Where owners have the best access to affordable dog walkers
The paws and cons of remote work: Finding the Best Dog Walker for Your Furry Friend
The shift to remote working has been a boon for pets across the globe. With more owners working from home, our four-legged companions have been relishing the extra attention and the bonus walks during lunch breaks. It's a delightful change for pets who previously spent long hours waiting for their humans to return. But as the world adjusts to new routines, the balance between remote work and a bustling social life can leave pets feeling a tad confused and even distressed.
Changes in an owner's schedule can be tough on pets. They thrive on routine, and when that routine is disrupted, it can lead to anxiety and, in some cases, destructive behavior. The once quiet home becomes a hub of activity, and then suddenly, it's all alone again. This can be especially hard for dogs, who are social creatures by nature and may not understand why their human companions are suddenly absent more often.
Thankfully, there are solutions to help keep your pets content and your home intact. Sending your pooch to doggy daycare, hiring a dog walker or just having someone pop in during the day are all great ways of helping to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy, while also reducing the likelihood of pets damaging your belongings if they’re left alone. But where do pet parents have the most options for hiring caregivers? How much do these services cost, and what's the demand for dog walkers in various towns and cities?
The Hunt for the Perfect Dog Walker
MoneySuperMarket Pet Insurance took a deep dive into this query, analyzing dog walker profiles on platforms like Rover, Wag, and Pawshake. The study aimed to uncover the best cities in the UK and the U.S. for hiring a dog walker, scoring locations based on the number of dog walkers per 10,000 residents, the average cost of a 30-minute walk, and the average cost of additional services like sitting and daycare.
Best Places to Hire a Dog Walker in the UK
The results are in, and Bolton takes the lead with a score of 95.5 out of 100, making it the best place for affordable pet care in the UK. With about 30 walkers per 10,000 people and an average walk cost of £12.50, it's a haven for pet owners looking for reliable care. Nuneaton follows, with fewer walkers but cheaper additional services, securing its second-place ranking.
Greater Manchester areas, including Bury, Manchester, and Stockport, also make the list, ranking third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. However, they didn't achieve a clean sweep, indicating that the competition for pet care services is healthy and varied across the region.
Top 25 Places in the UK to Hire a Dog Walker
Places in the UK with the Most Expensive Dog Walkers
On the pricier end, Hastings stands out as the most expensive location for dog walking services at £16.50 for a 30-minute stroll. Alongside Hastings, Eastbourne, and Oxford consistently rank as costly across various pet services. The price range across the UK is quite broad, from £7 to £35, which underscores the importance of shopping around for a trustworthy and competitively priced dog walker.
Places in the UK with the Least Dog Walkers
Blackpool presents a different challenge, having the lowest supply of dog walkers with only 1.61 per 10,000 residents. This scarcity presents an opportunity for new dog walkers to enter the market and charge an average of £13.30 for a 30-minute walk. Hull and Blackburn also show low ratios of dog walkers, potentially indicating a high demand for these services.
Across the pond, Scottsdale, Arizona, emerges as the best city for hiring pet care in the U.S., boasting 61.7 walkers per 10,000 residents and costs that are in line with or below national averages. Norfolk, Virginia, offers half the availability of Scottsdale but stands out for its affordability. Frisco, Texas, ranks third, with Chesapeake and Irving rounding out the top five, representing Virginia and Texas respectively.
Top 25 Places in the U.S. to Hire a Dog Walker
Places in the U.S. with the Most Expensive Dog Walkers
The San Francisco Bay area, including Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose, tops the charts for the most expensive dog walking services, with costs ranging from $29.1 to $27.6 for a 30-minute walk. California dominates the list, with Seattle being the only non-Californian city in the top 10. For those looking for a bargain, Lubbock, Texas, offers the cheapest rates at $16.9.
Places in the U.S. with the Least Dog Walkers
Laredo, Texas, has the lowest ratio of dog walkers, with just 1 per 10,000 people, yet it offers affordable rates at $17.90 for a 30-minute walk. El Paso and Bakersfield also have low walker ratios, suggesting a potential for high demand.
Tips for Hiring a Dog Walker or Sitter
MoneySuperMarket pet insurance expert, Saarrah Mussa, has the following tips for hiring a dog walker or sitter:
Confirm Their Identity
It's crucial to verify the identity of the person you're entrusting your pet to. Look for reviews, recommendations, and identification badges on apps to ensure they are who they claim to be.
Check They’re Insured
If you’re using a local business, confirm that they have the right type of business insurance, such as public liability cover. Dog walker apps and websites will likely have insurance or a customer guarantee, so take the time to familiarize yourself with the terms and cover levels.
Start with a Meet and Greet
A public meeting with the potential walker can help you determine if they're a good fit for your pet, and a trial walk can show how they interact with your dog. This step may also be necessary for insurance coverage; always meet in public and bring someone with you if possible.
Behaviour, Quirks, and Habits
Inform the walker or sitter about your pet's behavior, quirks, and habits. This knowledge ensures they are comfortable and well-matched for your pet.
Go Over Rules and Practicalities
Discuss care instructions and household rules. This helps provide a sense of familiarity for your pet when they're with a new caregiver.
Check the Boarding or Daycare Facilities
If you're considering leaving your pet at someone else's home, inspect their facilities to ensure they are safe and pet-friendly.
Read Your Pet Insurance Policy
Be sure to understand your pet insurance policy, particularly regarding third-party liability cover, to avoid unexpected expenses for any damages your pet might cause.
Hiring a walker or sitter is a great way of keeping your four-legged friend happy and healthy, but in the unlikely event that your pet does develop a health issue, the cost of vet bills can quickly add up. See if you could save money while ensuring your pet's well-being by comparing pet insurance quotes with MoneySuperMarket.
In the end, the companionship of a pet is irreplaceable, and ensuring their happiness and health is paramount. Whether you're in Bolton or Scottsdale, there are options to help you find the perfect caregiver for your furry friend. With the right research and preparation, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your pet is in good hands, even when you can't be there.
