Let's Talk About Wag: What You Need to Know

Posted by The San Francisco Dog Walker

The Rise of On-Demand Dog Walking

A few years back a dog walking company by the name of Wag moved into the world of dog care providers. What made them different from other existing dog walking companies was that they were not a small, local company managed by professional dog walkers, but rather they came in brandishing their guns and tried to monopolize the dog care industry. Wag is a giant, national tech company which was started with 2 million dollars.

By making themselves appear trendy with celebrity endorsements, slick advertisements and an app for quick online scheduling they were off to a fast start. Wag's marketing strategy included the phrase "Uber for dog walkers". It was clever to say the least, given how popular Uber has become. Wag recruits thousands of people without experience and places them on an app, which is very easy to use and it schedules on-demand dog walking services in a snap. Quick, easy and no strings, what more could you want?

The Problem with the "Uber Model" for Dog Care

When a dog walker can be found instantly in one click on a gimmicky website such as Wag, it's important for you to understand that these people, who are signed up to be dog walkers, do not necessarily have any training in dog care. Wag and Rover hire anyone to do their dog walks and are not allowed to provide any training to these people because they are hired as contractors.

This is the fundamental flaw in the gig economy model when applied to pet care. While ordering a ride or food delivery may have minimal consequences if something goes wrong, your dog's safety, wellbeing, and your home security are on the line with dog walking services.

The Hiring Process: What's Missing?

What stands out most about Wag's hiring process is that there doesn't seem to be any attempt to get to know their walkers. According to reports from Glassdoor, the hiring process consists of:

Filling out a multiple choice questionnaire
Watching a video
Attending an exam in which the object is to fit three kinds of harnesses to a dummy dog

It is reported that anyone can fake who they are on the tests and still pass the scrutiny of Wag. There is no shadowing period, no in-person evaluation of how candidates interact with real dogs, and no assessment of their reliability or dedication.

In contrast, professional dog walking services should spend a week or two shadowing candidates out on the job to see how they relate to animals, how dedicated and reliable they may be, and how they handle the stress of being in charge of someone's pet. You have to see them in person to be sure they are capable of doing the job correctly.

The Trust Factor: Who Has Your Key?

Would you really want to give the key to your house to just anyone? Sure, you read over their bios, but do you really know them? Consider these important questions:

Are their references people that live in your neighborhood and have used this person before?
Who are their friends?
Have they been personally vetted by someone with years of experience in dog care?
Do they have proper certification and training?
What is their track record with local clients?

Sure they look trustworthy in their pictures, but you are leaving your key in a lockbox and you have never even met the person that is coming into your house to walk your dog. These are things to think about before hiring Wag to walk your dog.

⚠️ SAFETY CONCERN: When you use an on-demand service, you're often getting a different walker each time. This means no consistent relationship with your dog, no familiarity with your home and routines, and no accountability that comes from an ongoing professional relationship.

What Professional Dog Walkers Offer That Apps Don't

As a professional dog walker in San Francisco for over 19 years, here's what I believe makes the difference:

Experience and Training

Professional certification: dog*tec certified, SFSPCA training, Pet First Aid certified
Years of experience: Understanding dog behavior, handling multiple dogs, recognizing health issues
Ongoing education: Staying current with best practices in animal care

Consistency and Relationships

Same walker every time: Your dog builds trust and comfort with a familiar person
Understanding of your dog's personality: Knowing quirks, preferences, and needs
Familiarity with your home: Knowing your routines, where supplies are kept, emergency contacts

Accountability and Insurance

Licensed and bonded: Proper business licensing and liability insurance
Local reputation: Reviews from neighbors and local community members
Direct relationship: You can call and speak to your actual walker anytime

Specialized Care

Understanding of local regulations: Proper park permits, leash laws, off-leash areas
Knowledge of safe locations: Best trails, parks, and areas for your dog's needs
Small group walks: Carefully selected compatible dogs, not overcrowded groups

The Convenience vs. Quality Trade-Off

Yes, Wag offers convenience. But convenience comes with compromises. When it comes to your dog's safety and your home security, is instant gratification worth the risk?

Consider the difference:

Wag model: Different walker each time, minimal training, no personal relationship, contractor model with limited company oversight
Professional walker: Same experienced person, proper training and certification, ongoing relationship, direct accountability

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Dog Walker

Whether you're considering Wag, Rover, or a local professional, ask these questions:

What training and certification do you have?
Can you provide local references I can contact?
Will I have the same walker each time?
What is your emergency protocol if my dog gets sick or injured?
Do you have liability insurance and bonding?
Can I meet you in person before hiring you?
How many dogs do you walk at once?
What are your qualifications for handling reactive or anxious dogs?
Do you have proper park permits if required in my area?
How do you communicate with clients about their dog's walk?

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious if a dog walking service:

Can't provide local, verifiable references
Doesn't offer to meet you and your dog before the first walk
Doesn't have proper licensing or insurance
Uses a different walker each time without explanation
Walks dogs in large, unmanageable groups
Doesn't have clear emergency protocols
Operates without proper business licenses
Doesn't provide direct access to the actual walker

Need a San Francisco Dog Walker? I've been providing professional, reliable dog walking services in San Francisco since 2007. I'm dog*tec certified, bonded, and insured, and I personally walk every dog in my care. Contact me here to discuss your dog's needs.

What the Reviews Say

Wag may have taken the on-demand dog walking business by storm, but what they didn't count on was the scrutiny and backlash they would get from their participants. Don't just take my word for it—do your research:

The Bottom Line

Your dog isn't an Uber ride. Your home isn't a food delivery. Pet care requires experience, expertise, trust, and consistency. While app-based services offer convenience, they sacrifice the personal relationships, professional expertise, and accountability that come with working with an experienced, local professional.

When choosing someone to care for your beloved pet and enter your home, don't let convenience override careful consideration. Ask questions, check references, meet in person, and choose someone who has the experience and dedication to provide the quality care your dog deserves.

After 19 years walking dogs in San Francisco, I can tell you this: there are no shortcuts when it comes to quality pet care. Your dog—and your peace of mind—are worth the extra effort of finding the right professional for the job.