My Job allows me to work just 3 and a half days a week but 3 of these days are 13 and a half hour shifts.  Milo was my Husbands dog and will be three on April 1st now although I will walk him when I get home this is only a round the block walk with no chance to be off lead.  He has a few behavioural problems which are alot more controlable when he has had a really good run.  I spoke to a dog walker the other week about taking him out but when I asked what he would do if there was an accident he told me there had never an accident in the years he has walked dogs.  He seemed unsure about where the local vets was but very sure that he would be able to difuse any situation with another dog and nothing would go wrong.  In the end I couldn't let him take Milo out but my Mum said I was over reacting. I am just wondering if I was over reacting ?

The 'woman what does' for me came from an advert I placed and then I had interviews with references which  I rigorously took up. Can't be too carefull not least because I suppose, like me, this walker will be comming into your house.

I don't think your over-reacting - if anything did happen you could never forgive yourself, especially when you had doubts to start with. I would either advertise yourself as already suggested or start your search again. Maybe try your vets, I mentioned once when in there about somebody occasionally coming to walk/feed the dog for if both myself and my OH were out all day i.e at a wedding and they were able to recommend somebody for me. As it turns out I've not had to use them as my mum and dad have always been free to dogsit. Go with youe instinct. If you don't trust them you'll spend your whole day worrying, and the point is to make your life easier - not more stressful!

You're not over reacting!

I've been a dog walker for a long time and never had an accident... but one of the things I need to know before taking on a dog is the name and address of his usual vet. Most of my customers come from recommendations by my own vet but if I don't know their vet I check online and put the number in my mobile. In an emergency I might not have time to look up the number and ask for directions.

Accidents don't always involve other dogs, what if Milo stepped onto a broken piece of glass that can't be seen in the grass and was bleeding a lot?

You have to be 100% confident in your walker.

There are dog care first aid courses available for people working with dogs so I would hope a dog walker would have been on one and hold a certificate to prove it. Be able to answer basic questions on how to cope with an emergency or injury, carry emergence vet contact numbers.

When people choose any career/employment and even voluntary work they make sure they have the necessary training and experience to actually fulfill that role. Or they are no better than a con artist.   You can't do anything these days without some form of expertise training and qualification.  I'm amazed they can for dog care. It is not regulated but these people can still choose to gain proof of their abilities if they are really interested in offering a good safe and reliable service.