How to Find a Trusted Dog Walker Near You (UK Guide)

Leaving your dog with someone new is a big deal. Your dog can't tell you if they had a great time — or if something felt off. That's why finding the right dog walker matters so much.

The good news? With a little know-how, finding someone brilliant isn't as hard as it seems. Here's exactly how to do it.

It's tempting to just go with the first person you find on Google or a local Facebook group. But a dog walker isn't just someone who takes your dog for a stroll — they're someone you're trusting with your pet's safety, wellbeing, and happiness.

A great dog walker will:

• Know how to handle your dog's individual personality
• Spot signs of stress, illness, or injury
• Keep your dog safe around other dogs and people
• Give you peace of mind while you're at work or away

A bad one? At best, your dog has a miserable walk. At worst, something goes seriously wrong.

So yes — it's worth taking a bit of time to find the right person.

Before you start searching, think about what your dog actually needs:

Does your dog prefer solo or group walks? Anxious, reactive, or elderly dogs usually do better on solo walks where the walker can focus entirely on them. Confident, sociable dogs often love group walks — and they're usually cheaper too.

How long should the walk be? Most adult dogs need at least 45–60 minutes of exercise a day. Puppies and senior dogs may need shorter, more gentle outings.

Do you need any extras? Some walkers also offer drop-in visits, feeding, or basic training reinforcement during walks. Worth asking about if you need it.

Here are the best places to look:

Wee Walkies is a UK-wide community where you can browse profiles of local dog walkers, read about their experience, and message them directly — all for just £9.99/year. No agency taking a cut, no commission fees. Just real people who love dogs.

Your vet and groomer see dozens of dog owners every week. They often know exactly who the good local walkers are — and who to avoid.

If you see someone at the park with a well-behaved dog, ask who walks them! Personal recommendations from people you trust are gold.

Search for "[your town] dog owners" or "[your town] pets" — these groups often have recommendations and reviews from real local people.

Once you've found a few candidates, don't just go with whoever replies first. Ask these questions:

1. Are you insured? Any professional dog walker should have public liability insurance. This protects you and them if anything goes wrong. If they can't confirm they're insured — walk away.

2. How many dogs do you walk at once? Some walkers take out large groups of 6+ dogs. That's fine for some dogs, but it means less individual attention. Ask the maximum group size and whether your dog would be walked with dogs of a similar size and temperament.

3. Can we do a meet and greet first? A good walker will always want to meet your dog before the first walk. This lets them assess your dog's personality and lets your dog get comfortable with them. If they skip this step, that's a red flag.

4. What happens in an emergency? Do they have pet first aid training? Do they know your vet's details? What's their protocol if your dog gets injured or escapes?

5. Can you provide references? Ask to speak to or message one or two of their current clients. A confident, experienced walker will have no problem with this.

This is one of the most important steps — and it's free. Use it well.

Watch how the walker interacts with your dog. Do they:

• Get down to your dog's level and let the dog come to them?
• Seem calm and confident rather than nervous or rushed?
• Ask you questions about your dog's personality, habits, and health?
• Listen carefully to your answers?

Also watch your dog's reaction. Dogs are brilliant judges of character. If your dog seems relaxed and happy around them, that's a great sign. If they seem anxious or keep retreating, trust that instinct.

Even after you've found someone you like, take it steady at first:

• Start with one or two trial walks before committing to a regular schedule
• Ask for updates — most good walkers will send a quick message or photo after the walk
• Check in with your dog — are they coming home happy and tired, or stressed and unsettled?

If something doesn't feel right after the first few walks, it's completely fine to keep looking. Your dog's happiness comes first.

• Fully insured ✅
• Happy to do a meet and greet ✅
• Asks lots of questions about your dog ✅
• Has genuine references from happy clients ✅
• Sends updates and photos during walks ✅
• Clearly loves dogs (you can just tell!) ✅

• Can't confirm they're insured ❌
• Reluctant to do a meet and greet ❌
• Vague about group sizes ❌
• No references or reviews ❌
• Seems more interested in the money than your dog ❌
• Your dog seems uncomfortable around them ❌

At Wee Walkies, we've made it as easy as possible to find a trusted local dog walker. Browse real profiles, read about their experience and services, and send a message directly — no middleman, no booking fees.

For just £9.99 a year, you get full access to our UK-wide directory of pet workers, plus 20 free online pet care courses and a community of fellow pet lovers across the country.

Browse local dog walkers near you →

Before you book your first walk, make sure you've:

• Decided whether your dog needs solo or group walks
• Found at least 2–3 candidates to compare
• Asked about insurance, group sizes, and emergency procedures
• Done a meet and greet
• Checked references
• Booked a trial walk before committing

Take your time, ask the right questions, and you'll find someone your dog absolutely loves. It's one of the best things you can do for them.

Ready to start looking? Find a trusted dog walker near you on Wee Walkies →