Dog Walker Instructions Checklist: What to Leave for a New Walker
Prepare clear dog walker instructions with your dog's routine, access details, leash rules, triggers, feeding notes, contacts, and emergency boundaries.
TL;DR
What belongs in dog walker instructions?
Write the dog's normal routine, harness and leash setup, walk limits, triggers, access instructions, feeding or medication boundaries, emergency contacts, and the exact way you want the walker to report a problem. Keep the dog's information separate from household notes.
A dog walker should not have to reconstruct your dog's routine from three text messages and a note on the fridge. A short, current handoff gives them the context to do the job consistently and tells them what to do when the normal plan stops fitting the day.
Dog walker instructions checklist
Dog and household details
- Dog's name, photo, age, and distinguishing features
- Owner name and primary phone number
- Backup contact who can make decisions
- Home address and the location of the leash, harness, towel, and waste bags
- Door, alarm, key, parking, and building instructions
Keep security information limited to what the walker needs. Do not include account passwords in a care sheet.
Walk routine
- Usual walk length and preferred time
- Whether the dog needs a slow start or a quiet route
- Harness, collar, lead, and backup-lead instructions
- Rules about off-leash areas, dog parks, greetings, and treats
- Water, heat, ice, traffic, and weather limits you want the walker to follow
- What should happen if the dog refuses to continue
Write “do not” items in plain language. For example: “Keep Luna on the lead near the apartment entrance” is easier to act on than “be careful outside.”
Behavior and trigger notes
Describe what the walker may see and the response you expect. Include reactions to dogs, bikes, children, loud vehicles, elevators, stairs, handling, food, and unfamiliar people when relevant. Avoid labels that hide the practical action.
Instead of “he is reactive,” write “cross the street when another dog approaches and give him space.” Only include instructions you have tested and that are appropriate for the dog.
Food and medication boundaries
State whether the walker may give treats, which treats are allowed, and where they are stored. If medication is part of the visit, copy the current label or veterinary instructions and ask the walker to confirm every dose. A walker should never change the amount, timing, or treatment plan.
Your pet medication list template can help you keep names and instructions separate from general walk notes.
Reporting after the walk
Choose the minimum update that helps you:
- Start and finish time
- Distance or route, if relevant
- Water, bathroom, and food observations
- Anything different from normal
- Photo or video when useful
- Whether the dog was returned securely
Do not ask for a medical interpretation. Ask for observable facts and contact the veterinarian if a health concern needs professional assessment.
If plans change
Write a decision tree for common problems:
- If the dog is mildly reluctant, pause and contact the owner.
- If the dog escapes, call the owner and backup contact immediately, then follow the local lost-pet plan.
- If the dog is injured, has breathing trouble, collapses, or may have swallowed something dangerous, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately and then notify the owner.
The pet first aid kit checklist and pet emergency folder checklist can help you prepare the information side of that plan.
Update the sheet after every meaningful change
Replace old copies when the leash, route, food, contact, medication, or veterinary plan changes. Date the current version and ask the walker to confirm they received it.
Petio can keep the current dog profile, notes, reminders, and documents together. It does not replace your instructions to a caregiver or the veterinary team's plan.
Safety note
This is general caregiver-planning guidance, not veterinary or behavior advice. Ask a qualified veterinarian or behavior professional about health concerns, medication, aggression, fear, or any situation that could put the dog, walker, or public at risk.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What should I tell a new dog walker?
Share the dog's routine, walk length, leash and harness setup, route preferences, triggers, door and key instructions, feeding or medication boundaries, owner contacts, veterinarian details, and what to do if plans change.
Should a dog walker give my dog medication?
Only if you have provided clear current instructions and the walker has agreed to the task. Do not ask a walker to guess a dose or change a veterinary plan.
What emergency information should a dog walker have?
Leave your phone number, a backup contact, the regular veterinarian, a nearby emergency clinic, the dog's identification details, and clear instructions for contacting you if the dog escapes, is injured, or becomes unwell.
How often should I update dog walker instructions?
Review them whenever the routine, food, medication, access, behavior, contact details, or veterinary plan changes. Confirm the walker is using the current version.
