Do Dogs Need a Dog Walker if You Work From Home in Philadelphia?
- Carrie Maria
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
For years, the answer seemed obvious. If you worked from an office all day, your dog probably needed a midday walk. If you worked from home, problem solved. (This is why so many of us in this industry had a very topsy turvy era during the pandemic.)
But after more than 21 years walking Philadelphia dogs, we've noticed something interesting: Many of the dogs who benefit most from dog walking actually have owners who work from home.
That surprises a lot of people.
After all, if you're sitting ten feet away from your dog why would you need a professional dog walker?
The short answer is that dogs need more than proximity. They need routine, mental stimulation, exercise, and opportunities to get out and experience the world. For many dogs, a dedicated walk can still make a huge difference, even when their favorite person is home all day.
Being Home Isn't the Same as Being Available
Here's the thing - Most remote workers are actually... working.
You're on Zoom calls.
You're answering emails.
You're trying to finish a project before a deadline.
Meanwhile, your dog is staring at you from across the room wondering why you've been sitting in the same chair for three hours. Many work-from-home dog owners discover that their dog gets plenty of companionship but not necessarily enough activity during the day.
A professional dog walker creates a dedicated break in the routine. Instead of waiting until the workday is over, your dog gets a chance to stretch their legs, sniff the neighborhood, and burn off some energy in the middle of the day.
Philadelphia Dogs Live in a Different Environment
City dogs have different needs than dogs with large backyards. Their walks are often their primary source of exercise, enrichment, and mental stimulation. A walk through Bella Vista, Rittenhouse Square, Queen Village, or Point Breeze is not just exercise. (or a chance to pee.)
It's a chance to experience new smells, sights, sounds, and environments. Dogs check in on neighborhood gossip, check their pee-mail, leave some pee-mail, etc. For dogs, sniffing a tree outside a coffee shop can be every bit as engaging as physical exercise.
That mental stimulation matters!
Work-From-Home Dogs Can Still Get Bored
One of the most common things we hear from remote workers is:
"But my dog sleeps all day."
That's true for a lot of dogs! The question is what happens when they're awake.
Some dogs handle a quiet workday beautifully. Others spend the day pacing, staring out the window, barking at delivery drivers, demanding attention during meetings, or inventing their own entertainment.
A regular dog walking schedule gives many dogs something predictable to look forward to. Dogs thrive on routine, and a dedicated walk often becomes one of the highlights of their day.
We've worked with countless Philly professionals who are home all day but still schedule regular walks because they know their dog is happier, calmer, and easier to live with afterward. It's also a time saver for them - we can take care of a solid 20, 30 or 60 minutes of exercise so they can focus on work or fun!
A tired dog isn't necessarily a good dog. But a fulfilled dog usually is!
Puppies Are a Special Case
If you have a puppy, a dog walker can be incredibly helpful even if you're home most days. Let's face it, puppies ARE WORK. Cute work, but definitely work.
Puppies benefit from:
More frequent potty breaks
Consistent routines
Socialization opportunities
Age-appropriate exercise
Mental enrichment
Many puppy owners have us visit twice a day for shorter walks (to help prevent accidents and solidify potty training.)
Hybrid Workers Often Benefit the Most
Many of our clients have hybrid schedules. They're home Monday and Friday but commuting to the office other days Tuesday through Thursday. Or they occasionally go to the office, but it's not on set schedule. From their dog's perspective, their time at home is hot and cold.
A professional dog walker helps create consistency. Instead of your dog having completely different routines depending on the day of the week, they know what to expect. A walk can provide that consistency regardless of whether you're working from home or heading into the office.
So, Do Remote Workers Need a Dog Walker?
If we're being honest, Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
Not every dog "needs" professional dog walking. Will most dogs benefit from it? Absolutely! (Yes, we're clearly biased. But we also know how much calmer our own dog is after he goes for a decent walk.)
Some owners have flexible schedules that allow them to provide plenty of exercise throughout the day. But many work-from-home dog owners discover that a regular walk improves their dog's quality of life without impacting their professional productivity during the workday.
Remember, dog walk isn't always necessarily about solving a problem. Often, it's simply about making a good day even better. For many pups, getting out for an adventure with their trusted dog walker is one of the best parts of the day.
(And honestly, most dogs seem pretty excited about that arrangement.)
Some dogs are perfectly happy snoozing through your workday. Others are counting the minutes until their next adventure.
If you think your dog might enjoy a midday break, we'd love to meet them. Schedule a free Meet & Greet and we'll talk through your routine, answer your questions, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your monster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs need a dog walker if someone works from home?
Many dogs still benefit from professional dog walking even when their owner works remotely. A walk provides exercise, mental stimulation, routine, and a break from the indoor environment. Whether a dog needs a dog walker depends on their age, energy level, personality, and daily routine. (But we think most will benefit!)
Is hiring a dog walker worth it for remote workers?
For many Philadelphia dog owners, yes. A professional dog walker can provide a dedicated outing while owners focus on work. Many clients find their dogs are calmer, happier, and more settled after regular walks.
How often should a work-from-home dog be walked?
Most dogs benefit from at least one meaningful walk during the workday. Some dogs do well with a few shorter outings, while others benefit from longer walks depending on their age, health, and energy level. We work with our clients to find the perfect mix for their lifestyle and schedule.
Can a dog walker help a puppy if I work from home?
Absolutely. Puppies often need more frequent potty breaks, exercise, and routine than adult dogs. A professional dog walker can help support potty training and provide valuable daytime enrichment. (So you can focus on work, not cleaning up potty accidents!)
How do I know if my dog would benefit from a dog walker?
Signs include excess energy at the end of the day, restlessness during work hours, frequent attention-seeking behavior, boredom, or difficulty settling. Many dogs simply enjoy the added exercise and enrichment that regular dog walks provide.
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