Dog walking has become an increasingly popular service in recent years, as busy pet owners turn to professional dog walkers to help ensure their furry friends get the exercise and attention they need.

A dog walker can provide a much-needed break for both the owner and the pet, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.  Whether you’re looking for a personalized experience or a reliable backup sitter, we’ve got you covered.

Most Popular: Rover

Dog walking is a service provided by Rover, which is a network of dog walkers and caretakers. In addition to dog walking, the platform also offers other pet care services such as boarding, house sitting, grooming, daycare, and drop-in visits.

The network operates in over 24,000 neighborhoods, making it easy for pet owners to find a reliable caregiver near them.

The cost of a single dog walk with Rover starts at $15 and can go up to $40 depending on factors such as location, duration of the walk, and the number of dogs being walked. For additional services such as grooming or boarding, prices may vary.

One of the benefits of using Rover is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that all caregivers have undergone background checks and ongoing education. Additionally, the platform provides around-the-clock support to its users.

Users of the platform can scout reviews, profile pictures, and brief biographies for each potential caregiver before hiring them. This helps ensure that pet owners find the right caregiver for their furry friends.

Best Reliable App: Wag!

Dog walking has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people are adopting dogs as pets. In response, many pet care services have emerged, including Wag!, a Silicon Valley-based startup that specializes in dog walking and other pet care services.

Wag! offers flexible dog walking services at affordable rates, starting at $15 for 20-, 30-minute, or one-hour time blocks. Its walkers are thoroughly vetted and insured, ensuring the safety and well-being of your furry friend.

The company also offers additional services such as overnight sitting, drop-ins, boarding, and daycare to provide a complete range of pet care options.

Using the Wag! app, pet owners can schedule walks, track their dog’s location and progress, and receive real-time updates on their pup’s bathroom breaks and behavior, which includes photos and report cards. This level of transparency and accountability helps pet owners feel confident and reassured about their pet’s care while they’re away.

Moreover, Wag! has a social mission that sets it apart from other pet care services. It donates a portion of its profits to GreaterGood.org’s Rescue Bank, an organization that provides food to shelter dogs across the country. This philanthropic initiative shows the company’s commitment to animal welfare beyond just its own clients.

Overall, Wag! is a great option for pet owners who need reliable and convenient dog walking services or other pet care services, with the added benefit of knowing that part of their payment is going towards helping other dogs in need.

Best Walks-Only App: Barkly Pets

A dog walker is a professional who offers pet care services by taking dogs for regular walks. Barkly Pets is a popular dog walking service that was established in Washington, D.C. by three friends and neighbors.

The company provides flexible rates for 30-minute walks that vary from $15 to $22, with an additional charge of $5 for each extra pet. For those who prefer longer walks, an hour-long walk costs around $30.

In addition to dog walking, Barkly also offers in-person training sessions. This feature allows dog owners to customize their pet’s experience with the company by choosing training options that best suit their needs.

With Barkly’s training services, customers can teach their dogs new skills or address any behavioral issues they may have.

Overall, Barkly Pets’ dog walking service and training options aim to provide pet owners with personalized care for their furry companions. By offering flexibility and convenience, Barkly aims to make sure that pet owners have peace of mind knowing their dogs are receiving expert care and attention.

Best for Odd Hours: Fetch! Pet Care

Fetch! Pet Care is a national franchise that connects dog owners with sitters from their network based on individual needs. The company offers in-home consultations free of charge before the first appointment to get acquainted with the sitter and ensure that the dog and owner are comfortable with the arrangement.

During scheduled walks, dog owners can expect real-time updates through calls, texts, and a post-sitting report card. This feature allows pet owners to stay informed about their dog’s well-being and helps them feel reassured and connected even when they are not physically present.

Fetch! Pet Care offers affordable pricing for individual walks, which cost between $18 and $24 per visit. This pricing structure ensures that pet owners can arrange for regular walks without breaking their budget.

Sitters at Fetch! Pet Care are background checked and insured, ensuring a safe and secure experience for both pets and their owners. The company also reserves a backup sitter for every reservation, providing peace of mind to customers knowing that their pet’s care is always a top priority.

Overall, Fetch! Pet Care’s dog walking service aims to provide personalized and reliable care for pets. By offering in-home consultations, real-time updates, affordable pricing, and experienced sitters, Fetch! Pet Care strives to create a stress-free experience for pet owners and their furry companions.

Best for International Travel: Petbacker

A dog walker is a professional who walks dogs for their clients. Petbacker, a Singapore-based company with operations worldwide, connects pet owners with nearby dog walkers through its easy-to-use app. Users can schedule walks and receive instant quotes from multiple nearby walkers.

Each walker sets their own price, and users can view verified reviews and trust points earned by the walker for each linked social media account.

After the walk, users receive a report card detailing their pet’s care, including a map of the walk, a bathroom log, food and water information, and a photo. Petbacker also offers grooming, sitting, boarding, and taxi services in addition to walking.

Frequent users can enroll in the Royalty Rewards program for bigger discounts based on their spending.

Best for Variable Pricing: Holidog

Dog walkers are individuals who provide a professional service of taking dogs for walks. In addition to providing exercise and stimulation for the dog, a dog walker can also help with training and socialization.

Holidog is a website that acts as a middleman between dog owners and dog walkers, offering personalized services such as boarding, sitting, in-home visits, and walks. Before their profiles are approved, sitters are vetted by Holidog advisors to ensure a high level of quality and safety.

Dog walkers on Holidog set their own rates, and owners can search the site for free. A small fee is charged by Holidog each time you book, but a membership option is available that covers everything except the walker’s individual rate.

It is recommended to book early as each walker decides whether to accept an assignment, and it can take up to 24 hours for many to reply. Holidog offers walks in 30-minute increments, providing flexibility for busy schedules.