Group walks vs solo walks
Group walks (several dogs from different households walked together) tend to suit social, easygoing dogs and can be a more affordable option since the cost is shared across the group. Solo walks are one-on-one, which suits dogs that are reactive to other dogs, still building recall, elderly, recovering from an injury, or simply dogs whose owners want a walk tailored exactly to their pace and route. Neither is objectively "better". It comes down to your dog's temperament and what you're both comfortable with.
If you're not sure which would suit your dog, a dog walker who offers both formats can usually advise after a meet-and-greet.
Insurance and what to ask about it
It's reasonable to ask any dog walker whether they hold public liability insurance and, if they handle keys or enter your home, some form of care/custody/control cover. These protect both you and the walker if something goes wrong during a walk (an accident, a dog getting loose, property access issues). A walker who's used to the question won't mind answering it, and most professional walkers carry cover as a matter of course.
Why a meet-and-greet matters
A short meet-and-greet before the first booked walk lets you see how the walker handles your dog, check they're comfortable with your dog's lead manners (or lack of them), and talk through anything specific: reactivity to other dogs, a dodgy hip, resource guarding, an escape-artist streak. It's also a chance to check practical things: how they secure your gate or door, where they'd walk from your place, and what they do if your dog won't come when called.
If your household also uses overnight care, it's worth asking whether the same walker offers pet sitting too. Some owners prefer one trusted person across both.
What good communication looks like
A reliable walker tells you when they've arrived and finished (a text, a photo, or an update through a booking app), flags anything unusual (limping, reluctance to walk, an upset stomach, an encounter with another dog), and is upfront if they're running late or need to reschedule. If a walker is vague about basics like route, duration or what happens in bad weather, that's worth clarifying before you commit to a regular booking.
Ready to find one? Start with local dog walkers near you. If you run a dog walking business, see how Pet Pro's works for dog walkers.