Somerville Dog Walking Service/Dog Walker Recs?

[ratheripped.livejournal.com]

Couldn't find anything recent about dog walkers so I figured I'd ask. I'm looking for a good, not too painfully expensive mid-day dog walker to come by our house in Porter and take our pooch out for a stroll on weekdays. I'm not a fan of giving someone I don't know access to my house (the doggie daycare options just aren't convenient for us), so solid, trustworthy recommendations are really appreciated. Also if you can let me know what their rates are like that would be helpful too.

Thanks in advance.

Comments

[ron_newman]

I tagged this 'pets'. This earlier post may be helpful.

[freedmam.livejournal.com]

I'd recommend On the Run. Pat and Yaron are amazing. They did a great job with my pup...and taught me a lot along the way. My dog was always sorry to come home -- he was having so much fun with them. They pick up a few dogs and take them to the dog park for an hour. Can't recommend them enough. I'm not sure what their current rates are or their availability... but here's their link

http://www.ontherunboston.com/On_the_Run/Home.html

[meflaher.livejournal.com]

My response from the earlier post remains the same. I have been using Gone with the Dogs for about 5 years now. I have never had a problem or felt uncomfortable about having them come in my house. The website is gonewiththedogs.net and it runs about $17 a walk.

[ratheripped.livejournal.com]

Thanks, I shot them an email....says back in January they were taking new clients, so hopefully they have some space in their schedule for our pup.

[omnia-mutantur.livejournal.com]

Wags While You Work has done terrifically by my dog. It's about $20 a walk, but I think it's cheaper if your dog isn't as much of a jerk as mine can occasionally be. PM me if you'd like me to gush about Amy and Jenny.

[upsidown.livejournal.com]

In Praise of Pets has done a great job with my cats, and I think that their primary focus is actually dogs.

http://inpraiseofpets.com/In_Praise_of_Pets/Welcome.html

[houlette.livejournal.com]

I'd second Gone with the Dogs. Our dog has been walked by them since he was a pup, also about five years ago, and they've been great.

[ritcey.livejournal.com]

We love Paws In The Ville - http://www.pawsintheville.com/

1 hr. + walks or playgroups - playgroups (which we use) are 3 dogs, max & are $25. I believe walks are one-on-one & $30, but don't quote me on that.

Minimum of 2 services a week.

We send our pup to playgroup with Mel twice a week (so I can get an actual lunch-hour - I work from home) & it's usually 1 1/2 or so. The dog is insanely happy to see Mel & tuckered out after her outing. We'll often get a short movie of the outing and it's clear the dogs are having a blast.

They were recommended to us by a happy customer & we've since referred other people who are similarly happy.

[witchdogtor.livejournal.com]

You have some great options, here, and -in an act of shameless self-promotion- I'll add myself to the list in case you don't find what you're looking for. I am a local dog walker (Ball Sq) with a small list of clients, but I would consider taking another. Honestly, the Historic (Dog) Walking Tours (http://historictours.wordpress.com) are pretty fun.

Half-hour walks are $15, and one hour is $25. I have a ton of experience and am insured, but will leave it at that, rather than gush a spiel of salesmanship here on DSLJ. If you're interested, just message me and I will gladly answer any questions you may have, and provide as many references as you'd like.

As a nod to someone else... I am a canine herbalist and, after a talk I gave last month, Amy from Wags While You Work approached me to ask a question. We spoke at length and I was really impressed with her attitude - she was there not only to broaden her own knowledge, but to find out more about something her clients had been asking about. That's great customer service.