How to check a walker is insured and handles dogs well

You've found a dog walker whose schedule fits, their photos look professional, and your dog seems keen. Before you hand over your keys and your pet, you need to know two things: are they properly insured, and do they genuinely manage dogs well? These aren't cosmetic details—they're the difference between peace of mind and genuine risk.

Checking their insurance is non-negotiable

Insurance protects you if something goes wrong: your dog gets injured on a walk, they damage someone's property, or they accidentally cause an accident. A walker without cover leaves you liable for vet bills, legal costs, or third-party claims.

Start by asking directly: "Do you carry professional liability and public liability insurance?" A legitimate walker will have the answer ready. Don't accept vague reassurance—ask to see the policy or a certificate of currency. The document should list:

• The insurer's name and policy number
• The coverage limits (professional liability for injuries to dogs, public liability for damage or injury to others)
• The expiry date (it must be current)
• Confirmation that dog walking is explicitly covered

Some walkers are insured through a larger pet care business; that's fine, but the insurance must cover them individually during dog walking. Ask for the name of the business their policy is under if it differs from theirs.

If they're reluctant to share proof or claim they don't need insurance, move on. This is a hard stop. A competent, professional walker won't hesitate—they'll be proud to show you.

Verifying they know how to handle dogs

Insurance covers accidents; smart handling prevents them. What you're looking for is evidence that the walker reads dogs, responds calmly to behaviour, and doesn't just drag a pack around hoping nothing goes wrong.

Ask for references from current or recent clients—ideally people whose dogs have similar temperament or energy to yours. When you phone them, ask specifically:

• Has the walker handled any tricky situations with your dog (pulling, reactivity, anxiety, jumping on people)?
• How did they respond—what did they actually do?
• Does your dog come back calm or wired?
• Have you ever felt concerned about the walker's judgment?

Watch for answers that show the walker adapts. "My dog is reactive to other dogs and the walker keeps him on a shorter lead and crosses the street early" is good. "They just walk him fast" is not.

Ask the walker themselves how they'd handle a scenario relevant to your dog. If your dog pulls hard, ask: "What's your approach if he lunges at another dog?" Listen for a method, not just reassurance. Do they use a front-clip harness, manage distance, have an exit plan? A walker who's handled difficult dogs will explain their approach clearly.

Check whether they've worked with dogs like yours before—similar size, age, or temperament. A walker brilliant with elderly spaniels might struggle with a high-drive border collie. Experience matters.

Also ask if they carry essentials: a phone, water, waste bags, a basic first aid kit. These are small signs of professionalism and preparedness.

Getting it in writing

Once you've verified insurance and felt confident in their handling, get a simple agreement in writing—doesn't need to be formal, but should cover:

• Walk times and frequency
• Emergency contact numbers (yours and theirs)
• Where they'll walk your dog
• Any behavioural or medical notes specific to your dog
• What happens if they can't walk on a scheduled day
• Confirmation they hold current insurance

This protects both of you and clarifies expectations.

When you're ready to move forward, Strove's verified pet walkers have been checked and reviewed by real clients—a practical starting point once you know what questions to ask. But these verification steps—insurance proof and reference calls—are yours to do. They take an hour and they matter.