When asked to picture what life is like as a dog owner, many people include walking their dog in that vision. However, studies show fewer dog owners walk their dogs than you might expect. Psychology Today reports that only about 40% of pet owners walk their dogs regularly, yet 78% of people surveyed believe dogs should be walked twice a day. Perhaps the dog walking industry's notable growth is due to pet owners’ desire to help close the gap. According to IBIS World, the dog-walking industry reached $1.7 billion in 2023 as more pet owners rely on dog-walking services to help care for their pets.
Dog walkers help keep our pets happy and healthy through regularly scheduled enrichment and exercise. If you use a dog-walking service, September 8th is the perfect time to show appreciation to your dog walker for being an important part of your pet’s life.
You may not know your dog walker well, but your pup sure does! Here are some gift ideas to show your appreciation for the dog walker in your life.
Why not surprise your dog walker with a kind note and refreshments when they drop by this week? For someone always on the go, a cold sports drink, bottled water, or protein bar may give them a needed boost on a long day of walking.
Gift cards may be commonplace, but you can personalize a gift card by paying attention to what your dog walker likes. Do they typically wear a certain brand of walking shoes or athletic clothes? Do they always stop at the same cafe for their morning coffee? A gift card for a brand they love could be a useful and thoughtful gesture.
Looking for something a bit more sustainable? Consider a reusable water bottle with a carabiner for staying hydrated on the go. Another hydration solution typically used by hikers and athletes is a water-filled backpack, like the ones made popular by Camelbak.
Dog walkers are dog people by nature, who will likely enjoy a heartfelt story featuring our canine companions. You could opt to gift your dog walker a novel such as The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, or A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron. For a non-fiction option, try How Dogs Love Us by Gregory Berns.
Chances are, your dog walker is also a dog owner. If your walker has a pup of their own, there are plenty of personalized gifts for dog owners. Try searching on Etsy or at a local farmers’ market for anything from personalized collars and bandanas to custom pet portraits.
Regardless of how you recognize your dog walker, it’s important to show appreciation for the people who care for our pets. Taking a moment to say “thank you” in person or via a handwritten note is meaningful. Aside from sharing kind words with your dog walker, something that can help them even more is a client testimonial. If your dog walker has a Google, Rover, Wag, or Care.com profile, writing a positive 5-star review is a gift that will help them be successful for years to come.