What to confirm on routes, timing and access

You've found a dog walker who seems reliable and your dog gets along with them—but before you hand over your house key and send your pup out into the neighbourhood, there's practical detail you need to lock down. The walker's experience and insurance matter, yes, but so does whether they actually know the route, whether timing works in reality, and how they'll access your property on busy mornings when you're already at work. Skipping these conversations costs you stress, your dog consistency, and potentially wasted money if the arrangement falls apart after a week.

Confirming your dog's walk route

Asking a walker to "take my dog for a walk" sounds simple until you realise they might not know your neighbourhood, might default to the busiest roads, or might pick a route that doesn't suit your dog's temperament or fitness level. Start by discussing where they typically walk dogs in your area. Do they favour a park, quiet residential streets, or a mix? If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you'll want a walker who knows quieter paths or times when the area is less busy. If your dog has joint issues or is still young and easily excited, the terrain matters—avoid steep hills or high-traffic spots if that's relevant.

Walk the route with them at least once before you commit to regular bookings. This isn't about checking they can navigate; it's about you seeing firsthand whether the pace and scenery suit your dog, and whether the walker moves confidently through that space. Watch how they handle your dog on that route, whether they're attentive at road crossings, and whether they seem to enjoy the walk themselves—walkers who like being outside do better work. Discuss any seasonal or weather-specific changes too. If a power outage means certain streets are poorly lit in winter, a good walker will already be thinking about that and routing around it.

Nailing timing and access in real life

Walkers often work across multiple clients, and your preferred time slot might not survive contact with reality. Confirm not just when they'll collect your dog, but by what time they'll return. Ask whether they're collecting from your home or meeting you elsewhere, and if they're collecting from your home, do they have a spare key or do you need to leave the door open? Leaving a door unlocked all morning isn't practical or safe for most households, so clarify the key handover early. Some walkers use lockboxes, others ask you to hide a key in an agreed spot, and some clients meet the walker at the gate with the dog ready to go. Work out what actually fits your morning routine.

Talk about contingencies too. If the walker is running fifteen minutes late, how will you know? Do they message WhatsApp or call? If they're unwell and can't make it one day, do they find a backup, or do you need to arrange cover yourself? The best arrangement is one where both of you understand what happens when the plan wobbles—and it will wobble eventually. Some walkers build in a buffer (collecting five minutes early, returning five minutes late) to absorb the minor chaos of real life; others run to the minute. Know which one you're booking.

If you live in a complex or secure estate, check they know the access process and whether they're comfortable with it. Some walkers avoid buildings with strict entry procedures; others have been doing it for years and move through them without fuss. If there's anything specific about your property or neighbourhood—dogs that bark at the gate, a particular security requirement, or a tricky driveway—mention it upfront. The walker who gets frustrated with a basic logistical detail often isn't the one you'll trust with your dog's daily wellbeing.

Once you've confirmed the route, the timing, and the access detail, you can move forward knowing the practical side won't unravel after day one. Strove lets you find and message dog walkers in your area, so you can have these conversations directly before making a booking. The walker who answers clearly and agrees to a trial walk is the one worth committing to.