First Time Using a Dog Walker? Here's What to Expect (And How to Set It Up Right)

You've decided to hire a dog walker. Maybe you started a new job with longer hours. Maybe you realized your high-energy pup needs more than morning and evening walks can provide. Maybe you're just tired of the guilt spiral every time you leave the house.

Whatever brought you here, you're facing a very reasonable set of questions:

How does this actually work? How do they get into my home? Can I trust this person with my dog—and my house? What if my dog doesn't like them? Is this going to be awkward?

The short answer: it's way less weird than you expect. The longer answer is this guide.

We'll walk you through exactly what happens when you hire a dog walker for the first time—from finding the right person to what day one looks like to building a relationship that serves both your dog and your sanity.

The Reality Check: What You're Actually Agreeing To

Before we get tactical, let's address the elephant in the room.

You're giving a stranger access to your home so they can spend time with your dog when you're not there.

For first-timers, this feels vulnerable. You're trusting someone with:

• Your pet's safety and wellbeing
• Your house keys or access codes
• Your home environment
• Your peace of mind

That vulnerability is valid. It's also why finding the right walker matters so much.

Here's the good news: when you match with the right person, that vulnerability becomes relief. The right walker isn't a stranger for long—they become a trusted part of your dog's routine and your support system.

The bad news: finding the wrong person turns that vulnerability into anxiety. Random Craigslist walkers, friends-of-friends with no accountability, or app-based strangers you've never met can create exactly the stress you were trying to eliminate. When the match is wrong, your dog doesn't adjust—you end up with chronic behavioral regression (more accidents, more barking, more separation anxiety) because your dog never feels safe with the person entering their space.

The goal of this guide: Set you up to find the right person and build a relationship that actually works.

Step 1: Finding Your Walker (Not Just Any Walker)

The Directory Problem

Most people's first instinct is to Google "dog walker near me" and scroll through results. You'll find dozens of profiles, read some reviews, compare prices, and hope for the best.

That's not finding a walker. That's gambling on a walker.

Reviews tell you how someone performed for other dogs—not whether they're right for yours. Availability tells you they have an open slot, not that they're skilled. Low prices might mean you're getting a deal—or that you're getting someone desperate, inexperienced, or cutting corners.

What Actually Matters

When choosing a walker, prioritize these factors:

Factor	Why It Matters	What Breaks If Missing
Verified background	Criminal history, identity verification, references	Without verification, you're trusting your home and pet to someone with no accountability trail—if something goes wrong, you have no recourse
Insurance	Covers vet bills, property damage, liability	An uninsured walker who loses your dog or causes injury leaves you paying thousands out of pocket
Experience with your dog's needs	Reactive dogs need different skills than elderly dogs	A walker who doesn't understand reactivity will flood your dog with triggers, making behavior worse, not better
Communication style	Someone who updates you vs. goes radio silent	Without updates, you won't know if your dog had diarrhea, ate something strange, or had a scary encounter until it becomes a vet visit
Scheduling reliability	Consistent timing matters for routine	Dogs who expect walks at noon and get them at 3pm develop elimination accidents and anxiety spikes
Personality fit	You and your dog both have to like them	If you dread interacting with your walker, you'll avoid communication—and problems won't get addressed until they're crises
Training credentials	Fear Free Certified, CPDT-KA, or similar signals professional knowledge	Uncredentialed walkers may use outdated punishment-based techniques that increase fear and aggression

The 3-text rule: Before you book, test their response time. Send a question at 9am, another at noon, and another at 6pm. How quickly do they respond? Are responses thoughtful or generic? If they're slow or dismissive before you're even a client, imagine when you're mid-crisis needing help.

The Matchmaker vs. Directory Approach

Here's the difference between platforms:

Directory Model	Matchmaker Model (Tails)	Consequence of the Difference
Shows you all available walkers	Filters walkers matched to your dog's needs	Directory users spend 3-5 hours vetting; matched users spend 30 minutes confirming
You vet candidates yourself	We've already verified skills and backgrounds	Without pre-vetting, 1 in 4 walkers you contact won't have insurance or will ghost you
You hope reviews apply to your dog	We match based on specific experience	A 5-star walker for calm Labs may be terrible for your reactive rescue—reviews don't transfer
High turnover, different walkers	Consistent relationships prioritized	Dogs walked by rotating strangers never build trust; anxiety stays elevated indefinitely
You're the HR department	We've done the screening for you	Every hour you spend screening is an hour not spent on the job that's paying for the walker

On Tails, when you tell us about your dog—high-energy adolescent Lab, anxious rescue who needs patience, senior with arthritis who moves slowly—we match you with walkers whose verified skills fit those exact needs.

You're not scrolling 50 profiles hoping for the best. You're meeting people pre-selected to succeed with your specific dog.

Find Your Match on Tails

Step 2: The Meet-and-Greet (This Is Non-Negotiable)

Never book recurring dog walking without meeting the walker first. This is non-negotiable because dogs cannot build trust with someone they meet for the first time in a high-stress context (owner gone, stranger entering territory). When you skip the meet-and-greet, your dog's stress response activates on day one and may never fully deactivate—leading to weeks of distress instead of days.

A profile is not a person. Until you've seen how someone interacts with your dog—and how your dog responds—you're guessing. And guessing wrong means your dog associates "walker arriving" with "threat entering," a pattern that's expensive and slow to undo.

What Happens at a Meet-and-Greet

A proper meet-and-greet takes 15-30 minutes and accomplishes several things:

For you:

• See the walker's personality and communication style
• Assess their comfort level with your dog
• Ask questions about their experience and approach
• Share your dog's quirks, fears, and needs
• Explain your routine and expectations
• Show them your home setup (where the leash is, any off-limits areas)

For your dog:

• Meet this new person in the safety of their home
• Form initial impressions and associations
• Start building familiarity that makes day one easier

For the walker:

• Learn about your dog's personality firsthand
• See the home environment they'll be entering
• Ask questions they need to know (feeding, bathroom signals, reactivity triggers)
• Assess whether this is a good fit from their side too

Questions to Ask Your Walker

Question	What You're Assessing	Red Flag Answer
"How long have you been walking dogs professionally?"	Experience level	"I've always loved dogs" without specific professional experience—enthusiasm isn't skill
"What's your approach with reactive/anxious/high-energy dogs?"	Skill match for your needs	"I just let them work it out" or "I show them who's boss"—outdated methods that increase reactivity
"How do you handle emergencies on a walk?"	Preparedness	Vague or stumped—if they haven't thought about loose dogs, injuries, or weather, they're not prepared
"Can you tell me about a difficult situation you've handled?"	Real-world problem-solving	No specific example or blaming the dog—experienced walkers have stories and own their role
"How do you communicate with clients?"	Update frequency and style	"I send updates if something happens"—radio silence until crisis isn't communication
"What happens if you're sick or need to cancel?"	Reliability and backup plans	"I'll let you know"—no backup system means your dog misses walks when life happens

What to Watch For

Green flags:

• Gets down to your dog's level
• Lets your dog approach on their own terms
• Asks good questions about your dog's behavior
• Handles leash naturally
• Seems genuinely interested in your dog, not just the job
• Discusses safety practices without prompting

Red flags:

• Rushes through the meeting
• Shows no interest in learning about your dog's quirks
• Makes promises that seem too good to be true
• Dismisses your concerns
• Your dog seems uncomfortable after reasonable introduction time
• Won't provide references or proof of insurance

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Dogs are remarkably good at reading humans, and if your dog doesn't settle after a reasonable introduction, they're picking up on something you might be rationalizing away. The right walker will feel like relief, not anxiety—and so will your dog.

Step 3: Setting Up Home Access

This is the part that makes first-timers nervous: giving someone access to your home when you're not there. That discomfort is valid—you're not being paranoid; you're being appropriately cautious.

Here's the reality: Professional dog walkers enter homes every day. It's routine for them. But "routine for them" doesn't mean "safe for you" unless you set up access correctly. The failure mode here is losing control: if you give someone a physical key and the relationship ends badly, you're paying a locksmith. If you use a smart lock with a temporary code, you revoke access in 10 seconds.

Common Access Methods

Method	Pros	Cons	Failure Mode
Lockbox	No key copying; easy to change codes	Bulky; visible on your door	Combination gets shared or photographed; change code after any walker relationship ends
Smart lock	Temporary codes; see access logs; no physical key	Requires installation; relies on batteries/power	Dead battery = walker can't enter = dog doesn't get walked. Set battery alerts and keep backups
Hidden key	Simple; no hardware	Least secure; can be found	Once found by anyone (walker, neighbor, stranger), you've lost all control. Not recommended
Building doorman	Professional handoff; no key needed	Dependent on building; fees may apply	Doorman shift change miscommunication = walker denied entry. Confirm approval in writing
Garage code	No front-door exposure	Requires garage access to home	Garage door sensors fail more often than door locks; have a backup entry method

Chicago-Specific Access Challenges

Living in Chicago adds logistics that suburban guides don't mention.

High-rise buildings (River North, Streeterville, South Loop, West Loop):

• Doorman notification: Most buildings require 24-48 hours advance notice to add a walker to the approved visitor list. Don't assume your walker can just show up—call your building management.
• Fob or key card: Some buildings require you to provide a spare fob. Check your lease—some prohibit this. Alternatives: have the doorman escort your walker up.
• Elevator wait times: During rush hours, elevator waits can add 5-10 minutes each way. Factor this into your scheduled walk time.
• Lobby bathroom emergency: Your dog probably holds it through the elevator ride. Tell your walker: "She'll need to go immediately when we exit. Don't stop for pleasantries."

Walk-up apartments (Wicker Park, Logan Square, Ukrainian Village, Pilsen):

• Most flexible access-wise, but street parking can be brutal. Discuss where your walker should park or whether they'll come via transit.
• Multiple locks are common. Walk your walker through all of them: "front door, vestibule, apartment door."

What happens when the lockbox code doesn't work: It will happen eventually—batteries die, codes get misremembered, cold weather causes keypads to malfunction. Have a backup plan: a neighbor with a spare key, your phone on loud so they can call you, or a hidden backup key location. Discuss this with your walker before it becomes a crisis.

Best Practice: Smart Lock or Lockbox

If you're setting up dog walking for the first time, consider investing in a smart lock (like Schlage Encode, August, or Yale Assure). They let you:

• Create temporary codes for your walker
• See exactly when they arrive and leave
• Change codes instantly if needed
• Never worry about lost physical keys

A lockbox (like the ones realtors use) is a solid alternative—just make sure it's combination-based, not key-based, so you can change the code.

What to Share with Your Walker

Beyond physical access, your walker needs:

Information	Why	What Happens If You Skip This
Access instructions	Lockbox code, smart lock code, building procedures	Walker arrives, can't get in, your dog misses the walk, and you get a panicked text at work
Alarm code (if applicable)	So they don't trigger your security system	Police response, false alarm fees ($50-500 in Chicago), and a terrified dog
Where to find leash and waste bags	Don't make them search	Walker spends 10 minutes of your paid walk time hunting through closets
Which doors to use and lock	Especially important in multi-door homes	Door left unlocked or wrong door used—security risk or dog escapes
Where your dog typically is when they arrive	Crate? Free roaming? Baby-gated area?	Walker opens wrong door, dog bolts, now everyone's having a bad day
Any off-limits areas	Your office, kid's room, etc.	Walker lets dog into room with medication, chocolate, or valuables

Tails pro tip: Share this information through the app's messaging system so it's documented and easy for your walker to reference. Verbal instructions get forgotten; written ones don't.

Step 4: What Day One Looks Like

You've done the meet-and-greet. Access is set up. Today is the first real walk. Here's the typical flow:

Before the Walk

Your walker:

1. Arrives at scheduled time
2. Enters your home using agreed-upon method
3. Greets your dog calmly (not overly excited—dogs pick up on energy)
4. Puts on leash and harness
5. Checks that they have waste bags and any needed supplies

Your dog:

• May be excited, nervous, or confused (all normal—dogs experience routine changes as mildly stressful events)
• Should recognize the walker from the meet-and-greet (this is why the meet-and-greet matters: recognition reduces cortisol response by roughly 40%)
• Might take a minute to settle before walking (this is the walker's cue to be patient, not to rush out the door)

During the Walk

Standard walks include:

• Bathroom opportunities (if your dog doesn't eliminate, they'll either have an accident later or hold it uncomfortably—walkers should note elimination every time)
• Exercise at appropriate intensity for your dog (over-exercising a senior or under-exercising a young Lab both cause problems)
• Mental stimulation (sniffing, exploring)—a dog who's rushed past every smell comes home physically tired but mentally wired
• Positive interactions with the walker—this is how trust builds, one walk at a time

Good walkers:

• Read your dog's body language
• Adjust pace to your dog's needs
• Create distance from triggers (other dogs, loud noises) as needed—this is called threshold management
• Don't force interactions your dog doesn't want
• Know how to handle the unexpected (off-leash dogs, dropped leashes, weather changes)

Chicago-specific walking knowledge your walker should have:

• the lake wind: Winter wind off the lake hits hardest on east-west streets. Good walkers adjust routes.
• Paw salt protocol: In winter, wipe paws within 5-10 minutes of returning—calcium chloride causes burns and stomach upset if licked.
• High-traffic areas: Avoiding the 606 Trail on weekends, the Lakefront Trail during peak hours, or Wrigleyville on game days unless your dog handles crowds.
• Elevator etiquette for reactive dogs: Waiting for an empty elevator car if your dog is anxious or reactive. This takes patience—good walkers understand.

The 5-minute elevator wait problem: If you have a puppy who can't hold it, or a senior with urgency issues, the elevator ride down is stressful. Tell your walker: "If she starts to squat in the elevator, here's what to do..." Have a plan (pee pad, quick distraction, which floor has an outdoor exit).

After the Walk

Your walker:

1. Returns to your home
2. Removes leash and harness
3. Provides fresh water
4. Ensures your dog is settled
5. Secures your home (locks doors, sets alarm if applicable)
6. Sends you an update

That update should include:

• Bathroom report (did they pee? poop?)
• General behavior notes (energy level, mood)
• Anything notable (met a friendly dog, spooked by a truck, etc.)
• Photos or GPS route (on Tails, this is standard)

What you do: Hopefully nothing. You're at work, living your life, knowing your dog is taken care of. Check the update when you have a minute, smile at the photos, and feel that guilt melt away.

What "Normal" Looks Like (And What's Not)

Normal First-Week Experiences

Experience	Why It Happens	When to Worry
Your dog is more tired than usual	New stimulation is mentally exhausting; novel experiences drain cognitive resources	Only if exhaustion persists beyond week 2—that's overexertion, not adjustment
Your dog is a little anxious at drop-off	New routine; they're adjusting to a stranger entering their territory	If anxiety escalates (more intense each day) rather than decreasing
Your dog warms up to the walker gradually	Trust takes time; dogs are biologically cautious about new pack members	If warming stalls completely after 2-3 weeks of consistent walks
Walker reports your dog was "good" but not perfect	Dogs behave differently with different people; your dog is testing boundaries	If "not perfect" means aggression or panic, not just pulling on leash
Your dog seems slightly confused when you get home	"Wait, someone else was here?"—scent and routine both changed	Only if confusion looks like distress rather than curiosity

Concerning Signs

Sign	What It May Mean	Action
Extreme distress lasting beyond week one	Poor fit or underlying anxiety	Discuss with walker; consider different approach
Your dog avoids the walker after multiple walks	Something's off	Trust your dog; investigate
No communication from walker	Unprofessional or unreliable	Address immediately; consider switching
Walker consistently late without notice	Unreliable	Find someone who respects your schedule
Evidence of rough handling	Major red flag	Document and end relationship immediately
Your dog returns injured without explanation	Negligence or accident	Get full explanation; vet visit if needed

Building a Relationship That Works

The first week is onboarding. What happens after determines whether this becomes a reliable part of your life or another stressor you eventually abandon. Most failed walker relationships don't fail on day one—they fail slowly, through accumulating small miscommunications that nobody addresses until resentment builds on both sides.

Communication Expectations

Set these upfront:

Topic	Discuss	What Breaks Without Agreement
Update frequency	After every walk? Weekly summaries?	You'll either feel anxious from silence or annoyed by over-communication—mismatched expectations breed resentment
Photo expectations	One per walk? Only when something notable happens?	You'll wonder what's happening; they'll wonder why you're not satisfied with their work
Preferred contact method	App messaging? Text?	Critical information gets lost in the wrong channel; emergencies go unseen
Response time	How quickly do you each need to respond to messages?	You message about a schedule change, hear nothing for 2 days, now you're both frustrated
Schedule changes	How much notice is required for cancellations or additions?	Last-minute cancellation = walker loses income and rearranges their day = relationship damage

The Value of Consistency

One of the biggest benefits of a regular dog walker is consistency—same person, same routine, same expectations. Dogs are creatures of pattern; their nervous systems regulate around predictability. Inconsistency isn't just inconvenient—it's physiologically stressful for your dog.

For your dog:

• Builds genuine trust and relationship (trust is neurochemical—repeated positive interactions with the same person increase oxytocin response)
• Knows what to expect when the walker arrives (predictability reduces cortisol; your dog's stress baseline lowers)
• Feels safe with someone familiar (safety means relaxation, which means better behavior)

For you:

• Walker learns your dog's quirks and adjusts (they'll notice your dog's "I need to poop" dance before you even describe it)
• Communication improves over time (you develop shorthand; fewer misunderstandings)
• You get reliable, predictable care (reliability means you stop worrying, which was the whole point)

For the walker:

• Knows your dog's personality intimately (they can advocate for your dog's needs)
• Can notice changes (health, behavior) because they know what's normal (early detection of limping, lethargy, or behavior changes)
• Invested in your dog's wellbeing, not just the paycheck (people who know your dog care about your dog)

This is why turnover on gig apps is so problematic. Different walker every day means your dog never builds trust, and no one really knows your dog. Your dog stays in a perpetual state of "new stranger entering my home"—that's chronic low-grade stress, manifesting as behavioral issues you'll blame on the dog.

Tipping and Bonuses

Professional dog walkers appreciate recognition:

Timing	Suggestion	Why It Matters
Regular walks	Tipping isn't required but appreciated; 15-20% is generous	Tipped walkers prioritize tipping clients when schedules conflict—you want to be that client
Holiday bonus	One week's pay or equivalent gift is standard for regular walkers	This is industry norm; skipping it signals you don't value the relationship, and walkers notice
Above-and-beyond moments	Tip when they handle a difficult situation well	Reinforces the behavior you want; they'll go above-and-beyond again

On Tails, tipping is easy through the app—and it goes directly to your walker.

When Things Aren't Working

Sometimes the fit isn't right. That's okay—and acknowledging it quickly is better than dragging out a failing relationship. Here's how to know—and what to do.

Signs It's Time to Switch

• Communication breakdown: They don't respond, don't update, or dismiss your concerns. Consequence: you won't know about problems until they're emergencies.
• Reliability issues: Late frequently, cancels often, inconsistent quality. Consequence: your dog's routine destabilizes, and so does yours.
• Your dog isn't warming up: After 2-3 weeks, your dog still shows distress. Consequence: you're paying for walks that stress your dog out, not help them.
• Trust isn't building: Something feels off and you can't relax during walks. Consequence: you'll start micromanaging, which poisons the relationship anyway.
• Different values: They handle situations in ways you disagree with. Consequence: your dog gets inconsistent training signals, and resentment builds silently.

How to Handle It

1. Address issues directly first. Many problems are miscommunications fixable with a conversation.
2. If issues persist, end professionally. "This isn't the right fit, but I appreciate your time."
3. Find a replacement before fully ending (if possible) to maintain your dog's routine.
4. On Tails, request a rematch. We'll find another walker suited to your needs.

Important: Don't stay with a walker you don't trust because switching feels hard. The cost of staying with the wrong walker is ongoing: your dog doesn't thrive, you don't relax, and you're paying for a service that isn't serving you. A brief transition period is worth finding the right person. The sunk cost of time spent with the wrong walker is already gone—don't add more.

The First-Timer's Timeline

When	What Happens	What to Watch For
Week before	Meet-and-greet; set up home access; share info	Walker's responsiveness to your questions; your dog's initial reaction
Day 1	First walk; expect adjustment; read the update	Did walker send update? Did dog eliminate? Any red flags in behavior?
Days 2-5	Routine forms; dog starts recognizing walker	Is anxiety decreasing each day? Walker arriving on time?
Weeks 2-3	Dog builds trust; walker learns your dog's patterns	Dog should be calmer at arrival; walker should mention quirks they've noticed
Month 1	Relationship solidifies; you stop worrying	If you're still anxious, something isn't working—investigate
Month 2+	Walker is part of your team; dog is thriving	Thriving = good energy after walks, no behavioral regression, you feel relief not stress

The Tails Difference for First-Timers

Starting with a dog walker is easier when the platform has your back.

What makes Tails different:

Feature	How It Helps	What It Prevents
Verified walkers	Background checks, interviews, skill verification—done before you ever see a profile	You don't waste time vetting unqualified candidates or risk hiring someone with red flags
Matched to your dog	Not random availability; walkers selected based on your dog's specific needs	Your reactive dog doesn't get paired with a walker who's never handled reactivity
Free meet-and-greets	Non-negotiable first step; built into the process	No pressure to commit before you've seen walker-dog chemistry
In-app communication	Everything documented; easy to reference	"I told you that verbally" disputes; lost information
Photo and GPS updates	See exactly what happened every walk	Anxiety about what happened while you were at work
Easy rebooking	Set recurring schedules; modify when needed	Administrative burden that makes you skip walks instead of scheduling them
Support if issues arise	We help resolve problems; rematching if needed	You're not alone navigating a difficult conversation or finding a replacement

The bottom line: You're not doing this alone. Finding a walker, vetting them, and building a relationship is stressful when you're flying blind. With Tails, you have a system designed to make first-time walker experiences successful. The discomfort you feel right now—trusting a stranger with your dog and your home—is exactly what good process is designed to address. Once the system is working, that discomfort fades into routine relief.

Get Started with Tails

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dog likes their walker? Dogs communicate through behavior, not words—so you read the signals. Positive signs: relaxed body language when the walker arrives (loose body, wagging tail at mid-height, approaching voluntarily), eagerness to go out, calm return, tired contentment afterward. If your dog starts recognizing and accepting (or even getting excited about) their walker, they like them. Red flags that indicate genuine distress: cowering, hiding, avoidance (going to another room when walker arrives), unusual aggression, or ongoing anxiety that doesn't resolve after 2-3 weeks. Note: initial wariness is normal; persistent avoidance is not.

What if my dog is reactive or has behavior issues? Be honest about it. Good walkers have experience with reactive dogs and will adjust their approach—creating distance from triggers (threshold management), avoiding problematic situations, using "Look at That" games to redirect attention. Ask about their approach to reactivity. Experienced handlers know terms like counter-conditioning and systematic desensitization. On Tails, we match reactive dogs with walkers specifically experienced in handling them—look for Fear Free Certified walkers or those with CPDT-KA credentials. Don't hide behavior problems hoping they'll disappear; that sets everyone up to fail.

Should I set up cameras to watch my walker? You can, and many pet parents do. Furbo, Wyze, or Ring cameras are common, and professional walkers expect them. Cameras serve a legitimate purpose: they provide peace of mind during the adjustment period when trust hasn't been established yet. Just be transparent—let your walker know cameras exist. That said, if you're watching every walk like a hawk months into the relationship, that's a signal: either you haven't found the right walker (and should switch), or you have anxiety that cameras won't solve. Cameras are tools, not trust.

What if I work from home but still want a walker? Absolutely valid—this is one of the most common scenarios we see. Working from home doesn't mean you have time for midday walks. Meetings run long, focus time is precious, and your dog's needs don't pause for your Zoom calls. Many WFH pet parents use walkers so they can actually work without interruption—and without the guilt of a bored dog staring at them. You can be home when the walker comes (some people find this helpful during the trust-building phase), or leave during that time to get focused work done at a coffee shop. Neither approach is wrong.

How long until my dog is fully comfortable with their walker? Most dogs adjust within 1-3 weeks of consistent walks—you'll see anxiety decrease incrementally, not suddenly. Some dogs (especially anxious dogs or rescues with trauma histories) may take 4-6 weeks; their nervous systems need more repetitions to encode "this person is safe." Dogs who've had previous positive walker relationships adjust faster because they've learned the pattern. Puppies usually warm up quickly (they're developmentally primed to accept new relationships). Critical threshold: if your dog is still showing significant distress after 4+ weeks with consistent effort from the walker, it's likely not the right match—and continuing won't fix it. Some walker-dog pairings simply don't work, and that's no one's fault.

Can I request the same walker every time? On most platforms, yes—and you absolutely should. Consistency is crucial for building trust; as discussed above, dogs who see rotating strangers never fully relax. On Tails, once you find a walker you like, you can book recurring walks with the same person. If they're unavailable occasionally (illness, vacation), a backup walker can step in—but your primary relationship stays consistent. The backup won't be a total stranger; they'll have access to your dog's profile and notes, so continuity isn't completely broken.