Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering dog walking in Philadelphia, you probably have a few questions. Below are answers to the things dog owners ask us most often about scheduling walks, safety, weather, and how our team cares for your dog.
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Scheduling and Billing
Getting Started
Getting started is simple. The first step is scheduling a free meet and greet. We will stop by your home to meet you and your dog, learn about your routine, answer any questions, and make sure we're a good fit for one another.
During the meeting, we'll discuss your dog's personality, exercise needs, walking schedule, home access, and anything else that will help us provide great care. Most meet and greets take about 20 minutes.
After the meeting, we'll get your account set up and introduce you to our systems for scheduling, communication, and visit updates. Once everything is in place, your walks can begin. Our goal is to make the process easy, straightforward, and stress-free, both for you and your dog. Ready to get started?
How does getting started with The Monster Minders work?
What Philly neighborhoods do you serve?
We've been based in Bella Vista since 2005 and serve many Philadelphia neighborhoods, typically between Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers and from Spring Garden Street to Snyder Avenue.
Our neighborhoods include: Bella Vista, Queen Village, Society Hill, Washington Square West, Rittenhouse, Fitler Square, Graduate Hospital, Midtown Village, Chinatown, Old City, Loft District, Art Museum, Point Breeze, Newbold, Passyunk Square.
Not sure whether you're in our service area? Feel free to reach out. We're always happy to let you know if we can help.
How soon can walks begin after the meet and greet?
Usually pretty quickly.
Once we've met you and your dog, completed the setup process, and confirmed availability, we're often able to get walks started within a short time frame.
The earlier you reach out, the better. If you're preparing for a new puppy, a job change, or a busier routine, don't wait until your dog is staring at you with the "I haven't had enough exercise" face. A little planning goes a long way.
How much does dog walking cost?
Dog walking rates vary based on the length and frequency of your visits. We offer 20, 30, and 60-minute one-on-one walks, with options designed to fit a variety of schedules and routines. Every monster is different, and we'll help you find a walking schedule that fits both your dog's needs and your daily life.
You can view our pricing and service options on our Services page.
Walks and Dogs
What happens during a dog walk?
That depends completely on the monster.
Some dogs are on a mission to sniff every tree in the neighborhood. Some are all about the exercise. Some prefer a leisurely stroll followed by a drink of water and a good belly rub. Others would happily spend the entire visit convincing us to throw a toy one more time.
Because all of our walks are one-on-one, we can tailor each visit to your dog's personality, energy level, and routine. A typical visit may include a walk, potty break, fresh water, feeding, medication, playtime, paw wiping, treats (if approved), and plenty of attention.
Every household is a little different, and every monster has their own quirks and preferences. Our job is to learn what makes your dog happiest and build a routine around that. After all, your dog is the star of the show. We're just lucky enough to be part of their day.
How do I know what happened?
After every visit, your Minder will send a Visit Report through our app, complete with notes, photos, and updates about your dog's day.
In fact, when we survey our clients, Visit Reports are consistently one of the things they love most about our service. Whether your monster made a new friend, discovered a particularly fascinating block, or simply enjoyed a great walk around the neighborhood, you'll get a firsthand account of the adventure.
Many clients tell us these updates become one of the highlights of their workday. There's something special about getting an unexpected photo of a happy monster while you're busy with your own day. We're happy to give you a happiness jolt!
As an added bonus, our app also allows you to view your upcoming schedule, request changes, update care instructions, and manage billing all in one place
Do you care for puppies?
Yes! We’ve helped care for countless Philadelphia puppies as they grow from wobbly little fluffballs into confident neighborhood dogs.
Many of our clients start with us when their dogs are just a few months old, and we’re lucky enough to watch them grow from puppyhood all the way into their senior years. That means our team has plenty of experience with the rhythms of puppy life.
We’re comfortable supporting things like potty training routines, helping puppies build confidence outside, practicing good leash habits, and giving young dogs the extra patience and encouragement they need while they figure out the world (or at least the sidewalks of Philadelphia.) Urban living can be a big adventure for a puppy, and we’re happy to help them learn the ropes!
Do you care for senior and/or special needs dogs?
Yes. Many of the dogs we care for are older or have specific medical or mobility needs.
During your meet & greet, we’ll take time to learn about your dog’s routine, comfort level, and any special instructions you’d like us to follow. Some senior dogs enjoy a slower stroll around the block, while others prefer a quick potty break and some extra time for affection and companionship.
What if my dog is reactive to other dogs?
Dog reactivity exists on a spectrum, so the answer depends on the individual dog, their size and the severity of their reactivity. Our walkers are used to navigating those situations calmly and safely. As long as your dog can be safely handled by a Minder, dog reactivity alone doesn't prevent them from being a good fit for our service.
Many "reactive" dogs are perfectly happy to ignore other dogs as long as they don't come close. Others may bark, pull, or get overly excited when they see a canine friend across the street. We also walk some dogs on muzzles when it makes the most sense for safety and enriching walks. (We believe muzzles are a sign of deep love and devotion by owners who want to set their dogs up for success.) Because our walks are one-on-one, we're often able to give dogs extra space and avoid situations that make them uncomfortable.
During your meet & greet, we’ll learn about your dog’s triggers and the strategies that work best for them. Dogs whose behavior creates a safety risk for our employees, the public, or other dogs may need a different approach.
For behavioral concerns, we value honesty. Tell us more about your dog and we'll have a candid conversation about if we're the right fit. Our goal is always to make walks a comfortable and predictable part of your dog’s day, regardless of how they feel about other dogs.
Do you walk dogs with a bite history or pups who had problems with other dog walking services?
Generally, no. We'd rather be blunt from the jump. Our service is designed for dogs who are comfortable being handled by dog walkers and having non-family members enter the home. For dogs with a bite history, those who display fear-based aggression toward people (either in the home or in public spaces), or those who become highly stressed when unfamiliar people attempt to leash or handle them, dog walking services are often not the best fit.
We understand that dogs come in all personalities and socialization levels, and many fearful or reactive dogs can thrive with the right support. However, we believe dogs are excellent communicators when it comes to boundaries, and pushing past those boundaries can increase stress and potentially escalate behavior.
If you've recently worked with another dog walking service and it didn't go well because your dog struggled with walkers entering the home or human-reactivity in pubic, it's likely similar challenges would arise with us.
Our top priority is the safety of employees, your dog, and the public. In these situations, we typically recommend working with a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist to build a plan tailored to your dog's needs. In some cases, services may be reconsidered in the future once a behavior professional gives the green light. Safety first, always.
Scheduling and Billing
How does billing work?
We use simple weekly autopay to keep things easy for everyone. Clients are billed on Mondays for the previous week’s walks, so there’s no need to remember invoices or due dates.
Payments are processed through automated ACH, which makes everything seamless and secure. You’ll receive a confirmation before each billing date so there are never any surprises.
Clients can also log into their account anytime to view past invoices, check payment history, tip their favorite Minders, or update their payment details.
How do I change my dog walking schedule?
Making changes is easy with our client app. You can add walks, cancel visits, or update your schedule anytime right from your account.
The app also lets you manage your dog’s care information, update notes about routines or preferences, view past visit reports, and keep everything about your dog in one place.
If you ever need help or have a special request, our managers are always happy to assist. But for most day-to-day updates, clients find the app makes managing their dog’s schedule quick and simple.
How long are your dog walks?
We offer 20, 30, and 60-minute one-on-one dog walks.
Every monster is different. Some dogs are looking for a quick potty break, while others are happiest after a longer adventure around the neighborhood.
If you're unsure which visit length is right for your dog, just ask.
When will my dog be walked?
We schedule walks within two-hour arrival windows rather than at exact times.
When you schedule your free meet and greet, you'll be asked which arrival window you'd prefer. Most visits take place between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on weekdays.
Arrival windows allow us to provide reliable service while accounting for the realities of caring for dozens of Philadelphia dogs each day. Your dog's walk will take place within the arrival window you've selected, and you'll receive a notification as soon as your Minder arrives. If your dog has medication needs or another time-sensitive requirement, please let us know before getting started.
Do you require a minimum number of walks each week?
We do. Every Monster receives at least one walk per week.
Dogs have a funny way of reminding us that relationships matter. A dog who sees us regularly is much more likely to greet us like an old friend than wonder who is trying to leash them up.
Regular visits help us learn each dog's personality, build trust, and notice the little things that make a big difference. It also means that when you need an extra walk, a schedule change, or coverage during a long workday, we're already up to speed on your dog and ready to help.
We've found that dogs are happiest when routines are familiar, and that's a big part of why we've built our service this way. It's safer for dogs and it's safer for our employees.
Do I need the same schedule each week?
Not at all. Some monsters thrive on a predictable routine, while their humans have schedules that seem to change every week.
Many of our clients use a recurring weekday schedule, while others prefer our Flexi service for more variable weekday needs. Recurring schedules receive our best rates, while Flexi offers added flexibility when life doesn't follow a set routine.
Safety, Security and Coverage
Who will be coming into my home?
We understand that giving someone access to your home requires a tremendous amount of trust. All Monster Minders are employees who have been carefully screened, background checked, trained, and supported by our management team. We do not use gig workers or independent contractors.
Since 2005, we've built our company around safety, professionalism, and accountability. Every person who cares for our clients' dogs represents The Monster Minders and is held to the same standards for communication, reliability, and care.
Our goal is simple: to earn and keep your trust.
Will I have the same walker every day?
Most clients are assigned a primary Minder who gets to know their dog's routine, personality, and favorite neighborhood sniffing spots.
For clients on a recurring weekly schedule, that often means seeing the same familiar face week after week. Like everyone else, our Minders are humans and occasionally take vacations, get sick, or need a day off. When that happens, another trained employee may step in to provide coverage so your dog's routine stays uninterrupted.
We believe offering paid time off is important. It allows our employees to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves, which ultimately helps us build a more stable, experienced team for our clients and their dogs.
Clients using our Flexi service (walks changing each week) are typically cared for by a small group of Minders rather than a single walker. This allows us to offer greater scheduling flexibility while still providing consistent care.
No matter who is visiting, our goal is the same: safe, reliable care and a happy monster at the end of the visit.
How do you access my home?
Most of our clients use a lockbox, coded entry system, smart lock, or concierge service to provide access to their homes. These options are convenient, secure, and make it easier for us to provide reliable coverage when needed.
That said, every home is different. During your meet and greet, we'll discuss the access method that makes the most sense for your household and daily routine.
If you're concerned about home access or aren't sure what option would work best, please don't hesitate to ask. We've been helping Philadelphia dog owners solve access challenges since 2005, and there's a good chance we've seen a situation similar to yours before. Feel free to reach out with questions.
What happens during bad weather?
Don’t worry, we won’t melt. We all have all-weather gear for rainy, cold, and snowy days. If your dog has strong feelings about inclement weather, we’ll just go out for a quick potty break and spend the rest of the time playing inside. In extreme weather, such as heat waves, snowstorms, or thunderstorms, services may be modified for the safety of everyone involved.
Over the last two decades, we have dealt with hurricanes, blizzards, Super Bowl parades, and even the Pope. (Remember when the Pope shut the City down?) We have the experience to handle things when nature (or the Birds or the Vatican) sends us curveballs.
Are you insured and bonded?
Of course.
We're professional dog walkers. Being insured and bonded is right up there with carrying poop bags and remembering which monsters prefer belly rubs over ear scratches.
It's an important part of protecting our clients, our employees, and the dogs in our care.
Do you walk dogs in packs?
No.
All of our walks are one-on-one because we believe that's the safest approach for dogs in a busy urban environment like Philadelphia. Pack walking is cliche, but it's not the safest approach.
Even the best-behaved dogs can be startled by a sudden noise, an off-leash dog, a skateboard, construction activity, or any of the countless surprises that come with city living. Managing multiple dogs from different households at the same time increases complexity and reduces the individual attention each dog receives.
By focusing on one dog at a time, we're able to pay closer attention to our surroundings, respond more quickly to unexpected situations, and tailor each walk to that dog's unique needs and comfort level.
Simply put, we've never believed that putting more dogs on a leash at the same time makes a walk better or safer. We'd rather focus on your dog and your dog alone.
Choosing a Dog Walker
What makes you different than the dog walking apps?
Think of it this way: Using a dog walking app can sometimes feel a little like online dating. You scroll through profiles, hope for the best, and cross your fingers that everyone is exactly who they say they are.
We're a little different.
Since 2005, we've been building a local Philadelphia dog walking company based on relationships, consistency, and trust. Our Minders are employees, not gig workers. They're background checked, trained, supported by a management team, and backed by a company that's completed nearly one million walks.
Most importantly, we get to know our clients and their monsters. We're not matching you with the nearest available contractor. We're building a long-term relationship centered around your dog's safety, happiness, and routine.
And if you ever have a question, concern, or scheduling issue, there's a real person ready to help. No algorithms. No customer service black hole. We're your neighbors who genuinely care about dogs and the humans who love them.
Will I be able to speak to someone if I need help?
Absolutely.
While our Minders spend their days out making monsters happy, we have real humans in the office keeping an eye on schedules, answering questions, and helping clients navigate the occasional curveball that life throws their way.
Need to update your dog's routine? Running late and need to leave a note? Have a question about billing? Want to tell us about the hilarious thing your monster did this weekend? We're here for all of it.
One of the advantages of working with a local dog walking company is that when you need help, you don't end up trapped in an endless loop of help articles, chatbots, and mysterious customer service forms. You get an actual person who knows the business and wants to help.
We love dogs, but we happen to like people, too.
Do I need a dog walker if I work from home?
If we're being honest, that's completely up to you. We have plenty of clients who work from home and use our services to keep their pups engaged and happy throughout the day.
Even when someone is home during the day, dogs often benefit from a dedicated walk with fresh air, exercise, and a little neighborhood adventure. It breaks up their day, burns off energy, and gives you uninterrupted time to focus on work, meetings, or just getting things done.
At the end of the day, every monster is different. Some are perfectly content snoozing beside a laptop all afternoon. Others are convinced that every workday should include a proper adventure.
Why are you called The Monster Minders?
Because around here, "monster" is a term of endearment.
Over the years, we've cared for dogs who were mischievous, goofy, stubborn, energetic, lovable, and occasionally just a little bit ridiculous. No matter their size, breed, or personality, they've all been monsters in the very best sense of the word.
And as for "Minders?" That's exactly what we do. We look after Philadelphia's monsters while their humans are busy.
You can read the full story behind our name here.
Why should I choose The Monster Minders?
You know you're going to get a biased answer here, but we've found that most people aren't looking for someone to simply hold a leash. They're looking for peace of mind.
They want to know their dog is getting exercise, attention, companionship, and a midday break from being home alone. They want reliable service, clear communication, and a team they can trust to care for both their dog and their home. They don't want one more thing to worry about.
That's what we've been working to provide since 2005.
Over the years, we've completed nearly one million walks for Philadelphia dogs of every shape, size, age, and personality. Some of those monsters have been with us for years. Some have crossed the rainbow bridge and sent their younger siblings our way. Many of our clients have trusted us through new jobs, new homes, growing families, and all of life's changes.
We're incredibly grateful for that trust, and we work hard to earn it every day.
Ready to meet your monster's new favorite people? Schedule your free meet and greet.