The Demand Supporting the Dog Walking Industry
The Demand Supporting the Dog Walking Industry
A study from the year 2000 of Vancouver City businesses licenses providing commercial dog-walking shows that this industry has increased by 212% since 1998. We are told that there are now over 300,000 dogs in the greater Vancouver area. The VPDWA represents 1000’s of clients within our individual companies. The demand for this service is too high for it to be ignored.
The benefits of dog ownership have been well documented; increased exercise and social interactions reduce the risk of heart disease, lower stress levels, reduce the need for medical care, and overall increase one’s feelings of enjoyment and security, helping dog owners live on average 10 years longer that non dog owners.
Through the socialization and exercise that we provide, city pets are calmer, better behaved, friendlier, less aggressive, and cause fewer complaints within their neighborhoods. Dogs require daily exercise and contact with people, other dogs and new stimulus in order to remain well socialized. Failure to provide such contact poses a potential danger to the entire community. It is through socialization that dogs learn the skills required to get along with people and other dogs. Exercise not only tires a dog out, but it “also generates ample supplies of the neurotransmitter seratonin, which has a mood stabilizing and calming effect on personality”, further reducing the likelihood of dog aggression, as Dr. Nick Dodman describes in his book Dogs behaving Badly.
It is vital for the co-management of dogs and people in the city that commercial walkers have an adequate area to run the “publics’ dogs” off-leash during the day while they are gone for 8-10 hours at a time. Many dog complaints are caused by stressed out “city dogs” not receiving fulfillment of their basic needs. Stresses manifest into destructive behaviors, barking, hyperness, anxiety, and will increase the potential for a dog to act out aggressively and bite. A contented dog, well socialized and exercised, is much less likely to display these behaviors and will be considered a much more well-adjusted community dog.
The benefits of services providing off-leash social interaction are crucial for the average person in today’s society to be able to own a pet. In today’s society many people work all day, and are not fully able to fulfill their dog’s exercise or socialization requirements on their own. But does this mean they shouldn’t benefit from the companionship of a dog? Many dog owners rely on unique services like off-leash group hikes, in order to provide their pets with fulfillment of basic needs such as exercise and socialization, neither of which would be able to be adequately supplied through on-leash walks.
What to Look for in a Dog Walker
Dog Experience:
- Do they obviously love dogs?
- Do they or have they had dogs as members of their family?
- Did they meet your dog? How did your dog react to them?
- What are their methods of establishing leadership?
- How are undesirable behaviors corrected?
- Are they willing and able to reinforce your training efforts?
On a walk:
- Who will be walking your dog? Is there staff? What is their training?
- How will they be transporting your dog? Can they separate dogs in the vehicle if needed? Is it ventilated? Is there water supplied?
- Where will they be walking your dog?
- Is there a criteria dogs must satisfy in order to go on a group walk?
- How many dogs will be on the walks?
- Will your dog be allowed off-leash? How do they ensure his/her recall ability?
- Are they leashed to and from the vehicle?
- Are they equipped to handle emergencies? (Cell phone, first aid kit) Have they taken a pet first aid course?
- Did they ask for your contact numbers and vet information?
Business credentials:
- Are they an established business? Ask for references
- Are they a member of the VPDWA? (or similar group with established guidelines and regulations)
- Do they have the necessary permits to operate in a particular area?
- Are they insured, bonded, and licensed?
How to Become a VPDWA Dog Walker
Anyone interested in a dog-walking career is responsible for ensuring that they are properly skilled and qualified and permitted. We recommend having previous experience with and knowledge of dogs, so obedience training history is an asset. Candidates must know how to handle and train dogs so as to be able have them under effective control in a public setting.
Any vehicles used to transport dogs should be safe and well ventilated. And knowledge and compliance with all governing regulations is required. An emergency pet first aid certification is suggested, and one should be being properly equipped for emergencies with a cell phone and first aid kit.
You must also:
- Have proof of a valid business license
- Have proof of valid liability insurance
- Apply for a commercial use permit from the GVRD or City Parks Board, and pay the applicable permit dues
- Apply for membership with the Vancouver Professional Dog Walkers Alliance, and pay the applicable membership dues
- Successfully complete the VPDWA Dog Handler Competency Test
It is each dog walker's responsibility to ensure they continue following guidelines and keep their memberships and permits up to date. Additional responsibility items that we find necessary are:
- Making sure that all dogs being walked are screened
- That they are tagged with your contact i.d.,
- That your company name and permits are displayed visibly on your person,
- That enough bags are carried for picking up dog waste
- That enough leashes are on hand that every dog is leashed when near roads (we do off leash in our trails)
- Also, be courteous and considerate to those you share your walking areas with (we move our dogs to the side of trails to yield to other park users - just a small courtesy that goes a long way!)
In future the VPDWA plans to develop its own Dog Walker Certification Course.