What do I ask a dog walker?

[Coconutter]

Need a dog walker as I'm going back to work next week (rescue centre was aware of this before I got my dog two months ago). An Internet search shows there are a few in the area but what should I be asking? I don't want to hand over my best furry friend to a random (or, come to that, give my house keys to them). I don't know anyone who can recommend one. What should I check before hiring them? Need them for a half hour walk at lunchtime five days a week.

what experience do they have?
are they insured?
have they had any doggy first aid training?
what other dogs will they be walking with yours?
are they police checked? (not sure this is even possible)
do they have any references? (and check them!)

Are they CRB checked? First aid certificate? References? Public liability insurance? Max no of dogs walked at a time?

I'd go with asking what the max no of dogs walked at a time is and also how they transport them (if necessary). Our dog walker also texts to let us know when she has dropped the dogs back after their walk - quite reassuring when you're at work, so you could ask if this is possible.

It might also be worth asking people you meet when out walking your dogs whether they use/ know of a walker.

My dog walker, when she first started, came to the house to meet the dogs and brought all her related qualifications with her: animal behaviour diploma, council registration (she does home boarding too), insurance, CRB check, testimonials etc. She only walks dogs from one house together, I have no idea how she makes any money!
She spent time getting to know the dogs and asked lots of questions about them, such as:

• how are they with other dogs?
• are they ok off-lead?
• what do they like doing to play, e.g. balls, sticks, chase etc?
• are they fully vaccinated?

I admit I've been spoiled with her as she's absolutely brilliant. Extremely professional, utterly reliable, very reasonable and really really loves the dogs.

If in future I had to find someone else, as a minimum I would ask for CRB check, insurance and possibly a couple of customer testimonials. It would also be important to me how they relate to my dogs.