How to Find a Trusted Dog Walker or Pet Sitter Near You (UK Guide)
Finding someone you truly trust with your pet can feel overwhelming. Here's exactly what to look for — and how Wee Walkies makes it simple.
Finding someone you truly trust with your pet is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a pet owner. Whether you need a dog walker, pet sitter, groomer or boarder, the stakes feel high — because they are. Your pet is family.
The good news? With the right approach, finding a brilliant, trustworthy professional near you is absolutely possible. Here's exactly what to look for.
1. Always Check Insurance First
Any professional working with animals should hold public liability insurance. This protects both you and them if anything goes wrong. Don't be shy about asking — a reputable professional will be happy to share their policy details.
On Wee Walkies, every professional's insurance status is verified by our team and displayed publicly on their profile, so you never have to guess.
2. Look for DBS Checks
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check shows that a professional has no relevant criminal history. While it's not legally required for all pet care roles, it's a strong signal that someone takes their work seriously and has nothing to hide.
Many of the best professionals on our platform are DBS checked — and it's clearly marked on their profile so you can see at a glance.
3. Read Real Reviews — Not Just Star Ratings
Star ratings tell you part of the story. The detail in written reviews tells you the rest. Look for reviews that mention specific things: how the professional communicated, how your pet responded to them, whether they were reliable and punctual.
On Wee Walkies, all reviews are submitted by verified members and approved by our moderation team before they go live. No fake reviews, no inflated ratings.
4. Ask About Their Experience With Your Breed
Not all dogs are the same. A professional who's brilliant with small, calm breeds might struggle with a high-energy working dog or a reactive rescue. Always ask about their experience with your specific breed or temperament — and trust your instincts when you meet them.
5. Request a Meet and Greet
Before committing to any regular arrangement, ask for a meet and greet. This gives your pet a chance to get comfortable with the person, and gives you a chance to ask questions face to face. Any professional worth their salt will welcome this.
6. Check Their First Aid Training
Accidents happen. A professional with pet first aid training is far better equipped to handle an emergency calmly and correctly. On Wee Walkies, first aid certification is one of the credentials we verify — so you can see exactly who's trained.
7. Use a Platform That Does the Vetting For You
The easiest way to find trusted pet care is to use a community that already does the hard work. Wee Walkies verifies insurance, DBS checks and first aid certificates, hosts genuine community reviews, and gives you a direct way to post a job and let professionals come to you.
With many members already on board across the UK and Northern Ireland, there's a good chance your perfect match is already waiting.
Join Wee Walkies free before 30th September 2026 and start browsing verified professionals near you — no credit card required.
