Note: This is a new page on the site and as such the amount of content is currently a little light. We are adding new terms daily and hope to have several hundred added over the next month or so. Thanks for your patience! (Updated 6/27/25)
Whether youâre a dog owner researching professional walking services or an aspiring entrepreneur launching your own dog walking business, understanding industry terminology is essential for making informed decisions and building credibility.
This comprehensive glossary breaks down the key terms youâll encounter in the dog walking worldâfrom business operations and insurance requirements to critical health conditions and behavioral challenges.
For dog owners, these definitions will help you evaluate service providers, understand pricing structures, and communicate effectively about your petâs needs.
For current and future dog walking professionals, this resource provides the foundational knowledge needed to operate safely, speak confidently with clients, and build a successful business.
Each definition is crafted to be practical and actionable, focusing on real-world applications rather than academic theory.
Youâll find essential business terminology alongside crucial health and safety information that every dog walker should know, making this a valuable reference.
A
Animal Bailee Insurance Insurance that provides coverage when legally liable for injuries, damages, or death of animals in your care, regardless of fault. Covers emergency veterinary expenses and is distinct from general liability insurance.
B
Background Check Criminal history screening required by many professional dog walking services and insurance providers. Verifies no history of animal abuse, theft, or violent crimes. Often mandatory for accessing client homes and building trust.
Barrier Frustration Type of reactivity where dogs become agitated when restrained by leashes while wanting to access something (another dog, person, or stimulus). Often misinterpreted as aggression but stems from inability to reach desired target.
Bonding Coverage Insurance protection against theft, fraud, or dishonest acts by dog walking employees or the business owner. Covers situations like employee theft of client property or accusations of stealing from client homes.
Bordetella Common bacterial cause of kennel cough requiring vaccination for most boarding facilities and dog daycares. Professional dog walkers often require proof of Bordetella vaccination before accepting new clients to prevent disease transmission.
Brachycephalic Breeds Dog breeds with shortened muzzles and compressed airways including Pugs, French Bulldogs, and English Bulldogs. These breeds overheat rapidly due to compromised breathing efficiency and require extra hydration monitoring during walks and shortened exercise periods in warm weather.
C
Cancellation Policy Written terms outlining notice requirements and fees for cancelled dog walking services. Typically requires 24-48 hours advance notice to avoid charges. Essential for managing walker schedules and ensuring fair compensation.
Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) Medical term for kennel cough affecting a dogâs respiratory system. Highly contagious airborne infection causing persistent hacking cough. Professional walkers must recognize symptoms and isolate affected dogs immediately.
Care, Custody, and Control Coverage Specialized insurance covering pets that are injured, lost, stolen, or die while in a professional dog walkerâs care. Essential coverage since standard general liability policies exclude property (including pets) temporarily in your possession.
Cool-Down Period Gradual reduction of activity at the end of each walk allowing dogs to return to resting heart rate and prevent muscle stiffness. Essential for senior dogs and after intense exercise. Typically involves 5-10 minutes of slow walking and sniffing time.
Corporate Veil Legal protection separating business and personal assets when properly maintaining an LLC or corporation. Dog walking businesses must follow specific procedures to preserve this protection from lawsuits and debts.
D
DBA (Doing Business As) Legal registration allowing sole proprietors to operate under a business name different from their personal name. Costs $10-150 depending on state. Essential for professional credibility and marketing efforts.
Dehydration Dangerous condition where dogs lose more fluids than they consume, especially during exercise or hot weather. Signs include excessive panting, dry gums, lethargy, and loss of skin elasticity. Requires immediate attention and water access.
Dehydration Signs Physical and behavioral indicators that a dog needs immediate water access including excessive panting, dry or sticky gums, thick saliva, reduced skin elasticity, sluggish movement, and seeking shade persistently. Early recognition prevents emergency veterinary situations.
Displacement Behaviors Normal behaviors performed out of context when dogs are stressed or conflicted, such as yawning when not tired, lip licking when not thirsty, or scratching when not itchy. Important stress indicators for dog walkers.
Drop-In Visit Short visits (15-30 minutes) primarily for potty breaks and basic needs checking, distinct from full walks. Often used for puppies, senior dogs, or as midday relief for working pet owners who need bathroom breaks rather than exercise.
E
EIN (Employer Identification Number) Federal tax ID number required for business bank accounts and tax filings. Also called Federal Tax ID. Necessary for LLCs and corporations, optional for sole proprietors without employees.
Emergency Rate Premium pricing (50-100% surcharge) for same-day or urgent dog walking requests outside normal booking windows. Compensates walkers for schedule disruption and immediate availability requirements.
Emergency Response Protocol Standardized steps for addressing dog dehydration during walks including moving to shade, offering small frequent water amounts, applying cool water to paw pads and inner thighs, and seeking veterinary care for severe symptoms like vomiting or collapse.
Exercise Conditioning Gradual process of building a dogâs stamina and fitness through progressively longer walks. Prevents overexertion injuries by allowing muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system to adapt safely. Critical for sedentary dogs starting new exercise routines.
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) Genetic condition causing weakness and collapse during or after intense exercise, most common in Labrador Retrievers. Signs include hind leg weakness, abnormal gait, and collapse within 5-25 minutes of exercise.
F
Fear Aggression Most common form of dog aggression characterized by rapid nips followed by retreat. Dogs display progressive warning signs including stiffening, hard stares, growling, and showing teeth before escalating to snapping or biting.
Front-Clip Harness Anti-pull harness with leash attachment at the chest that redirects pulling energy into rotational movement, preventing neck strain. Gentler alternative to traditional collars for dogs that pull during walks.
G
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) Emergency condition commonly called âbloatâ where a dogâs stomach fills with gas and potentially twists, cutting off blood flow. Signs include swollen abdomen, unsuccessful vomiting attempts, and restlessness. Requires immediate emergency veterinary care.
General Business License Local permit required to legally operate a dog walking business in most jurisdictions. Requirements vary by city and county. Some areas require additional permits for commercial use of public parks.
GPS Tracking Collar Technology providing real-time location monitoring of dogs during walks through subscription services. Popular brands include Tractive, Whistle, and Fi GPS, typically costing $5-10/month for tracking services.
GPS Tracking Service Real-time location monitoring showing clients exactly where their dog is during walks. Popular apps include Wag, Rover, and specialized pet tracking devices. Increases transparency and client confidence.
Group Walk Dynamics Managing multiple dogs simultaneously requires understanding pack behavior, leash management, and individual dog personalities. Industry standard recommends maximum 4-6 dogs per walker for safety and adequate supervision.
H
Heat Index Combined temperature and humidity measurement determining safe outdoor activity levels for dogs. Above 85°F requires shortened walks; above 95°F with high humidity necessitates indoor exercise only. Essential metric for professional dog walkers.
Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia) Life-threatening condition when a dogâs body temperature exceeds 104°F, with critical temperatures reaching 107-109°F. Signs include heavy panting, bright red gums progressing to pale/blue, staggering, and collapse. Requires immediate veterinary attention.
Holiday Surcharge Additional fees (25-50% premium) charged for dog walking services on holidays and peak demand periods when walker availability is limited. Standard industry practice during major holidays and vacation periods.
Hydration Requirements Dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily, with significantly more required during exercise and warm weather. Professional dog walkers must calculate individual needs based on weight, activity level, temperature, and breed characteristics.
I
Incident Report Formal documentation of accidents, injuries, behavioral issues, or unusual events occurring during dog walks. Required by insurance providers and essential for liability protection. Should include time, location, witnesses, actions taken, and follow-up care provided.
Indoor Exercise Alternatives Substitute activities providing physical and mental stimulation when outdoor walks arenât possible due to weather, health, or safety concerns. Includes puzzle feeders, stair climbing, hide-and-seek games, and training sessions for maintaining dog fitness.
Intake Form Comprehensive client questionnaire collecting essential information about dogâs health history, behavioral quirks, emergency contacts, veterinary details, and specific care instructions. Forms the foundation of personalized service and helps prevent health or safety issues.
Isolation Period Mandatory quarantine time for dogs with contagious conditions like kennel cough, typically lasting 10-14 days after symptom resolution. Professional walkers must refuse service during this period to prevent disease transmission to other clients.
J
K
Kennel Cough Highly contagious respiratory infection causing persistent dry cough in dogs. Spreads through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces. Infected dogs must be isolated from other pets until symptoms resolve completely.
Key Holding Service Professional dog walking service where walkers maintain secure access to client homes through lockboxes, smart locks, or physical keys. Requires bonding insurance and background checks for security.
L
Leash Training Teaching dogs to walk calmly without pulling, lunging, or aggressive behavior toward other dogs or people. Essential skill for safe group walks and professional dog walking services. Reduces stress and injury risk for both dogs and handlers.
Liability Waiver Legal document signed by pet owners acknowledging inherent risks of dog walking services and agreeing not to sue for related claims. Cannot waive gross negligence or intentional misconduct but provides some legal protection.
LLC (Limited Liability Company) Business structure protecting personal assets from business lawsuits and debts. Most recommended structure for dog walking businesses. Provides liability protection while maintaining simple tax filing as pass-through entity.
Lost Dog Action Plan: A lost dog action plan is a comprehensive emergency protocol that professional dog walkers follow when a clientâs pet goes missing during services. This systematic approach includes immediate response procedures, client communication strategies, search coordination with authorities, and documentation requirements. Professional dog walkers use these standardized protocols to maximize recovery chances while protecting their business liability and maintaining client trust during pet emergencies.
M
Martingale Collar Limited-slip collar that tightens when dogs pull but never fully chokes, preventing escape while maintaining comfort. Preferred safety equipment for dogs prone to backing out of regular collars during walks.
Meet & Greet Initial consultation between dog walker, pet owner, and dog before services begin. Establishes rapport, reviews care instructions, emergency contacts, and house rules. Essential for successful long-term client relationships.
Mental Stimulation Cognitive enrichment activities during walks including sniffing exploration, route variety, and basic training exercises. Equally important as physical exercise for preventing behavioral issues and reducing anxiety. Essential component of quality professional dog walking services.
Multi-Dog Coupling System Professional equipment allowing safe walking of multiple dogs simultaneously using auto-locking carabiners and swivel connections to prevent tangling. Industry standard recommends maximum 4-6 dogs per walker for safety.
Multi-Dog Discount Reduced pricing (typically 10-30% off) for additional dogs from the same household walked together. Common pricing strategy that increases revenue per visit while providing cost savings for clients with multiple pets.
N
Night Walks Evening or after-dark dog walking services requiring reflective gear, LED lighting, and heightened safety awareness. Typically command premium pricing due to increased risks and limited walker availability during these hours.
Notice Period Required advance notification time for service cancellations, schedule changes, or contract termination. Most professional services require 24-48 hours notice to avoid cancellation fees and allow proper schedule adjustments for other clients.
O
Overexertion Condition when dogs are pushed beyond their physical limits during exercise. Signs include excessive panting, stumbling, or collapse. More common in senior dogs, puppies, or breeds with breathing difficulties.
P
Pack Walk A professional dog walking service where one walker takes multiple dogs (typically 3-6) out together, mimicking natural pack behavior with the walker acting as pack leader. More cost-effective than individual walks while providing socialization opportunities for dogs.
Package Deal Pre-paid bundles of multiple walks (typically 5-10) offering 10-20% savings over individual booking rates. Provides clients cost savings while ensuring committed revenue for dog walking businesses.
Pass-Through Taxation Tax structure where LLC or sole proprietorship business income is reported on ownerâs personal tax return rather than separate business taxes. Avoids double taxation while simplifying filing requirements.
Paw Pad Burns Thermal injuries from hot pavement or surfaces during walks. Occurs when asphalt temperature exceeds 125°F, typically on days above 77°F. Test surfaces with bare hand before walks; if too hot to touch, postpone outdoor exercise.
Pneumonia Serious lung infection that can develop from untreated kennel cough, especially in young, elderly, or immunocompromised dogs. Requires immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Portable Water Equipment Specialized gear for providing dogs water during walks including squeeze bottles with pop-up spouts, collapsible silicone bowls, insulated carriers, and bottles with built-in drinking surfaces. Essential equipment for professional dog walking services and long walks.
Professional Liability Insurance Coverage protecting dog walking businesses against claims of professional negligence, failure to deliver promised services, or alleged misconduct. Covers legal defense costs when clients claim inadequate care or service failures.
R
Reactivity Exaggerated emotional response to stimuli (other dogs, people, vehicles) that wouldnât typically elicit such responses in well-socialized dogs. Characterized by lunging, barking, growling, or pulling intensely on leash toward or away from triggers.
Real-Time Updates Live communication system providing clients immediate notifications about their dogâs walk progress, including photos, location tracking, and completion confirmations. Standard feature of most professional dog walking apps.
Recurring Services Regular, pre-scheduled walks (daily, weekly, etc.) for consistent clients, typically offering discounted rates compared to one-time bookings. Forms the foundation of most professional dog walking businesses for predictable income and client relationships.
Resource Guarding Protective behavior where dogs become possessive around water sources, especially during group walks. Professional dog walkers must space water bowls appropriately and supervise drinking to ensure all dogs receive adequate hydration without conflicts.
Route Planning Strategic scheduling of dog walks to minimize travel time between clients and maximize efficiency. Professional dog walkers use software and GPS optimization to create logical geographical clusters for daily walking routes.
Rover Pet care marketplace connecting dog owners with independent sitters and walkers in their neighborhood. Offers dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, and daycare services with detailed sitter profiles, customer reviews, and photo updates. Users can book specific caregivers for ongoing relationships.
S
S-Corporation Election Tax designation allowing LLC or corporation owners to potentially reduce self-employment taxes by paying themselves a âreasonable salaryâ and taking remaining profits as distributions. For profitable dog walking businesses earning $60,000+, can provide significant tax savings, but requires separate payroll processing and additional compliance costs.
Seasonal Hydration Year-round water management recognizing that dogsâ hydration needs change with weather conditions. Winterâs dry air and heated environments increase fluid loss, while summer heat dramatically elevates water requirements during walks and outdoor activities.
Service Radius The geographical boundary within which a dog walking business provides services, typically measured in miles from a central location. Most professional walkers operate within a 5-10 mile radius to maintain efficient scheduling and response times.
Skin Tent Test Field assessment for dehydration performed by gently pinching loose skin between dogâs shoulder blades. Normal hydration shows immediate return; 1-2 second delay indicates mild dehydration requiring water; 3+ seconds necessitates veterinary attention.
Slip Lead Single-piece leash that tightens around a dogâs neck when pulled, combining collar and leash functions. Useful for quick control but requires careful handling to prevent choking. Popular among professional dog walkers.
Sniffing Time Designated periods during walks allowing dogs to explore scents for mental enrichment and stress reduction. Research shows sniffing provides cognitive stimulation equivalent to physical exercise. Professional walkers should incorporate 20-30% sniffing time into structured walks.
Sole Proprietorship Simplest business structure where owner and business are legally the same entity. No liability protection for personal assets. Default structure if no formal business entity is established.
Solo Walk Individual dog walking service where one dog receives exclusive attention from the walker. Premium pricing compared to group walks but offers personalized care and flexible scheduling for specific needs.
T
Temperature Regulation Dogsâ limited cooling mechanisms relying primarily on panting and minimal paw pad sweating. Unlike humans, dogs struggle to regulate body temperature during exercise, making proper hydration and heat awareness critical for safe walking activities.
Tracheal Collapse Progressive condition where cartilage rings supporting the trachea weaken and flatten, causing airway obstruction. Characterized by distinctive âgoose honkâ cough triggered by excitement, exercise, or collar pressure. Common in small breeds.
U
Umbrella Insurance Additional liability coverage extending beyond standard general liability policy limits. Provides extra protection against major lawsuits or claims. Typically costs $200-400 annually for $1-2 million additional coverage.
V
Veterinary Emergency Life-threatening medical situation requiring immediate professional intervention during walks, such as heat stroke, bloat, or severe injury. Professional walkers must know emergency procedures, nearest veterinary clinics, and client emergency contacts.
Visit Confirmation: Post-walk communication providing clients with service completion verification, typically including photos, GPS tracking data, duration, and notes about dogâs behavior, bathroom breaks, or any concerns that arose during the visit.
W
Wag: On-demand dog walking app providing same-day service through vetted, background-checked walkers. Features real-time GPS tracking, live photo updates, and insurance coverage for walks. Focuses primarily on dog walking services with standardized pricing and immediate booking availability.
Walk Report Detailed summary documenting each walkâs duration, route, bathroom activities, behavioral observations, and any incidents. Essential for maintaining service records, tracking dogâs health patterns, and communicating effectively with pet owners.
Walk Scheduling Consistent timing of daily dog walks to establish routine and support digestive health, anxiety management, and behavioral training. Professional services typically offer morning, midday, and evening time slots to accommodate client and dog needs.
Water Breaks Scheduled rest periods during walks for hydration, typically every 15-20 minutes during active walks with increased frequency in warm weather. Professional dog walkers use these strategic stops to prevent dehydration and monitor dog comfort levels.
Weather Policy Written guidelines outlining service modifications during extreme weather conditions like storms, heat advisories, or freezing temperatures. Protects both dogs and walkers while setting clear client expectations for service adjustments.
Wellness Check Brief health assessment during each visit noting changes in dogâs appetite, energy level, mobility, or behavior patterns. Helps identify potential health issues early and provides valuable information for owners and veterinarians.
Y
Yard Time Supervised outdoor play session in securely fenced areas as alternative to traditional neighborhood walks. Particularly beneficial for reactive dogs, during extreme weather, or when dogs need exercise but shouldnât interact with other pets.
Z
Zoning Permits Local government approvals required for commercial dog walking operations in residential areas. Requirements vary by municipality but may restrict group sizes, operating hours, or require special permits for business use of public spaces.
