Glossary

Dog walker

A person paid to take a dog out for exercise and toilet breaks while the owner is away, either one-on-one or in a group.

Also called: dog walking, professional dog walker, dog walking service, group walk, solo walk, pet walker

A dog walker visits your home on a schedule, usually midday, and takes your dog out for a walk and a toilet break. A walk may be a solo outing or a group of several dogs, and lengths range from 15 minutes to an hour.

Hire a walker who is insured, bonded if possible, and willing to meet your dog first. Ask how many dogs they take at once, how they keep them secure on walks, whether they use a harness, where they go, and what they do if a dog escapes or is hurt. Agree on leash use, since local leash law rules apply, and on whether the dog is allowed off-leash.

Some dogs do poorly in a group, and a dog walker is no replacement for time spent with you. If you are away overnight, a pet sitter or dog boarding is a better answer.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Pet sitter A person who looks after a dog in the owner's home, with drop-in visits or overnight stays, so the dog stays in a familiar setting. Dog daycare A daytime service where dogs spend hours supervised in play groups or on their own, an option for owners who are at work. Dog boarding Overnight care for a dog at a kennel, a pet hotel or a private home while its owners travel. Leash law A local or state rule that requires a dog to be on a leash or under control in public, with set exceptions such as designated off-leash areas.