Why Our Dog Walkers Are Employees,
Not Independent Contractors
When someone enters your home and cares for your dog while you're away, how they are employed matters. Many dog owners don't realize that the person entering their home may not actually work for the comapany they booked through.
At Top Dog Walk, every walker is a trained W-2 employee who is part of our professional team. That means consistent standards, real accountability, and reliable care you can trust.
Many local dog walking services and most app-based platforms rely on independent contractors instead.
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We believe your dog deserves better than a gig worker.
A Different Approach to Dog Walking
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Many dog walking companies are structured like marketplaces.
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Walkers sign up as independent contractors and accept visits when it works for them. This model is common for large apps like Rover and Wag - and some local services operate the same way.
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At Top Dog Walk, we built our company differently.
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Our walkers are employees, which allows us to invest in training, supervision, and long-term relationships with both dogs and clients.
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For pet owners who want dependable care, that difference matters.
Professional Training & Accountability
Our dog walkers are employees who receive training and ongoing supervision from our management team.
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This means consistent standards, clear expectations, and a level of professionalism and consistency that contractor-based services often cannot provide
Insurance & Liability Protection
Top Dog Walk carries liability insurance and workers compensation coverage.
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Because our walkers are employees, they are covered under our company policies - providing protection for our team, our clients, and their homes.
Consistent Walkers Who Know Your Dog
With contractor-based apps, the person showing up may frequently change.
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Our clients are matched with a dedicated small team so your dog builds a relationship with a few individuals who understand their routine, personality and needs.
Independent contractor models are popular in the pet care industry because they are easier to scale and cost less to operate.
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You'll see this approach with large platforms like Rover and Wag, and some local companies follow a similar structure.
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Contractor-based services can sometimes offer slightly lower pricing because they do not carry the same costs associated with employees, such as payroll taxes, workers compensation coverage, training, and ongoing supervision.
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However, that structure also means walkers typically operate more independently and do not have company-based training. They may work for multiple platforms or companies at the same time, and the level of oversight can vary from visit to visit.
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In some cases, homeowners may also face unexpected liability exposure if a contractor is injured while working in their home.
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At Top Dog Walk, we chose a different path - one that prioritizes consistency, professionalism, and long-term relationships with our clients and their dogs.
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By building a team of trained employee walkers instead of independent contractors, we're able to provide a more reliable and accountable level of care for every visit.