18 Dog Walker Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various dog walker interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.
Common Dog Walker Interview Questions
- How long have you been walking dogs?
- What made you want to start walking dogs?
- Do you have any professional training or certification in dog walking?
- What do you love most about dog walking?
- What's the most challenging part of dog walking?
- How do you ensure that each dog gets the individual attention and exercise they need?
- What kind of leash do you use when walking multiple dogs at once?
- What are your favorite dog walking routes in the city?
- How do you handle dogs that are resistant to walking or don't have a lot of energy?
- Have you ever encountered any aggressive dogs while out on a walk? If so, how did you handle the situation?
- Do you have experience caring for special needs dogs?
- Do you offer any additional services beyond dog walking, such as feeding, watering, or providing medication?
- What is your policy if a dog becomes sick or injured while in your care?
- What are your rates for dog walking services?
- Are you available for last-minute walks or cancellations?
- Do you offer discounts for regular clients or multiple dogs from the same household?
- Do you require a meet-and-greet before starting services with a new client?
- Do you have any liability insurance in case of an accident or injury while walking a dog?
How long have you been walking dogs?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the experience level of the dog walker. This is important because it will help them determine if the dog walker is a good fit for the job.
Example: “I've been walking dogs for about 3 years now. I started when a friend of mine asked me to walk her dog while she was out of town. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to start my own dog walking business. I now walk dogs full-time and absolutely love it!”
What made you want to start walking dogs?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your interest in the job, or they may be trying to see if you have the necessary skills and experience for the job. It's important to be able to articulate your reasons for wanting to become a dog walker, as it will show that you're serious about the role and that you have the right skills for the job.
Example: “I have always loved dogs and spending time outdoors, so walking dogs seemed like the perfect way to combine those two things. I also love getting to know different dogs and their personalities, and helping them get some exercise and fresh air.”
Do you have any professional training or certification in dog walking?
The interviewer is trying to determine if the dog walker is qualified to do the job. It is important to know if the dog walker has any professional training or certification because it shows that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job.
Example: “No, I do not have any professional training or certification in dog walking. However, I have been walking dogs for years and have plenty of experience doing so. I am confident in my abilities to walk and care for dogs, and would be more than happy to provide references from past clients upon request.”
What do you love most about dog walking?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a dog walker. First, it can help the interviewer get to know the dog walker and their motivations for doing this job. Second, it can help the interviewer understand how the dog walker feels about their job and whether they are likely to be satisfied with it. Finally, it can give the interviewer some insight into the dog walker's personality and whether they would be a good fit for the company.
Example: “I love spending time outdoors with dogs and getting to know each one's personality. I also enjoy the exercise and fresh air that comes with dog walking.”
What's the most challenging part of dog walking?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. They could be trying to gauge your level of experience with dogs, or they might be trying to see if you're able to handle difficult situations. Either way, it's important to be honest and give a detailed answer.
Example: “There can be a few challenges that come with dog walking. One challenge can be if the dog is not well behaved and likes to pull on the leash. This can make it difficult to keep the dog under control and can also be tiring for the walker. Another challenge can be if the weather is bad, such as extremely hot or cold temperatures, or if it is raining or snowing. This can make it difficult to keep the dog comfortable and may also make it more difficult to walk them.”
How do you ensure that each dog gets the individual attention and exercise they need?
The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of how the dog walker would go about ensuring that each dog they are responsible for gets the individual attention and exercise they need. This is important because it shows that the dog walker is aware of the different needs of each dog and is willing to take the time to make sure those needs are met. It also shows that they are organized and capable of keeping track of multiple dogs at once.
Example: “At Fetch! Pet Care, we believe that every dog deserves personalized attention and exercise based on their individual needs. We work closely with each pet parent to create a custom care plan for their dog, which includes daily walks, playtime, and any other special requests. Our team of professional dog walkers are trained to provide the highest quality of care, and they are passionate about making sure each dog is happy and healthy.”
What kind of leash do you use when walking multiple dogs at once?
An interviewer would ask "What kind of leash do you use when walking multiple dogs at once?" to a Dog Walker in order to get a sense of the Dog Walker's experience and expertise. It is important to know what kind of leash the Dog Walker uses because it can be a safety hazard if the wrong type of leash is used.
Example: “I use a standard leash when walking multiple dogs at once. This allows me to have better control over each dog while keeping them close to me.”
What are your favorite dog walking routes in the city?
The interviewer is trying to gauge the dog walker's knowledge of the city and their ability to navigate different neighborhoods. This is important because it shows whether the dog walker is familiar with the area and can safely take the dog on different routes.
Example: “My favorite dog walking routes in the city are the ones that offer a variety of scenery and smells. I love taking my clients on walks through parks, down busy streets, and even through quiet neighborhoods. Each route offers something different for the dogs, and they always seem to enjoy themselves immensely.”
How do you handle dogs that are resistant to walking or don't have a lot of energy?
An interviewer would ask this question in order to gauge the dog walker's experience and ability to handle difficult or resistant dogs. This is important because it can be a difficult and frustrating task to walk a resistant dog, and the interviewer wants to make sure that the dog walker is capable of handling such a situation.
Example: “There are a few different ways to handle dogs that are resistant to walking or don't have a lot of energy. One way is to try and find out what the underlying reason is for their resistance or lack of energy. If there is an underlying medical condition, then it's important to get that addressed first and foremost. If there isn't a medical condition causing the issue, then it may be a matter of finding the right motivation for the dog. Some dogs just need a little more encouragement than others to get moving. This can be in the form of treats, toys, or even just some extra attention and affection. Once you find what motivates the dog, it should be easier to get them moving and keep them moving.”
Have you ever encountered any aggressive dogs while out on a walk? If so, how did you handle the situation?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the applicant's ability to handle difficult situations. It is important for a dog walker to be able to remain calm and collected when confronted with an aggressive dog, as this will help to diffuse the situation and keep the dog(s) under their care safe.
Example: “I have encountered aggressive dogs while out on a walk before. I usually handle the situation by calmly walking away from the dog and continuing on my walk. If the dog follows me, I will keep walking until the dog gets tired and goes back to where it came from.”
Do you have experience caring for special needs dogs?
An interviewer might ask "Do you have experience caring for special needs dogs?" to a Dog Walker because it is important to know if the Dog Walker has the necessary skills and experience to care for a dog with special needs. Special needs dogs require extra care and attention, and it is important to make sure that the Dog Walker is able to provide this.
Example: “I have experience caring for special needs dogs in a number of ways. I have worked as a professional dog walker for over two years, during which time I have cared for a wide variety of dogs with different needs. I have also volunteered at an animal shelter for several years, during which time I gained experience caring for special needs dogs in a more hands-on way. In addition, I have completed a course in animal first aid and CPR, which has given me the skills and knowledge necessary to care for sick or injured animals.”
Do you offer any additional services beyond dog walking, such as feeding, watering, or providing medication?
The interviewer is asking if the dog walker offers any additional services because they want to know if the dog walker can provide all of the services that their dog needs. It is important to know if the dog walker can provide all of the services that the dog needs because it will help the dog owner to decide if the dog walker is the right person for the job.
Example: “At this time, we only offer dog walking services. However, we are happy to provide additional services such as feeding, watering, or providing medication upon request. We understand that some dogs may need special care and attention, so we are more than willing to accommodate those needs.”
What is your policy if a dog becomes sick or injured while in your care?
The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the dog walker's level of responsibility and care. It is important to know what the dog walker's policy is in case of an emergency so that the pet owner can be prepared.
Example: “If a dog becomes sick or injured while in our care, we will immediately contact the owner and provide them with updates on the dog's condition. We will also work with the owner to determine the best course of action for treatment. If the dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian, we will transport them to the nearest animal hospital.”
What are your rates for dog walking services?
If the interviewer is considering hiring the dog walker, they will want to know how much the dog walker charges for their services. This is important because the interviewer needs to know if the dog walker is affordable and if they are charging a fair price for their services.
Example: “Our rates for dog walking services vary depending on the length of the walk and the number of dogs being walked. For a 30 minute walk, our rate is $15 for one dog or $20 for two dogs. For a 60 minute walk, our rate is $25 for one dog or $30 for two dogs.”
Are you available for last-minute walks or cancellations?
The interviewer is asking if the dog walker is available for last-minute walks or cancellations because they want to know if the dog walker is reliable and can be counted on in a pinch. This is important because the interviewer wants to be sure that they can depend on the dog walker to show up when they are needed, even if it is at the last minute.
Example: “Yes, I am available for last-minute walks or cancellations.”
Do you offer discounts for regular clients or multiple dogs from the same household?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge if the dog walker offers discounts to their clients. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the dog walker is willing to negotiate on price. Second, the interviewer may be trying to determine if the dog walker offers discounts for multiple dogs from the same household. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the dog walker is willing to work with multiple dogs at a discounted rate. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to determine if the dog walker offers any other discounts or promotions that could be beneficial to their clients. This is important because it can help the interviewer determine if the dog walker is willing to offer additional services or discounts that could be beneficial to their clients.
Example: “Yes, we offer discounts for regular clients and multiple dogs from the same household. For regular clients, we offer a 10% discount on all services. For multiple dogs from the same household, we offer a 20% discount on all services.”
Do you require a meet-and-greet before starting services with a new client?
An interviewer might ask this question to get a sense of the dog walker's professionalism and customer service standards. It is important to be able to meet and greet new clients in a friendly and professional manner in order to build trust and establish a good working relationship.
Example: “Yes, I always require a meet-and-greet before starting services with a new client. This gives me an opportunity to get to know the dog and the family, and to make sure that everyone is comfortable with each other. It also allows me to assess the home environment and make sure that it is safe for the dog.”
Do you have any liability insurance in case of an accident or injury while walking a dog?
There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask if a dog walker has liability insurance. One reason is that it shows that the dog walker is professional and prepared for any potential accidents or injuries that could occur while on the job. This is important because it shows that the dog walker is serious about their job and is taking steps to protect themselves and their clients' pets. Another reason why an interviewer might ask about liability insurance is to ensure that the dog walker has the financial resources to cover any damages or medical bills that could result from an accident or injury. This is important because it protects the interviewer's business from being held liable for any accident or injury that occurs while the dog walker is on the job.
Example: “Yes, I have liability insurance in case of an accident or injury while walking a dog. This insurance will cover any medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident or injury, as well as any property damage that may occur.”