviews are shown beside every offer. Your phone number is not shown until you choose a provider. To understand the mechanics, open the How it works page.
What to put in your request
- Schedule — how many times a day, on which days and at what hours;
- Duration — for example, 40 minutes each;
- Period — one-off, holiday period or permanent;
- Breed and size — a 25 kg husky and a toy terrier need different handling;
- Character — pulls on the lead, dislikes other dogs, timid, puppy or senior dog;
- Area — a walker most often picks those nearby;
- Access — keys, security guard, intercom, where the lead and harness are kept;
- Extras — wiping paws, feeding, photo report, GPS track;
- Budget per walk or per month.
Example: “Husky, 25 kg, 3 years old, pulls hard on the lead. I need walks twice a day on weekdays (at 7:00 and 18:00), 40 minutes each, with paws wiped. Auckland, I will leave the keys with the security guard. Budget up to $4.40 per walk.”
How to compare offers
The price of a walk can depend on duration, the number of dogs, the time of day and travel. Ask what is included: whether there is a video or photos from the walk, and whether the provider is responsible if the dog runs away or gets hurt. Ask whether they have experience with dogs like yours, and whether you can meet first and do a trial walk together. For large, active dogs, check whether the person is strong enough to hold the dog on the lead.
Common mistakes
Not telling the walker that the dog is reactive to other dogs — and then having a conflict in the park. Not agreeing what happens in bad weather or if the walker falls ill. Leaving keys without any agreement on reporting. If you also need command training, see dog training and trainers, and for when you are away, see boarding.
