Are you looking for a dog walker? Whether you’re at the office all day and need a regular walker or face frequent delays getting home and needing an on-demand individual to take your pup out, finding a reliable dog walker can be daunting. As an ex-professional dog walker, I know exactly what to look for and, sometimes more importantly, what to avoid!
So, if you’re wondering, “How can I find dog walkers near me?” you’ve come to the right place. I review the best dog-walking apps so you can connect with dog walkers who live near you and are eager for your business. I also explore features to consider in an app, how to pick the best person for the job, and how to ensure your dog is safe. So, read through my comprehensive dog-walker app review to help you choose the best option for you.
| Best For Coverage | Best For Vetting | Best For Budget |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Visit Website | Visit Website | View Website |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Dog walking rates vary based on location, experience, and type of pet. My reviews, along with the pros and cons, reflect feedback we’ve received on each company, not the individual pet sitters you can find on their sites.
5 Features To Look For In A Dog Walker App Service
If you’re looking for a dog walker from a convenient dog-walking app service, there are various considerations you need to take. Not all of these might be relevant to you, but it’s important to read them. As an ex-dog walker, here are the best tips and features I recommend looking for.
1. Do They Have A Reliable App?
If you’re looking for on-demand dog walkers, you might want to ensure the company has a user-friendly app you can log into and find at the click of a button. If your lunchtime meeting has run over, and you cannot make it home, you want to be able to find local walkers in your area available at that moment. An app is usually the best way to ensure a smooth, up-to-date dog-walking service. This isn’t an issue for most of the larger services I review below, but for some smaller companies, their apps aren’t very intuitive or relevant.
2. Do Their Dog Walkers Require Vetting?
If you want a reliable and law-abiding dog walker who passes enhanced vetting, you want to be sure that the platform offers the opportunity for walkers to add their background reports. If this is a requirement for you, you can select those that are vetted and discount those that aren’t. However, you need to remember that this is a one-off check. There are no dog-walking platforms that require ongoing checks. You’ll find that some professional dog walkers on these apps regularly update their own records and are happy to provide you with a copy.
3. Look For Independent Positive Reviews
Be sure to choose dog walkers who have a history of positive reviews. Most platforms show the dog walker’s reviews. When I regularly used pet-sitting services, I only used those with at least five reviews. I wanted to know that they had a reliably good reputation and had taken the best care of their client’s pets and homes before I introduced them to mine. However, I also understand that everyone has to start somewhere. But you must be comfortable.
4. Do You Want To Track Your Dog On Walks?
Some owners want to track their dogs on walks. They want to know where their pup is at all times or suspect their walker isn’t taking them out for as long as they say they have or at all. Whatever the reason, a reliable dog walker should not have an issue with this. If this is important to you, ensure this is a service they offer on the app or privately. Many dog-walking apps below provide this service. If you want a walker to send you photos of your dog on their walks, ensuring they offer this service before hiring them is essential. However, I’ve never met a professional dog walker who doesn’t love taking snaps of the fun they’re having!
If you want to track your dog yourself, check out our guide on the best GPS dog collars. This way, you can be sure your dog is going on their walks rather than being left at home.
5. Arrange A Pre-Meet In Person
Before letting your pooch loose with a stranger, you must meet the walker beforehand. Not only do you need to know that they can care for your pet, but you also need to be comfortable with the person, and so does your pup. Any dog walker who cares for animals wants the best for them, whether that’s with them or another walker. The pre-meet allows you to get to know them better and ask questions about what they offer and their experience. This is especially important if your pet has health requirements or other specific requests.
I like to know that a dog walker is first aid trained, so ask them what they carry in their first aid kit. If they need to travel with your dog in their vehicle, are they aware of how to do so safely? Ask them lots of questions and get a feel for them personally and professionally.
5 Best Dog Walking Apps
My top picks for dog-walker apps are based on our team’s experience, user popularity, and my knowledge as a dog-walker. Some dog-walking apps are similar, while others do better in some areas than their competitors. So, be sure to read through all the reviews to help you make an informed decision.
Best For Coverage: Rover Review
First up is Rover.com, the popular pet-sitting portal that can help connect you with local and independent dog walkers, regardless of where you live. Rover is akin to Uber for dog walking in terms of its popularity and has the most coverage. Their site is easy to navigate, and everything from pricing to availability is upfront. You can filter by days and times when your pup needs a walk through their site or app. Rover also offers the ability to track your dog’s walks. Watch this quick video showing user experience and how fast it is to find a dog walker or sitter.
Each pet caregiver also has a profile page, including customer reviews and other services they offer. Rover requires all walkers to conduct a simple background check. This consists of verifying their email and birthday. After that, an option is to “upgrade your background check.” Here, walkers can enter their social security number and agree to allow a third-party reporting agency to obtain an enhanced background check. Although this doesn’t guarantee anything, it forms part of your due diligence checks, so please look for the verified tick.
If you want a reliable and regular dog walker, look for Rover’s star sitters, who are highly rated-walkers with a history of offering top-quality care. The “Rover Guarantee” covers all eligible bookings made on Rover, including vet care up to $25,000 and 24/7 support. Overall, Rover has great reviews from the majority of users. One of the most common criticisms of this app is that Rover takes 20% of the walkers’ earnings as commission. For this reason, some walkers reflect this in their price, and some users feel it is slightly more expensive than their competitors. But most are happy with this considering their positive experiences and ease of arranging dog walking.
Our First-Hand Experience With Rover
We have successfully used Rover.com’s pet-sitting services for our dogs several times over the past three years. They have stayed more than two dozen times with four different sitters, and we were thrilled each time.
We spent a great deal of time finding the best sitter for our situation, with the best (and most consistent) reviews. We also conducted meet & greets at the sitter’s homes before leaving our beloved pups, ensuring that everything was as described and that everyone got along well. The extra time we invested upfront was well worth it to give us all peace of mind that everyone was safe and happy, allowing us to fully enjoy our vacation.
Our dogs came home with wagging tails, we received lots of photo updates during their stay, and the sitters invited us back each time. The love and attention they received via Rover sitters was significantly better than what we have experienced at kennels in the past.
– Michelle Schenker, Dog Mom, Co-Founder, & Licensed Insurance Professional At Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More users than other apps, so it’s easier to find a walker near you | On-demand bookings are not available in every area |
| Rover Guarantee reimburses eligible claims up to $25,000 for vet care expenses | Quite a few stories of terrible experiences with Rover sitters |
| Easy search and filter features | |
| Transparent pricing, walker profiles, and more | |
| Verified criminal background checks available | |
| iOS and Android mobile apps |
Pricing
Dog walkers set their rates, with prices beginning around $15 per 30-minute walk. Price varies depending on location, date, experience, dog size, group walking size, and more.
If Rover sounds like a good fit for you, check out our comprehensive Rover review for more in-depth information.
Best For Vetting: Wag! Review
Wag! is another popular dog-walking app. Like Rover, Wag! also offers extended pet sitting and boarding services to suit your needs. You can choose between 20, 30, and 60-minute on-demand or pre-scheduled walks. Wag! also has some cool features that Rover doesn’t offer. The most noteworthy is that you receive weekly activity reports to know how your dog is doing when you’re not there. Plus, walkers can also indicate your dog’s pee and poop spots on the route, which some owners like to know.
You can view all suitable walker profiles in your area to find a match, but you must provide credit card information before viewing walkers in your area. Rover doesn’t have this requirement. It’s reassuring that all caregivers must pass a third-party background check and dog-walking proficiency test that assesses their knowledge of leash, harness, and collar best practices. Wag! does better than Rover on this front. But just like Rover, it is a one-time check.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Your home is protected up to $1 million when booking a walking or sitting service | Usage is not as widespread as Rover, but it is still good |
| Follow your dog’s walk with live GPS tracking | On-demand bookings are not available in all areas |
| Includes activity reports each week | |
| Offers tests and training to all caregivers | |
| Criminal background checks are conducted | |
| iOS and Android apps |
Pricing
Like Rover, Wag! sets rates by market and is influenced by several factors. The average is $20 per 30-minute walk.
Coupon
Use this link and code TRYWAG10 to get $10 off Wag!
Best For Budget: PetSitter Review
PetSitter is one of the oldest dog-walking platforms and has been around longer than Rover and Wag! Although that isn’t always a reason to consider a service alone, I feel PetSitter is worth a spot on this list. This is because dog walking companies and individuals register with PetSitter, and some have worked for them for a long time. For parents who want to look at a variety of options, this could be the right choice for you.
PetSitter is competitively priced, and some hourly walking starts at $10, which is appealing for those on a tight budget. I found a few pet sitters that offered daily sitting for $15. The basic plan is free. However, it limits you to three messages in total between you and a potential dog walker. This might not be enough for a pet parent who wants to get to know a walker before signing up for their services. To send unlimited messages, you must sign up for the premium membership, which costs between $36 and $106 per year.
The biggest downside to this platform is that there is very little information on what background checks they complete on their walkers. PetSitter allows caregivers to run self-checks, which doesn’t offer much comfort. Plus, PetSitter does not have an app. Although this isn’t a dealbreaker for some, and the website is straightforward, it can be a hassle for those looking for on-demand walking requirements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Established pet company | No app available |
| The website is easy to use | Checks on walkers aren’t as stringent |
| The basic plan is free but limited | Premium membership is costly |
| Choose between dog walking companies and individual dog walkers | |
| Competitive pricing |
Pricing
Various factors influence the cost of PetSitter’s dog walking services. Dog walking services start at $10 an hour, one of the cheapest rates I’ve seen offered. The basic plan is free, and the premium plan costs:
- Year – $106.
- 3 Months – $52
- 1 Month – $36.
Best For Additional Services: Care Review
Care is another all-encompassing dog service offering other services such as nannies for children, tutors, errand helpers, and more. So, if you’re looking to establish an ongoing relationship with a dog walker who can potentially help with other aspects of your life, Care can be a one-stop shop. This is one of the many reasons users like Care’s platforms, and regular users can get discounts and free care bonuses.
All caregivers are background-checked before they can provide services. You can explore dog walkers without submitting your credit card details and view the walker’s profile and experience. If you’re interested in learning more about the walker, you can sign up for the premium membership and request to see the details of the background check, which is reassuring for some owners.
You can choose between a basic and a premium account. The basic account is free, but the premium account requires a monthly subscription fee. Basic account holders can list jobs and wait for a response, whereas premium users can message dog-walkers directly. This appeals to owners who are very specific about who they want to hire. The fee might not be an issue for those who regularly use dog walkers, as compared to other companies, the slightly discounted dog-walking rate could pay for the long-term subscription. But this might not be an option for some, and a handful of users rate this pricing plan poorly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dog-walking rates are typically lower than others | Have to wait for responses on the basic plan, which is not great for on-demand walking |
| Offers various services, including nannies, babysitting, tutoring, and more | Premium subscription requires a fee |
| Can request enhanced check details on premium membership | Not as many caregivers to choose from |
| Can set a rate that you’re willing to pay | Not as highly rated as other options |
| The app is easy to use | |
| Available on iOS and Android |
Pricing
Dog walking rates vary depending on location, number of pets, size, experience, and more. Care.com states that the average dog walking rate is $15 an hour, which other options charge for a 30-minute walk.
Care’s premium membership plan prices:
- Yearly – $12.99/month.
- Quarterly – $25.99/month.
- Monthly – $38.99/month.
Best For Tracking: PetBacker Review
PetBacker might be one of the lesser-known dog-walking app companies, but it is worth considering because it operates in over 50 countries and has a large caregiving base in the US. Plus, unlike some other options, it offers dog parents peace of mind because every eligible booking made through PetBacker is covered by their premium protection plan, which means your pup could be covered in case of an accident or emergency. Of course, there are exceptions to this, so you need to check their policy before relying on it.
Similar to Rover and Wag!, PetBacker lists walkers in a simple-to-follow layout, with their location, reviews, and the number of services and skills they offer. Plus, you can instantly see if they have repeat customers, which indicates their professionalism. The app is straightforward and allows you to track your dog’s walks. Walkers must send you at least one snap or video of your pup on their travels. This isn’t a requirement for any other dog walker app I’ve seen.
Each walker must have their ID verified to become a care provider, and they can add different badges to illustrate their skills. There doesn’t appear to be any option for enhanced vetting, which is disappointing. However, according to PetBacker, only 30% of applicants make the cut. Although some reviewers suggest the customer service is brilliant, some users complain that they have had poor experiences with the support team.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| International company with a large selection of walkers | There is no option for enhanced security checks |
| Customer support is responsive | The premium protection plan has limits |
| Their premium protection plan covers every eligible booking | |
| Provides photos or videos of your pup having fun | |
| Discounts offered for regular customers | |
| Easy-to-use app available on iOS and Android |
Pricing
PetBacker’s dog-walking rates vary depending on a wide range of factors. The average price of a half-hour dog walk is $15 to $20, and some walkers charge $10.
What To Be Aware Of When Picking A Dog Walking App Service
While we have personally had great experiences with these services, we are aware of many disappointments. Many online dog walkers are untrained, non-professional, and unlicensed individuals. Their love for pets might have brought them to work in this business, but a lack of knowledge, experience, CPR, and first aid training may lead to complex and heart-wrenching circumstances. And some aren’t pet lovers and just want to make an easy buck.
Many companies state they run background checks on the walkers you can find on their sites. However, some of these checks are simply email and birthday verification. An up-to-date background check into the criminal history of any contractor can give you peace of mind that your dog walker does not have a criminal history. However, a background check cannot tell you about their current circumstances or how a stranger cares for your dog.
If you’re like me or any of us at Canine Journal, you treat your dogs like your children. Would you trust a childcare provider without getting personal references and word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and acquaintances? No. Would you send your child to a provider without meeting them first? No. For this reason, I strongly urge you to take the same steps to care for your dogs, no matter what dog walker app you use and how reputable they might be.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that many of our readers still have questions about the best dog-walking apps and how to ensure your pup is always safe. If you don’t see your question below, please ask us in the comments section, and we’ll find the answer for you.
How Do Dog Walking Apps Work?
Dog-walking apps work similarly to Uber and their competitors in terms of your location. Download the app, set up your profile and payment capabilities, and search for a local walker with good reviews. The more popular the app, the greater the chance of finding dog walkers near you. Plus, urban areas usually have more dog walkers than rural locations. If you’re happy with the first walk, you can continue with that walker. If not, keep trying out new walkers until you find one that fits well. It is that simple! Remember that besides finding a walker in your location, there are other factors to consider, including dog walker cost, reliability, and safety or security issues.
What Is The Best Dog Walking App?
If you’re curious about Wag! vs Rover debate, you need to know that there isn’t a best dog-walking app. The best one differs for every dog parent. Rover and Wag! are the two most popular, but they might not meet your requirements. Explore the different dog-walking platforms and see which one best meets your needs, vetting preferences, on-demand capabilities, and budget.
How Do I Let My Dog Walker In And Out Safely?
It’s essential to choose a dog walker you can trust. But, if you’re uncomfortable giving your dog walker a key to your home, you can invest in a key safe or leave. Many pet owners let their walkers in and out with a smart lock. Smart locks have a variety of benefits, such as alerting you to activity in your home while you’re gone and remotely controlling your door locks using smart locks. Smart locks from Frontpoint Security are a great option to consider.
How Do I Become A Dog Walker?
If you’re interested in becoming an independent dog walker or starting a dog-walking business, many platforms offer a great way to connect with clients. Each app has slightly different requirements and procedures for becoming a dog walker. We have a guide on how to become a dog sitter on Rover with some great business tips. If you’re considering this career path, be sure to learn about dog-walking insurance and see if it’s the right fit for your business.
Do You Need A Pet Sitter Instead?
If you’re going on vacation or a business trip, you need more than dog walking. Rover and Wag! also offer pet-sitting and personal boarding services, but there are others to consider. Be sure to check out our reviews of the best pet-sitting websites for some great alternatives and our personal experiences.
Have you used any of these dog-walking apps? Or perhaps you use another option that you think we should cover in our review? Let us know your dog-walking stories and tips in the comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is the proud mom of two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. She has also worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years, caring for several dog breeds with different needs, including puppies, seniors, dogs recovering from back surgery, and many more. Emma has also used dog walking and sitting services when traveling away from home. She dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible. Emma works with a professional team of dog experts to bring their readers the most current, accurate, and up-to-date content.
