How to Do Dog Walks on SitSignal (Best Practices + Checklist)
Dog walks might seem simple, but professional sitters treat them as a structured service: preparation, accurate tracking, communication, and a secure finish.
On SitSignal, walks start at 30 minutes, and clients can increase duration in 15-minute intervals. That means timing and accuracy matter.
Before the Walk: Review the House Profile
Before arriving, open the client’s House Profile and review key details:
- Entry instructions: gate code, lockbox, alarm notes, parking, which door to use
- Where pets are kept: crate, bedroom, backyard, free-roam areas
- Walk supplies location: leash, harness, collar, poop bags, treats, towels
- Handling notes: pulling, reactivity, fear triggers, preferred route
If anything is unclear, message the client before you arrive.
Arrival: Calm, Controlled, Professional
- Enter calmly — no sudden movements
- Locate and secure the pet before opening exterior doors
- Double-check harness and leash clips
- Confirm doors and gates are controlled before stepping outside
Start the Walk at the Right Time
Start the walk as you are physically leaving the house.
Clients can see your walk in real time. Starting at the correct moment ensures:
- Accurate service duration
- Proper GPS tracking
- Clear transparency
Tracking & In-App Event Logging
SitSignal includes built-in buttons to log care events during walks. Use them consistently.
- If the dog has a drink of water, record it.
- If the dog pees, tap the pee button.
- If the dog poops, tap the poop button.
These logs are especially important for puppies, seniors, or pets with health routines. Clients appreciate detailed tracking.
For best GPS accuracy:
- Keep your screen on during the walk
- Ensure location services are fully enabled
- Avoid switching apps repeatedly
- Do not end the walk early
Walk the Full Booked Time
Always complete the full booked duration:
- 30-minute booking = walk 30 minutes
- 45-minute booking = walk 45 minutes
- 60-minute booking = walk 60 minutes
Consistency protects your rating and professionalism.
Photos: Take Up to 6 Per Walk
SitSignal allows up to 6 photos per walk. Aim for at least 3–6 high-quality pictures.
- Happy walking photo
- Close-up smile
- Water break moment
- Back-at-home confirmation photo
Photos increase repeat bookings and tips.
Communication During the Walk
If a client messages you during the walk, respond.
Even short confirmations build trust:
“We’re halfway through and doing great!”
After the Walk: Secure and Reset
A professional walk ends with a secure, clean return.
- Return the pet to the correct area
- Store leash and supplies properly
- Refill water if instructed
- Ensure all pets are secure
- Lock the home completely (door, deadbolt, gate)
Ideally, everything should look exactly as it did before you arrived.
If the Client Leaves a Tip
Always thank them.
Example:
“Thank you so much for the tip — I really appreciate it! [Pet Name] did amazing today.”
Quick Walk Checklist
- Phone charged to 100% (or bring a portable charger)
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Headphones (optional, low volume for awareness)
- Review House Profile before arrival
- Start walk when leaving the house
- Log water + pee + poop in app
- Take up to 6 photos
- Lock the home securely before leaving
FAQ
How long are SitSignal walks?
Walks start at 30 minutes, and clients can increase them in 15-minute intervals.
Why should I log water and potty breaks?
It provides a documented record of care and gives clients real-time visibility into their pet’s activity.
Why is GPS accuracy important?
Clients can see your route in real time. Accurate tracking builds trust and protects you professionally.
Final Thoughts
Professional dog walking on SitSignal is about preparation, transparency, and consistency.
Review the House Profile. Track accurately. Log events. Take photos. Lock up. Do the full time.
When you follow these steps, walks turn into recurring clients — and recurring income.