Finding the Right Dog Walker in Hampshire: What to Look For
- claire4610
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
If you’re looking for a dog walker in Hampshire, you’re not alone.
Many dog owners rely on professional walkers to give their pups exercise, enrichment, and socialisation while they juggle work or other commitments.
But how do you know you’re picking the right one?
Having been both a professional dog walker in London and a dog owner who has hired walkers, I know first-hand what makes a great service—and what to avoid.
Here’s what you should look for to ensure your dog gets the best care possible.
1. A Professional Dog Walker Will Always Offer a Meet and Greet
Before entrusting someone with your dog, a good dog walker will arrange a meet and greet. This is your chance to:
✔️ See how they interact with your dog.
✔️ Discuss your dog’s personality, training level, and any special needs.
✔️ Ask key questions about their approach and experience.
If a walker skips this step, move on—a professional will always want to meet your dog before taking them out.
2. They’ll Let You Observe a Walk (If You Want To)
A trustworthy walker should have nothing to hide and should welcome you to observe a walk before you commit.
This lets you see:
🔹 How they manage group dynamics.
🔹 Whether they are attentive or distracted (e.g. checking their phone).
🔹 How they handle different behaviours, like over-excited greetings or nervous dogs.
Even if you don’t go along, asking “Would it be possible to watch a walk?” is a great way to gauge their confidence.
3. They Walk in Small, Well-Managed Groups
For a safe and stress-free experience, a walker should ideally handle no more than four dogs at a time.
Why?
✅ It’s easier to keep control.
✅ Dogs are less likely to learn bad habits from chaotic play.
✅ Puppies, in particular, need calm socialisation—not wild, rough interactions.
Ask your potential walker:
How many dogs do you walk at once?
How do you match dogs together? (Puppies, for example, should be paired with calm, social dogs—not boisterous ones.)
4. Transport Safety Matters
If your dog will be travelling by car, how they are transported is crucial. The safest dog walkers will:
✔️ Use individual crates (to prevent scuffles).
✔️ Have good ventilation in their vehicle.
✔️ Make sure dogs travel comfortably and securely.
If a walker puts multiple dogs loose in the back of a van or estate car, this is a red flag.
5. They Are DBS Checked, Insured, and First Aid Trained
Since a dog walker will have access to your home, they should:
🔹 Have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
🔹 Be fully insured (public liability and pet care insurance).
🔹 Ideally, have canine first aid training—because accidents happen.
A professional will happily show proof of these things. If they seem evasive, reconsider.
6. Reviews and Word-of-Mouth Matter
A great way to find a reliable dog walker in Hampshire is through local recommendations. Check:
🔹 Online reviews—look beyond star ratings and read the actual comments.
🔹 Social media groups for Hampshire pet owners.
🔹 Testimonials from existing clients—do they mention reliability and professionalism?
🚩 Red flag: If there are complaints about missed walks, last-minute cancellations, or lack of communication, take that seriously.
7. Trust Your Gut Instinct
I once hired a dog walker who left beautifully written notes about my dogs’ lovely walks. One very wet day, I came home early to find notes in the diary, but my dogs were bone dry—the walk had clearly never happened.
A good dog walker should be honest and communicative. If something feels off—ask questions. If their answers aren’t convincing, trust your instincts and look elsewhere.
Finding the Right Dog Walker Is Worth the Effort
When you find the right dog walker, it’s a game-changer.
A great walker will:
🐾 Help your dog get the right amount of exercise.
🐾 Provide positive social experiences.
🐾 Be reliable and trustworthy, giving you peace of mind.
The best walkers aren’t just about “getting the job done”—they truly care about the dogs they walk.
Looking for a Trusted Dog Walker in Hampshire?
To help make your search easier, we’ve handpicked some of the best dog walkers in Hampshire. Find local, vetted professionals who meet all the right criteria.
Comments