How to Evaluate a Dog Walker

Tip: Before confirming booking with a Dog Walker, we recommend requesting the other party for a free in-person Meet & Greet. This way, you can see whether the Dog Walker is a good fit for you and your dog.

1. Check their Police Clearance

At the point of onboarding, every dog walker on PetCloud undergoes a nationally coordinated police check linked to a live biometric check.

2. Look for a Training Badge

Dog Walkers who've completed PetCloud Academy's vet-endorsed training know how to handle emergencies, knows to use positive reinforcement, avoid dog fights, understand local laws and their duty of care and respond if something goes wrong on the walk. It's a small badge that means a lot.

3. Read the Reviews — Not Just the Stars

Five stars means nothing without detail. Look for reviews that mention:

Punctuality and reliability ("never missed a walk")
Photo or video updates during the walk
How they handled something unexpected
Repeat bookings from the same owner

Recent reviews matter most. A gap of several months is worth noting.

4. Make Sure They're the Right Fit for Your Dog

A great walker for a Cavoodle isn't necessarily right for a Bull Arab dog. Before booking, ask:

Have you walked this breed before?
How many dogs do you walk at once?
Do you walk on or off leash?
What do you do if my dog reacts to another dog?
How do you avoid heatstroke in dogs?
Do you avoid dog parks?
Where will you take my dog? Around my local block?
Do you reschedule during extreme weather with makeup sessions on better weather days?
Have you ever had a Veterinary emergency? How did you handle it?

If your dog is anxious, brachycephalic, reactive, has medical conditions, or has specific needs — say so upfront. A good walker will appreciate it.

You are able to provide them with a dog water bottle to keep your dog hydrated during walks.

Please ensure you have the right type of leash for the dog walker to maximise their control if you have a strong dog.

Please ensure you provide poo bags attached to your dog's leash.

If your dog is female and on heat, you will need to reschedule as its illegal to take them out in public when this is occurring.

5. Observations

Are they physically strong enough to handle your dog if your dog reacted to something?
Watch how your dog reacts when the walker arrives — dogs are rarely wrong.
Ask for a mid-walk photo update, and review any notes they share about your dog's behaviour afterwards.
Are they confident?
Do they have active listening skills?
Are they professional?
Are they affectionate with your dog and use your dog's name?
Are they patient?

6. Keep Everything on PetCloud

Agree on timing, routes, and instructions in writing through PetCloud's messaging system. Pay through the platform — never cash or bank transfer. This keeps your booking covered by PetCloud's protections.

Ready to find a dog walker? Post a job at https://www.petcloud.com.au/guest/post-a-job and receive applications from available, police-checked, dog walkers near you.