How to Find a Dog Walker for Weekday Afternoons in 7 Steps

1. 01

   Step 1: Decide what you need

   

   Write down your specific requirements before you start looking. Do you need a walker Monday through Friday, or just two or three days a week? What time window works—lunch hour, mid-afternoon, flexible? How long should the walk be—20 minutes, 30, 45? Does your dog do better with solo walks or is a group walk fine?

   Also note any special needs: Does your dog pull on leash? Are they reactive to other dogs? Do they need medication during the walk? Can the walker enter your home when you're not there, or do you want to be present for handoff? Writing this down helps you compare candidates accurately and ensures you don't forget to mention something important.

2. 02

   Step 2: Start your search

   

   The fastest way to find local dog walkers is to use an app where pet care providers list their services. On Lumo, switch to Customer mode, tap Services, then Pet Care, and you'll see dog walkers near you with their rates, experience, and reviews from other dog owners. You can filter by availability and book directly in the app.

   You can also ask your vet, groomer, or doggy daycare for recommendations, post in neighborhood Facebook groups, or check Nextdoor. Friends with dogs are another good source—if their walker has openings, you'll get an honest reference. Expect to pay $15–$30 per walk in most cities, sometimes more for longer walks or multiple dogs.

3. 03

   Step 3: Review profiles and ratings

   

   Look at each candidate's profile carefully. How long have they been walking dogs? Do they have reviews from other clients? Read those reviews—do people mention punctuality, communication, how the dogs responded, any issues?

   Pay attention to how they describe their experience. Someone who's walked dogs for three years and mentions handling reactive dogs or administering medication has more expertise than someone just starting out. Photos of dogs they've worked with are a good sign. If you're using Lumo, you'll see ratings and written reviews right on their profile, along with how many jobs they've completed. A solid track record matters more than a low price.

4. 04

   Step 4: Message and interview your top choices

   

   Reach out to two or three walkers who look promising. In your message, briefly describe your dog (breed, age, temperament), your schedule needs, and any special requirements. Ask if they're available and if they have experience with your dog's particular needs.

   When they reply, set up a short phone call or in-person meet-and-greet. Ask:

   • How do they handle dogs who pull or get distracted?
   • What's their plan if your dog won't walk or has an accident?
   • How do they manage bad weather?
   • Will it be the same person every time, or do they have backups?
   • Do they have pet first aid training or insurance?

   Trust your gut. If someone seems rushed, vague, or dismissive of your questions, move on.

5. 05

   Step 5: Do a test walk with you present

   

   Before handing over your key and leaving your dog alone with someone new, schedule a trial walk while you're home. This lets you see how the walker interacts with your dog, how your dog responds, and whether the walker follows through on what they said they'd do.

   Watch how they greet your dog—calm and confident is good; overly hyper or timid is a red flag. Do they check that the leash and collar are secure? Do they ask questions about your dog's habits and preferences? After the walk, ask your dog's reaction when the walker returns. A tired, happy dog is exactly what you want. If anything feels off, it's fine to thank them and keep looking.

6. 06

   Step 6: Set clear expectations and logistics

   

   Once you've chosen someone, nail down the details in writing—text or email is fine. Confirm:

   • Days and times (e.g., Monday–Friday, 12:30–1:00 p.m.)
   • Walk duration and route preferences
   • Payment terms (per walk, weekly, how you'll pay)
   • Cancellation policy—both ways
   • Emergency contact info for you and your vet
   • House rules (shoes off, lock the bottom lock, don't let the dog on the couch)

   If the walker will have a key, decide whether you'll give them a physical copy or use a smart lock with a code. Lumo handles payment securely in the app, and in-app messaging keeps everything documented. After each walk, you can rate and tip—most people tip 10–20% for regular walkers who do a great job.

7. 07

   Step 7: Check in and adjust as needed

   

   After the first week, evaluate how it's going. Is the walker showing up on time? Is your dog tired and happy when you get home? Are you getting updates—photos, quick texts—so you know the walk happened?

   If something's not working, speak up early. Maybe your dog needs a longer walk, or the walker is arriving too late and your dog has already had an accident. Most good walkers will adjust. If problems continue or communication is poor, don't feel bad about switching. Your dog's well-being and your peace of mind come first. Once you find the right person, a reliable weekday walker becomes part of your dog's routine and one less thing you have to worry about every workday.

Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.