The Best Dog Walker in Georgetown

Name: Pant & Wag: DC Dog Adventures and DC Dog Fitness
Address: Georgetown, Washington, DC, DC, 20007, US
Telephone: (202) 796-8924
Price range: $$$

A Message from Sean Prichard, the founder of Pant & Wag:

Back in 2010, my dog Noodles convinced me to leave my good-paying job in corporate communications. She insisted I take her on daily hikes through the woods, and that marked the inception of Pant & Wag (PAW). If you're reading this it's likely that you share the same level of love and devotion to your dog as I did with Noodles. You understand that conventional pet service providers, like dog walkers, fall short in fulfilling your dog's highest quality of life.

Don't get me wrong, dog walkers provide a valuable service—dogs need a bathroom break during the day—and many of our clients use a dog walker on their off-days from PAW.

Picture of a real dog walker in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC.

Picture from an Actual Fitness Adventure!

But if you're like me you want your dog to have more than just a potty break to look forward to each and every day. The problem with dog walkers as a business is they exist solely to account for our human work schedule — we work 8+ hours per day... dogs need a bathroom break within that time period... therefore dog walking is a needed service. But dog walkers don't account for what the dog actually wants to do. Noodles and I developed the Fitness Adventure concept around activities that she and her doggy friends actually enjoyed doing. This page describes the differences between Pant & Wag's Fitness Adventures and ordinary dog walking. We have even including a list of the most popular dog walkers in Washington, DC (and specifically Georgetown) as well as dog walking FAQs, and our Fitness Adventure video gallery. If you believe that dog walkers may not be the ideal choice for your furry family member, I encourage you to explore our dog hiking and dog running pages and then enroll your pup in our Fitness Adventure program today!

Pant & Wag Fitness Adventures vs. Dog Walkers

	Fitness Adventure	Dog Walkers
Duration	2 - 3 hours	20 - 30 minutes
Location	Different Nature Parks	Your Neighborhood
Exercise Distance	3.0 - 5.0 miles	.25 - .50 miles
Surface	Natural (dirt, grass)	Artificial (cement, asphalt)
Activities	Diverse	Only Walking

Review of Top Rated Dog Walkers in Washington, DC

App-Based Walkers: Barkley, Rover, and Wag!:

While app-based dog walking companies like Wag!, Barkley, and Rover offer convenience and a wide network of walkers, there are some potential downsides to consider. One concern is the inconsistency in the quality of service, as the walkers may vary in work history, reliability, and attentiveness. Additionally, relying solely on an app can create a lack of personal connection and communication between the dog, the dog's parents, and the walker. In some cases, pet owners may feel less involved in their dog's care and may not have direct control or oversight during the walks. Furthermore, there have been occasional reports of incidents or mishaps, highlighting the importance of thoroughly vetting the walkers and assessing the company's protocols for handling emergencies.

The Best Local Dog Walkers in Washington, DC:

Brighter Days Collective - Brighter Days Collective in Cardozo understands the importance of personal investment in their work. Each employee is considered a "co-owner," ensuring every client receives top-notch service. They prioritize direct communication, making it easy to discuss your pet's unique needs.

Dog Walking DC - Committed to animal well-being, Dog Walking D.C. in Dupont Circle offers discounts to owners of formerly-sheltered dogs. Located in the northwest DC area, they provide one-on-one walks.

Fairy Tails - Fairy Tails in the Cardozo neighborhood boasts a tenured staff, specializing in dog walking since 2012. They go the extra mile including water changes and feeding. Plus, they ensure any potty-related incidents are promptly cleaned up and reported.

Fetch Pet Care - As a reputable national dog walking franchise company, Fetch Pet Care provides professional services to the D.C. area.

John the Dog Walker - Understanding the uneasiness of leaving your dog in someone else's care, the Capital Hill based John the Dog Walker wants to provide peace of mind. Expect detailed messages about your dog's walks, including location, time, and activities.

Pant & Wag - Serving Georgetown, Burleith, and Glover Park, Pant & Wag takes playgroups of dogs on thrilling field trips to different nature parks on every adventure. Pant & Wag is reserved for dogs that deserve more than just a walk around the block!

Patrick's Pet Care - Based in Columbia Heights & Brookland, Patrick's Pet Care has earned a solid reputation in the DC community. They have been voted the Best of DC for dog walking and strive for customer satisfaction. Their walkers offer additional services like bringing in packages for added convenience.

Saving Grace Pet Care - Recognizing the importance of building a trusting relationship, Saving Grace insists on meeting your pets to understand their personality. This ensures they can provide the best possible care. Rest assured, your four-legged friend will be in caring hands with their Capitol Hill-based team.

Underdogs Pet Care - Underdogs Pet Care in Mt Pleasant caters primarily to owners with standard working hours, offering walks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They also provide evening walks from 4 to 6 p.m. upon request. If you have a single dog and prefer a social outing, they have group walks.

Woof Walk DC - The founder/owner of Woof Walk D.C. has a lifelong passion for pet care, backed by time at rescue shelters. They provide reliable service to people in Columbia Heights, Bloomingdale, Georgetown, and surrounding areas.

Dog Walker FAQs

How much does a dog walker cost in Washington, DC?

The rate of a dog walk often depends on the duration of the walk. Generally, DC dog walkers charge between $15 - $30 per walk. You can usually expect to pay $1.00 per minute for a dog walk. Pant & Wag's prices are very competitive as our prices range from $45 - $64 per adventure, but the dog will be out of the house for 2 - 3 hours so the per minute rate is only $.35 - $.38. For more information, please visit our process and prices page.
What questions should I ask a dog walker before hiring them?
When interviewing a dog walker, consider asking questions such as:
- How long have you been dog walking?
- Do you have experience with my dog's breed/size/age?
- Are you certified in pet first aid or any related field?
- What is your policy on group walks or interactions with other dogs?
- How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations?
- Can you provide references from current or past clients?
How many dogs do dog walkers take out at one time?

Dog walkers in Washington, DC can take anywhere from 1 to 10 dogs at a time, with no real thought as to how they match the dogs in the group. During a Pant & Wag Fitness Adventure our groups have 5 – 8 dogs per human and the dogs are matched on athleticism, temperament, and age.
What are some potential problems with hiring a dog walker?
There are a few potential problems all pet parents should consider when hiring a dog walker:
- Incompatibility with Your Dog: Every dog is unique, with different personalities, energy levels, and behavioral quirks. Many dogs need (and want!) more than just a walk around the block. It's crucial to find a dog walker who can handle and understand your dog's specific needs. Some dog walkers may specialize in certain breeds or temperaments, so finding the right match is important.
- Reliability: Some dog walkers may not be reliable or punctual, which can be frustrating if you have a tight schedule or rely on their services regularly. It's essential to thoroughly vet potential dog walkers, check references, and read reviews to ensure their dependability.
- Lack of Experience or Support: Not all dog walkers have the same level of expertise or training. It's important to inquire about their background with dogs, any certifications they may hold, and how they handle specific situations such as aggression or medical emergencies.
- Safety Concerns: Entrusting your dog to a stranger involves some degree of risk. Ensure that the dog walker is insured to protect against any accidents or incidents that may occur during walks. Additionally, inquire about their safety protocols, such as how they handle leash management and avoid potential hazards.
- Lack of Supervision or Oversight: If you hire an individual dog walker, there may be limited oversight or accountability. It's important to have clear communication channels and regular updates to ensure your dog is receiving appropriate care and exercise.
- Limited Availability: Depending on your location and the availability of dog walkers in your area, it might be challenging to find someone who can accommodate your schedule or specific needs. Dog walking is a service-area business so you need a company that serves your neighborhood (i.e. if you live in Georgetown you need a Georgetown dog walker). If you're moving to a new city with your dog, it is recommended to start the hiring process well in advance to secure a reliable dog walker.

Next Steps

Review our dog hiking and dog running pages for a high level explanation of our services including health benefits, prices, pictures & videos, and FAQ of our awesome doggy adventures!

Register for a consultation where we will elaborate on our services and evaluate your pup's temperament and background to ensure the perfect playgroup excursion!

Video Gallery

We always allow for plenty of playtime. Does your dog get to socialize like this with a 'normal' dog walker in Georgetown or Glover Park?

Trail running with dogs. Ordinary DC dog walkers can't provide this amount of exercise.

One of our famous DC dog hikes along the Potomac. Georgetown dog walkers stroll around the same city blocks while we go to different dog-friendly destinations every day!

Our dog adventures allow your dog to get out of the city and see (and smell!) actual nature and wildlife.

Now Hiring Dog Walkers who Want to do More than Just Walk!

Are you seeking dog walker jobs? Do you love working as a dog walker but are tired of boring walks around the same city streets day after day? Do you think it's unfair that you don't get paid for the time it takes to get to/from each client? Are you looking to get more exercise that goes above and beyond just walks? If you love pets, physical activity, and being outside in nature, we might have a terrific job for you! Our team is a vibrant mix of people from various walks of life: stay-at-home parents, college students, retirees & pre-retirees, and professionals with other occupations but have a few hours of weekday afternoons to spare. What unites them is their deep love for dogs, their appreciation for nature's splendor, and their commitment to physical well-being. If you desire to earn income while exploring the DMV's best nature parks with an incredible crew of dogs, we warmly invite you to delve into our Jobs page for further details.