With the increase in pet ownership and the need for busy pet owners to hire professional dog walkers, dog walking has recently become a growing industry. However, a lot of pet owners are surprised by the high costs associated with dog walking services. So why do dog walkers cost so much?
It’s crucial to first comprehend what dog walkers perform. The primary duty of a dog walker is to lead dogs on walks to ensure they receive the exercise and mental stimulation they require. This can also entail keeping an eye on the dogs’ behavior, making sure they have access to water, and cleaning up after them. Some dog walkers also provide further services including training, feeding, and administering medication.
Dog walkers are not required to have a license in the UK in order to work, but they must follow certain rules, such as making sure the dogs are under control and are not a nuisance. To demonstrate their expertise and professionalism, many professional dog walkers opt to go through training and get certificates like those provided by the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS).
Depending on the area and degree of service provided, the cost of dog walking services might vary significantly. Dog walkers may charge extra in metropolitan locations when demand is high due to greater competition and the expense of operating a business in a city. Additionally, due to their skill, dog walkers that provide specialty services like training or pet first aid may charge extra.
The number of dogs being walked at once is another element that affects the price of dog walking. Although there is no legal restriction on the number of dogs a walker can take on a walk at once in the UK, many professional dog walkers decide to set a limit in order to protect the welfare and safety of the canines under their care. The cost of the service may go up if additional people or equipment is needed to walk many pets.
In conclusion, even though the price of dog walking services may appear exorbitant, it’s crucial to take these aspects into account. The cost of hiring a professional dog walker reflects the time, effort, and skill needed to perform this service safely and responsibly, and they provide an important service to pet owners who are unable to walk their dogs themselves.