Jordan EllisAs pet parents, our love for our dogs runs deep. From the moment our day begins, so does our care for them—wondering if they’re eating well, enjoying well-earned treats, and getting the royal treatment they deserve.
While we’re there for the most part, there are times when we have to leave them at home and merely watch them through a camera. As they wait for us to return, we sometimes wish another person could step in and take them out for a little adventure.
Well, the best dog walkers in Columbus certainly would! No matter how shy or full of energy your pup is, these pros might just become their new best friend—bringing expert care and healthy routines to help them stay active and happy.
How much does hiring a dog walker cost in Columbus?
Hiring a dog walker in Columbus typically costs between $18 and $25 per walk, though prices can vary.
Factors affecting the cost include the duration of the walk, the number of dogs, and extra services such as potty breaks, playtime, or pet-sitting.
1. Hands N Paws
Address: E Main St
Phone: +1 614 636 6644
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Dog moms and dads love Hands N Paws for their detailed and personalized updates after each walk. Their company app-slash-curated journal, Precise Petcare, shows you a checklist of what your dog did, a GPS map of their walk, pictures, and notes.
With a team-based approach, they let multiple team members form a bond with your dog over time. While this works well for many, those with dogs who thrive on routine and familiarity wish there were a way to consistently be assigned the same walker.
Meanwhile, Hands N Paws offers four different walking lengths, with prices increasing accordingly: $22 for 20 minutes, $25 for 30 minutes, $35 for 45 minutes, and $45 for 60 minutes. Many customers say it’s money well spent for the level of care their dogs get.
No matter the walk length, their team guarantees lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and potty breaks. By simply clicking on ‘Get Started’ on their website, you can schedule a free ‘Meet N Greet,’ where you and your dog can get to know the walkers.
Detailed and personalized progress reports
“This is our first time (first week of walks) using anyone other than a family friend to walk our fur baby while we are away. Hands N Paws has been amazing to work with. The customer service is exceptional. The progress reports have been detailed and personalized. I love seeing all the pictures of Zelda through out her walk…not sure how they get her to pose so nice for them. I might need some tips.”
- Janyel W., Google Review
Loved their pictures and notes
“We had a wonderful experience with Hands n Paws. They are very thorough when you first get started to make sure your pet is a match to their services and they ask for detailed information during the set up process to make sure care is smooth while you are away. Our dog can be shy to go on walks with people she doesn’t know but by the end of the week, she was going out on walks with them. We loved their pictures and notes after each visit. It really helped us to know Daisy was in excellent care.”
- Abigail Williams-Rust, Google Review
2. Le Pooch Dog Walking & Pet Sitting
Address: 701 S Roosevelt Ave
Phone: +1 614 915 0527
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
One of the first things to know about Le Pooch is their long-term clients. Many pet parents have been with their dog walkers for years, which says a lot about how trustworthy and easy they are to work with.
Senior dogs, pups with disabilities or separation anxiety, and even shy rescue dogs have all been entrusted to Le Pooch’s dog walkers. One owner, whose assigned walker was a former nurse, shared that the team adapts well and always makes sure to check in.
Moreover, their walks are planned around your dog’s energy level for the day—if your pup is full of energy, they’ll head out for a longer stroll; if not, a shorter walk followed by playtime does the trick. Plus, they are certified in pet CPR and first aid.
While clients benefit from responsive customer service that accommodates fluctuating schedules, booking a Le Pooch walker last minute during lunch hours or weekends can be challenging. So, advance scheduling on your end is required.
Our dogs have always loved them
“We have used Le Pooch for years, and we can’t imagine entrusting our dogs with anyone else. We have had pups, more senior dogs, even dogs with disabilities, and Le Pooch has been nothing short of great to work with. They keep us updated, send plenty of pictures, and our dogs have always loved them.”
- Chris Beacom, Google Review
Kind dog walkers
“We have been using Le Pooch for about a year based on the recommendation of our next door neighbors. Carol has been great to our dog Millie, a senior rescue from the Franklin County Shelter. We get a report every day with photos of Millie enjoying her walk and the treats Carol gives her. I would highly recommend the service for its’ kind dog walkers, price, and ease of use. Well done.”
- William Plessinger, Google Review
3. Your Columbus Dog Walker, LLC
Phone: +1 614 407 4295
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Your Columbus Dog Walker incorporates exercise, stimulation, and resolving behavior issues into walks. A Fear Free Certified Professional, they’re trained to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, making each walk a calm, positive experience.
Owners emphasized how their dogs love the walkers, taking the time to get to know them and even baking homemade treats. What’s more, they’re attentive, available on short notice, and reserve the right to use their own leashes for your pup’s safety.
They’ve served over 50 dogs and can take up to four of yours at a time, with $2 for each additional dog. However, some with multiple dogs feel that these group walks are not ideal for their fur babies who need one-on-one attention.
On a different note, pet parents find the prices at Your Columbus reasonable. Rates start at $20 for 15 minutes, $25 for 30, $30 for 45, and $35 for a full hour—across all time slots, walkers are praised for always being on time.
Responsive, professional, and always on time
“Curtis is an absolute gem! We were so lucky to have found him to walk our pup several years ago. Not only is he responsive, professional, and always on time, he goes above and beyond to make sure your pet has a wonderful experience while in his care. I can’t count the times we have come home to home-made treats which is such a nice gesture. He is one of a kind, and we are so appreciative to have someone take care of our dog who is so passionate about animals! Thank you Curtis!”
- Matthew Oyster, Google Review
My pup loves their visits
“My dog loves when Curtis comes to take her for walks! She knows it is walking time and waits by the door for her buddy to take her out. He has been great to work with, reasonable prices and great communication, and my pup loves their visits.”
- Thomas McNulty, Google Review
4. DogDays
Address: 91 E Como Ave
Phone: +1 614 778 4148
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 24 hours
Although DogDays is reachable 24 hours a day, their walking hours run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They usually walk one dog at a time, so your pup gets their full attention, but if you’ve got two or three, they’re happy to walk them all together.
For one dog, they charge $16 for 15 minutes and $25 for 30 minutes. While many consider these prices affordable, others find the $21 to $32 range for two to three dogs—also offered in 15- and 30-minute options—a bit of a stretch.
But at the same time, dog parents appreciate that DogDays accommodates last-minute schedule changes due to sudden work commitments. Even more, those with anxious or skittish pups say they’ve grown comfortable with the consistency of their walkers.
Let’s not forget that their services are bonded and insured by Pet Sitters Associates, meaning your pet (and your home) are protected in case of accidents, damage, or emergencies. Pet owners are always at ease, though, thanks to their detailed real-time updates.
Super accommodating the entire time
“Our doggo walker is Rob and he is literally amazing! He is so thorough and attentive with Hank. Hank had some medical issues this past summer and Rob was super accommodating the entire time and it put my fears at ease while I wasn’t home. He always leaves an adorable walk review with so many photos and it makes my day to receive while I’m at lunch! He’s super punctual and he and Hank have grown to have such a bond (a rarity with my skittish dog). You can tell these people really love and care about the dogs.”
- Sophie Russell, Google Review
Reliable, consistent, and top-notch communication
“Dog Days has been fantastic for my dog walking needs, I can’t say enough good things about them. Scheduling walks is incredibly easy, and I never have to worry about a thing because they are so reliable and consistent. They have also always been able to accommodate my last minute schedule changes because of my work. Their communication is top-notch—I always receive detailed updates and great photos of my dog after each walk. It’s clear my dog absolutely loves his walks with them, and it’s such a relief knowing he’s well taken care of. I highly recommend their services.”
- Aimee Zhang, Google Review
5. Pablo’s Pals Pet Service
Phone: +1 614 774 5685
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
A puggle named Pablo, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 15, was the inspiration behind Pablo’s Pals Pet Service. His legacy lives on through the dedicated care provided by their team of professional animal lovers to pets whose owners are at work or on vacation.
Before they walk or take care of your dog, a free Meet and Greet is scheduled, where the walkers go over your pet’s needs and routine. Clients like how caring, professional, and focused they are on the dog’s safety, highlighting the walkers’ sincere love for animals.
At Pablo’s Pals, payment is due after services, with regular clients having the option to be billed once or twice a month. Though affordable, some pet owners are frustrated by the 100% charge for same-day cancellations and the 50% fee for cancellations the day before.
They’re also known to be helpful with last-minute requests but not so much with bookings, for which they ask for a 24-hour notice. The upside is that owners have noticed their dogs get excited for daily walks, with wagging tails whenever the walker’s name is mentioned.
Dependable, flexible, and loving to all furry pets
“I LOVE Pablo’s Pals!!! I wouldn’t trust just anyone to care for my dog. Pablo’s Pals is dependable, flexible and their love of all furry pets is not something they hide. Luna loves to see Susan and her team come for her scheduled walks and I am thankful knowing Luna is in such good hands.”
- Jennifer Weitzel, Google Review
Responsive and friendly walkers
“We love Pablo’s Pals! Susan and her entire team are fantastic. My pup Bandit looked forward to his weekly walks. Scheduling is a breeze and Susan was always responsive and helpful with last minute requests. All the walkers/carers are friendly and give you updates and photos post visits. The photos were fantastic and I’ve framed a few! John was our main walker and Bandit would be so excited anytime I said their name.”
- Corrie H., Google Review
