To ask about dogwalkers

[HelpIcantfindaname]

I have 2 dogs. I'm currently undergoing cancer treatment, I'm home with the dogs all day but unable to get them out for walks sometimes. The rest of the family are out all day, so I'm looking for a dogwalker, but it's so hard to know who to trust with my babies.

Bigger companies have websites & offer to come & meet the dogs free of charge first & to draw up a plan. But, despite sending messages to quite a few I've had no replies.

Smaller ones just said yes without asking to meet the dogs & said they'd fit us in. They live locally, one actually uses the field next to me, but her photos show her with dogs in the fenced off children's park, which does have a large grassy area - this puts me off a bit though cos dogs shouldn't be in there.

I don't know any dogwalkers or anyone who has used one.

I know MN has a love hate attitude to dogs & I'll probably get blasted for having dogs I can't walk. I wish I could, & hope to every day again.

Anyway, AIBU to be put off by smaller, possibly less professional dogwalkers?
(Prices seem to be very similar with big & small companies.)

You don't mention your age, but if you are 'older, you could try the Cinnamon Trust

https://cinnamon.org.uk/

I think it is all about finding the right person. We used a small business in the past and similarly she didn't offer to meet the dog prior to taking her out but it wasn't an issue as she was very professional and our dog had a lovely time.

I use a small company & found her through Facebook. On my local community page.

she is great, but like anything there are good & bad. Best thing is word of mouth which if you don’t know anyone using dog walkers, Facebook or the Neighbourhood app are both good alternatives.

The Cinnamon Trust will help people regardless of age - they do a lot of work with older people where looking after pets may become more difficult but they will certainly help OP if they can in this situation.

You certainly won't get blasted for not walking your dogs while having cancer treatment! I hope it all goes well and you are not feeling too rough.
Walkers wise, I'd personally go for a small local business and ask around for recommendations. We've got a few in our village who I see out while walking my dog and they seem great. Really good with the dogs, picking up poo and decent length walks. Good luck op.

Your best bet is (if you are on facebook) to see if there is a dogowners' facebook group in your area that you can join to find out who is recommended and other dog matters. (I am not on FB but my local dog FB is public so I can access the info that way). Otherwise, the receptionists at the local vet surgeries can often suggest dogwalkers they know. When I moved into a new area, I asked at the vet's.

There's one near me who has her own field so collects the dogs in her van and takes them there for a few hours and drops off again. It's good to know they're in a contained area away from the public.

In general I understand why you'd feel safer with a larger company but the right independent person is probably better, if only you could find them.

I've heard too many horror stories, and seen too much bad practice to ever want to use a 'professional' dog walker. Do you know any teenagers who want to earn some cash?

Word of mouth is usually the best way.

I’d try one of the smaller companies that’s local to you. The fact that you’re there in the house means you’ll see the dogs being collected and you’ll know how long they’re gone for. Try a company and ask them to walk just your two dogs, on lead. If you’re happy, you can go from there.

I hope everything goes well with your treatment

Have you looked at Borrow My Doggy?

Found my wonderful dog walker , by asking at the local vets
there are two people who work there that do dog walking and sitting !!
who knew
maybe a place to ask

I think you’ve got it the wrong way around.

We had a dog walker who was just one women and she was amazing! Still professional, sent invoices, had insurance etc.

We then needed to swap dog walker as our working days changed and I went for a big company and they sent round this lady who was probably 20/21 and I just got a really weird vibe off her. Some of the places she suggested walking I wouldn’t have gone on my own as a single woman and she also had never owned a dog and just “loved them” but I just felt she was quite inexperienced. In the end we made an excuse and stuck with our old dog walker and our parents helped out.

We then moved out of area and found another dog walker who again is just one woman maybe 40ish and she’s amazing!

Thank you everyone, lots of helpful info there.

I'm 55. I've never heard of the Cinamen trust but will look into it.

Thank you for the well wishes too. My treatment last year wasn't too bad, but after a 10 month treatment break the liver mets, which were stable, have grown again, the side effects of the new chemo are knocking me for 6.