The Going Rate: The Price of a Dog Walk

Those who cherish their pets but can’t always be home to walk them often seek that rare breed of “dog-walker”: one who can show the same love and dedication to taking a stroll with the dog as they would.

To get some prices, we first contacted Claws N Paws Petsitting & Dog Walking. We chose the company due to its high rating on the (aptly named) customer review website Yelp. Claws N Paws owner Jennifer Shafton told Sherman Oaks Patch that her business has seen tremendous growth over the last seven years. She now has a crew of 16 dog walkers and/or pet sitters. 

Claws N Paws charges $20 for a 30-minute walk; $25 for a 45-minute walk and $30 for an hour-long walk. The time spent with your pet may include play time in addition to a walk, depending on your preference. Shafton charges $3 for each additional dog from your household. Walks are done in the client's neighborhood. Walkers do not take dogs to dog parks or canyons, Shafton says, where dog fights may occur.  

Claws N Paws Petsitting & Dog Walking. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Closed Sunday. Seven days a week for dog walking. 818-986-8740.

 All Fur One Pet Services is new to the area. It as kept its Orange County area code, although it now walk dogs in Sherman Oaks. Owner Cori Dunn charges $18 for a 30-minute walk, and $20 for an hour. Walks are normally done around the client's neighborhood. Each extra household dog is $5, up to three dogs. All Fur One will do canyon runs or hikes, which cost $25 for dogs up to 25 pounds, and $30 for dogs over 25 pounds. The canyon runs last an hour and a half and the dogs are always kept on leashes. 

All Fur One Pet Services. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Sunday, except for overnight stays. 714-867-8094.

Care for Cuties owner Shelley Gottlieb has been in the dog-walking business for two years. She charges $15 for a 15- to 20-minute walk; $20 for a 30-minute walk; $24 for a 45-minute walk and $28 for an hour-long walk.

Like the services mentioned above, Care for Cuties only walks dogs for one client at a time. The dogs are walked in their own neighborhoods. Gottlieb gives discounts to regular clients who need their dogs walked three or more times a week. She does not do canyon runs.

Care for Cuties. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 818-269-4766.

Studio City Pets counts Sherman Oaks among the communities it serves. Owner Steve Holroyd has been walking dogs for 10 years. He charges $20 for 30 minutes, $25 for 45 minutes and $30 for a one-hour, private walk. There is an $8 charge for an additional dog. Studio City Pets usually walks dogs in their local neighborhoods, but they will do canyon runs on request. 

 Studio City Pets. Call for hours: 323-309-5157.

Owners of these companies say they are licensed and either bonded or insured, or all three. These are important distinctions to look for when choosing a dog-walking company. As the company owners explain it, a license simply allows the company to do business in the city. A bond covers any damage to your property, up to a certain limit, when the dog walker is at your home. Insurance covers liability, again up to a certain amount, if your dog attacks another dog and you have to cover the vet bills.

The companies offer a free consultation. The dog walker or pet sitter will come to your home and meet with you and your pet. 

These companies are home-based businesses. Their websites feature rates and testimonials.

Remember, we are only giving you the going rate. We are not endorsing any one company. It’s a good practice to ask for references and recommendations before choosing the person who will take your place, however briefly, in your pet’s life.