You want the best dog walker for your four-legged friend, but the last thing you have time for is filtering through an endless stream of results. So, we’ve done the work for you! Here’s our top picks for D.C. dog walkers:
1. Patrick’s Pet Care
Columbia Heights & Brookland, Washington, D.C.
With hundreds of five-star reviews and professional, local staff with long-term investment in the area, Patrick’s Pet Care has a reputation within the D.C. community that speaks for itself. Voted Best of DC for three years running for dog walking by readers of Washington City Paper and voted Top Pet Care Provider by readers of Washingtonian Magazine, Patrick’s Pet Care strives to provide local service by familiar faces. Their commitment to customer satisfaction means going above and beyond the basics of effective dog walking. Their walkers will even bring packages in from your front step to ensure security. Patrick’s Pet Care serves nearly all of Northwest and Northeast D.C. and is expanding its service area all the time.
2. Fairy Tails
Cardozo, Washington, D.C.
The Fairy Tails staff has vast pet care experience, particularly with dog walking. Since 2012, the company has provided the Bloomingdale and Shaw areas with top-of-the-line walking services, including pre- and post-walk care, such as water changes and feeding. Even potty training-related incidents in your home will be cleaned up and reported to owners if noticed.
3. DC Dog Sitter
Downtown, Washington, D.C.
DC Dog Sitter treats each of its Georgetown clients like an MVP, offering complimentary instant-messaging and pet report cards complete with photos at the end of service. Its staff is also trained in first aid/CPR, so potential medical emergencies are quickly and appropriately addressed under their supervision.
4. Brighter Days Collective
Cardozo, Washington, D.C.
After 13 years in the dog walking field, Brighter Days understands that people work hardest when they are personally invested in what they do. That’s why each employee at the Cardozo-based company is a “co-owner,” spreading responsibilities equally across the staff to ensure every client receives the best service the Collective has to offer. Clients can expect direct lines of communication with their assigned care provider, making it significantly easier to discuss their pup’s unique needs.
5. Dog Walking D.C.
Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.
The well-being of animals is a cornerstone of DWDC’s company philosophy. Their rescued pets policy perfectly illustrates this, offering discounts on all their services to owners of formerly-sheltered dogs. Owners in the northwest D.C.-area looking for one-on-one walks will find DWDC’s staff ready and willing to give your dog the attention they need.
6. Woof Walk D.C.
For much of her life, Woof Walk’s founder/owner showed a passion for pet care, having worked at rescue shelters, training facilities, and other pet care organizations. She has since spent nearly 20 years learning the unique walking needs of D.C. dogs. This extensive experience benefits clients in Columbia Heights, Bloomingdale and many more areas.
7. Saving Grace Petcare
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
Understanding each client’s needs is critical to building a healthy relationship between dog and walker. For this reason, Saving Grace wants to meet your pet to gauge the dog’s personality. This assessment helps to determine whether Saving Grace can provide the best service to you and your dog, allowing Capitol Hill-based owners to rest assured that their four-legged friend is in caring hands.
8. Walk With Renzo & Ruby
Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.
Satisfaction is at the forefront of Renzo & Ruby’s priorities. Their Client Happiness Team offers dedicated support to clients to make sure they have the best dog walking experience for their pets. Renzo & Ruby also offers discounts to repeat customers, emphasizing their focus on customer satisfaction. Their expansive coverage of southern and central D.C. has equipped them with an extensive understanding of the best routes for the area.
9. John the Dog Walker
Hill East, Washington, D.C.
Nearly every pet owner can attest to a sense of discomfort when leaving their dog with someone else. As a fellow owner, John the Dog Walker is well aware of this feeling, providing detailed messages about where, when, and how your dog was walked on their appointment.
10. Underdogs Pet Care
Mt Pleasant, Washington, D.C.
Underdogs’ service hours are tailored primarily for owners with standard working hours, offering walks anywhere from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. to accommodate professionals’ busy midday schedules (though evening walks are also available from 4 to 6 p.m., if needed). Owners who have one dog and wish for a more social experience will benefit from the organization’s group walks. Your dog will have the same walker every day, and with a staff of D.C. natives, they’ll never lack for new areas to explore.