Finding a dog walker in Philadelphia isn't just about someone who can handle a leash. It's about trust, reliability, and a deep understanding of your pet's unique personality. After researching the city's top locally owned services, we've narrowed down five
Philadelphia's Dog Walking Scene: Local, Personal, and Growing
Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, and its dog walking services reflect that. Most top providers are locally owned and operate within specific areas, offering one-on-one walks with GPS tracking, photo updates, and insured teams. Prices range from $16 to $27 for standard 20-30 minute walks, with 60-minute walks costing $38 to $48. Overnight sitting starts around $95. The best services don't just walk dogs — they build relationships with both pets and owners, adapting to each animal's unique needs.
How We Chose the Best Dog Walkers in Philly
We evaluated each service on five key factors: reliability (track record of showing up and communicating), experience (years in business and staff training), coverage area (neighborhoods served), pricing transparency and value, and special features (trainer collaboration, app technology, community involvement). All services had to be locally owned, insured, and bonded.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five Philadelphia dog walkers to help you decide at a glance.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| The Monster Minders | Pet parents who want a highly reliable, long-established service with a strong community focus. | 20-min $21 (weekly) / $24 (flex); 30-min $24 (weekly) / $27 (flex); 60-min $42 (weekly) / $48 (flex); +$4-$9 per additional dog |
| Walk It Like A Dog | Owners who want flexible walk lengths and a tech-forward experience with live updates. | 20-min $18, 30-min $21, 45-min $30, 60-min $38 |
| Pups On Passyunk | Owners who value trainer-designed walk protocols and a flawless attendance record. | 20-min walks starting at $16; 30-min and 60-min walks also available (exact prices not listed on site) |
| Bow Waus | Pet parents in Fishtown and nearby neighborhoods who want deeply personalized, empathetic care. | Pricing not listed on website; contact for details. |
| Phl Pets | Owners with senior, special needs, or behaviorally challenging pets who want expert guidance. | 15-min $17, 30-min $25, 60-min $38, Overnight $95; +$5 extra pet, +$5 weekends, +$20 holiday rate |
The Top 5 Philadelphia Dog Walkers Reviewed
#1 The Monster Minders
A screenshot of The Monster Minders website.
Operating since 2005, The Monster Minders is Philadelphia's most established dog walking service. They've won Best of Philly three times and run an employee-based team (no contractors) that's fully vetted, insured, and bonded. Their custom app provides real-time updates and GPS tracking, and they even partner with PAWS shelter through their Rescue Romps program. Serving Graduate Hospital, Rittenhouse, South Philly, Old City, and Chinatown, they cover a wide swath of the city. If you want decades of experience and a proven track record, this is your pick.
Top 5 Philadelphia Dog Walkers Compared:
- Pro: Employee-based team ensures consistent quality and accountability.
- Con: Premium pricing may be out of budget for some; limited to specific neighborhoods.
- Pricing: 20-min $21 (weekly) / $24 (flex); 30-min $24 (weekly) / $27 (flex); 60-min $42 (weekly) / $48 (flex); +$4-$9 per additional dog
#2 Walk It Like A Dog
A screenshot of Walk It Like A Dog website.
Since 2009, Walk It Like A Dog has been a staple for Philly pet owners. They offer 30, 45, and 60-minute walks, plus cat sitting and overnights. Their Scout mobile app gives you GPS tracking, live photos, and detailed report cards after every visit. All walkers are background checked, insured, and bonded, and keys are stored securely with coded access. They operate 365 days a year, so you never have to worry about coverage on holidays. It's a solid, transparent option with clear pricing and a long history.
Top 5 Philadelphia Dog Walkers Compared:
- Pro: Transparent pricing and 365-day availability including holidays.
- Con: Slightly higher per-minute cost for shorter walks compared to some competitors.
- Pricing: 20-min $18, 30-min $21, 45-min $30, 60-min $38
#3 Pups On Passyunk
A screenshot of Pups On Passyunk website.
Locally owned since 2018, Pups On Passyunk focuses on one-on-one walks with GPS-mapped routes, photos, and detailed service reports. They serve Center City and South Philly neighborhoods like Rittenhouse, Fitler Square, Old City, Queen Village, and Bella Vista. The team collaborated with a professional dog trainer to develop their walk protocols, ensuring every outing is structured and safe. They boast a perfect record of never missing an appointment. If you want a newer, trainer-backed service with a personal touch, this is a great fit.
Top 5 Philadelphia Dog Walkers Compared:
- Pro: Trainer-backed protocols and never missed an appointment.
- Con: Limited service area (Center City and South Philly only); pricing not fully transparent online.
- Pricing: 20-min walks starting at $16; 30-min and 60-min walks also available (exact prices not listed on site)
#4 Bow Waus
A screenshot of Bow Waus website.
Bow Waus serves Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Port Richmond with a philosophy that goes beyond just loving pets. They emphasize handling the 'hard parts' — anxious rescues, senior dogs needing extra patience, and pets stressed by travel. Their team keeps emergency vet numbers handy and adapts each walk to the dog's mood. Clients rave about the personal touches, like Polaroid photos left after weekend sits. If you want a service that truly understands your pet's quirks, Bow Waus delivers.
Top 5 Philadelphia Dog Walkers Compared:
- Pro: Exceptional focus on individualized care and handling difficult situations.
- Con: Limited service area (Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Port Richmond) and no transparent pricing online.
- Pricing: Pricing not listed on website; contact for details.
#5 Phl Pets
Owned and operated by Dina and Brian, Phl Pets is based in Pennsport and serves South Philly neighborhoods. They are inclusive of all ages, breeds, and special needs, including geriatric and hospice care. Dina studied under renowned dog trainer Dr. Ian Dunbar, so behavioral consulting is also available. They are licensed, insured, bonded, and members of NAPPS. If you have a senior pet or need behavioral support, Phl Pets brings expert knowledge to every visit.
Top 5 Philadelphia Dog Walkers Compared:
- Pro: Expert behavioral consulting and inclusive care for all life stages.
- Con: Higher weekend and holiday surcharges; limited to South Philly area.
- Pricing: 15-min $17, 30-min $25, 60-min $38, Overnight $95; +$5 extra pet, +$5 weekends, +$20 holiday rate
How to Choose the Right Dog Walker for Your Pup
Start by considering your dog's personality and needs. An anxious rescue may benefit from a service like Bow Waus that specializes in patience and adaptation. If you have a senior pet, Phl Pets offers hospice care and behavioral expertise. For tech-savvy owners who want live GPS tracking, Walk It Like A Dog or The Monster Minders provide robust apps. Also check service areas — most providers stick to specific neighborhoods. Finally, ask about backup plans for emergencies and how they handle cancellations.
How Technology Streamlines Modern Dog Walking
Top Philly dog walkers use apps for scheduling, GPS tracking, and real-time photo updates. Services like Walk It Like A Dog and The Monster Minders offer custom apps that let you book walks, see your dog's route, and receive detailed report cards. This automation reduces miscommunication and gives you peace of mind. Some even use secure key coding systems to eliminate physical key exchanges.
The Bottom Line: Which Philly Dog Walker Should You Choose?
If you want decades of proven reliability, go with The Monster Minders. For transparent pricing and 365-day coverage, Walk It Like A Dog is a strong choice. Pups On Passyunk offers trainer-backed protocols and a perfect attendance record. Bow Waus is ideal for Fishtown-area owners who want deeply personalized care. And for senior or special-needs pets, Phl Pets brings expert behavioral knowledge. No matter which you pick, you're supporting a local business that truly cares about your furry family member.