Do I Need a Dog Walker?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 2 min read · 3 sources

Short answer

You probably need a dog walker if your dog would otherwise go more than about 6 to 8 hours without a bathroom break, if you have a puppy or senior dog, or if your dog isn't getting enough exercise and is restless or destructive. A 30-minute walk costs about $21.45 on average (Rover, 2025), and many breeds need an hour or more of exercise a day.

A dog walker fills the gap between what your dog needs and what your schedule allows. Here's how to tell if you need one.

You likely need a dog walker if...

Situation Why
You're away more than 6–8 hours Trupanion's guidance: adult dogs shouldn't go longer than 6–8 hours between bathroom breaks
You have a puppy A 4-month-old can hold it only about 3–4 hours
You have a senior dog Seniors need a break about every 4–6 hours
Your dog is a high-energy breed Many working and sporting breeds need 2 hours or more of exercise a day
Your dog is restless, barking or destructive Often a sign of unmet exercise or boredom
You can't walk due to injury, illness or travel Keeps your dog's routine steady

How much exercise does your dog need?

A breed-based guide from The Dog Clinic (fact-checked by a veterinarian) suggests ranges like:

  • 30–45 minutes a day: Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, English Bulldog
  • 45–60 minutes: Pug, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer
  • 80–100 minutes: Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky
  • More than 2 hours: Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Border Collie, Rottweiler

If you can't meet these on your own, a midday walk makes a big difference. See how long to walk your dog.

Dog walker, drop-in or daycare?

  • Dog walker: exercise plus a bathroom break; good for confident, healthy dogs.
  • Drop-in visit: better for fearful, elderly or recovering dogs, or dogs needing meds at set times (Rover).
  • Daycare: a full day of supervised play for social dogs; about $40 per day on average.

Cost

Rover's 2025 national average was $21.45 for a 30-minute walk, with five walks a week at about $80 to $125. See how much a dog walker costs.

Find dog walkers and pet sitters near you.

Sources

  1. Trupanion: How often do dogs need bathroom breaks? (2025)
  2. Rover: National dog walking rates (September 2025 data)
  3. The Dog Clinic: How much exercise does your dog need? (fact-checked by Dr. Linda Simon)

Find pet sitters & dog walkers near you

Need someone to walk your dog, feed your cat or stay with your pets at home? Compare local pet sitters and dog walkers by Google rating, reviews and opening hours below.

Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers by state

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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.

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