For severe dog enthusiasts, dog strolling can seem wonderful job. Who wouldn’t wish to be paid to invest time outside with lovable furry friends throughout what is undoubtedly one of the shows of their day time? Add in the truth that you can build a flexible plan and set your personal rates, and it also really is an ideal job for an energetic, animal-loving entrepreneur.
Whether you are a professional canine walker or you’re only starting out, most new customers will want to interview you prior to they hire you. These interviews can typically take place in person, allowing you to meet their own pooch and ensure that you are an excellent fit. Be ready to answer some basic questions—and ask several of your own—to increase your likelihood of landing the particular dog-walking work.
Ideally, dog walkers shouldn’t accept an assignment—and pet parents shouldn’t hire them—without this initial consultation. Prepare to solution specific questions about your own prices, how you work, and your terms and conditions prior to getting started.
Most common dog master interview questions
Here are a few of the very most common questions you can expect to answer during your interview:
“What is your experience as being a dog master? ”
Potential clients would like to know that you have the abilities and encounter necessary to keep their canine safe plus happy whilst they’re in your care. Should you have specific skills like pet first aid instruction or behavioural training, now’s the time to mention it! It is also useful to provide good examples from previous experiences.
“Will you walk my dogs with other canines? ”
Several dog walkers walk dogs individually, while others walk dogs in a pack—and most dog owners have a preference one of the ways or the some other. If the dog owner expresses any concerns about how exactly you function, be prepared to fixed their minds at ease with a clear description of why you work the way you do, and how you deal with common issues.
“What does your dog-walking program include? ”
Dog owners would want to know precisely what the strolling experience is going to be like for their pooch, therefore give them every detail from starting to end. One example is:
- How can you handle pick-up and drop-off?
- What routes do you take?
- Is any kind of driving included?
- Will you also provide water and food towards the dog?
To really give them a sense of what it means to hire a person, invite them to join a person on a free trial walk with all the dog.
“Are you insured? ”
If your answer to this question is usually yes, be prepared to provide evidence of this to any potential clients. It is really an easy way to set your self apart as a trustworthy, professional dog walker. Liability insurance coverage can be important if you’re giving pet-walking solutions. This can protect you if some of the canines you’re strolling gets sick or wounded, resulting in peace of mind for all involved.
“Can you provide sources? ”
A other place, glowing recommendations can help you land a job. Possess a list prepared to hand over in case a potential customer wishes approach your some other clients.
What you should ask a potential dog-walking client
Potential clients are certain to have many questions for you throughout the interview procedure, but it’s important for you to definitely ask them questions too. Remember, they’re not just deciding if they want to occurs services: you are deciding if you need to work for all of them, too.
The dog-walking contract is a great method to set apparent expectations concerning the services you’ll provide, as well as establish information about the client’s pet and home treatment needs. Discussing the contents of this agreement will help you gather key information about the client plus their dog from the outset.
Here are some questions to start with:
“What is your dog’s medical and behavioural background? ”
You definitely need to know when the dog provides any health issues, such as a prior injury that could impact their particular abilities, meals allergies or even sensitivities, or even other impairments. If they require medication, considering expected to give it to them whilst they’re under your care? You will also need to know about any behavioural issues—do they get along with some other dogs? Are they OK getting around children? Are they afraid of thunder, scooters, or sirens? Do they have some other behavioural quirks you need to know regarding?
“What kind of activity did your dog require? ”
Each dog’s needs and skills are different, therefore be sure you understand what the dog proprietor expects of your walks. Exercise whether an old dog has to take it easy, for example , or a young dog requires a more active arrangement. End up being clear about how much time plus activity your dog owner is expecting out of your setup.
“How can I create your dog feel safe and secure beside me? ”
Ask specific questions about the dog’s routine as well as the training methods they’re familiar with to help the dog feel comfortable with you. Does the owner enable treats, and what kind does the dog prefer? What does the dog love to do, and what activities plus places should you avoid?
A good way to exercise whether you and the dog can get along would be to arrange using the client to look and go to their pet while their own owner isn’t there, but is close by in case everything unexpected occurs. In fact, dogs may seem comfortable with you in the soothing presence of their owner, but an initial unsupervised visit can go awry when an animal will be taken off guard.
Red flags to consider
Be prepared to check for a few red flags that may suggest a bad match a potential client:
- A reluctance to allow you to satisfy the dog before accepting the job as dog walker
- Hazy details concerning what is necessary of a person
- No clarity on transaction or process
- If the previous dog walker didn’t remain long or the pet owner will be reluctant to talk about details of who had been walking the dog previously
- Any kind of inappropriate behaviour or problems
It is also vital that you pay close attention to the dog’s behaviour during the job interview. If a canine seems uncontrollable or intense towards you, that is your cue to say goodbye. You can’t afford to take the chance that they won’t be secure for you to stroll.
Not every job interview will result in a person being employed for a dog-walking job, but with proper planning, you’ll be able to easily property the work opportunities that are right for you. Presenting a confident, professional demeanour to dog owners—and knowing exactly what you need to observe in a potential client—is the first significant stage toward a functional relationship that will hopefully final for years ahead.
