Finding a reliable dog walker in Philadelphia can feel like a scavenger hunt. We've dug into the city's top independent services to bring you five trustworthy options that prioritize your pet's safety and happiness. Whether you're in Fishtown or Society
The Philadelphia Dog Walking Landscape
Philadelphia is home to a vibrant community of independent dog walking businesses that prioritize personalized care over gig-economy apps. These owner-operated companies offer one-on-one walks, real-time updates, and deep neighborhood knowledge. From Fishtown to Society Hill, each service brings unique strengths — whether it's employee-based teams, GPS tracking, or specialized care for senior pets. Pricing for a 30-minute walk typically ranges from $17 to $27, with additional fees for extra pets or weekend visits.
How We Ranked These Services
We evaluated each company based on trust and safety (bonding, insurance, background checks), service area coverage, pricing transparency, customer reviews, and unique features like app integration or specialized training. We also considered longevity and local reputation, favoring businesses that have been serving Philadelphia for years.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five dog walkers in Philadelphia.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| The Monster Minders | Pet parents who want employee-based reliability and real-time updates | 20-min $21-24, 30-min $24-27, 60-min $42-48. Additional dog +$4-9. Weekly routine discounts available. |
| Walk It Like A Dog | Owners who want GPS tracking and year-round availability | 20-min $18, 30-min $21, 45-min $30, 60-min $38. Overnight pet sitting available. |
| Phl Pets | South Philly residents and owners of senior or special-needs pets | 15-min $17, 30-min $25, 60-min $38. Extra pets +$5, weekends +$5, holidays +$20. Overnight $95 (+$25 additional pet). |
| Philly Bow Wow | Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Fairmount residents seeking weekday walks | Not publicly listed; contact for rates. |
| Happy Tails of Philly | Northern Liberties and Old City residents who want weekend and overnight care | Standard 20-30 min walk starting at $25/visit. Weekends +$5 surcharge. Holidays +$10 surcharge. Overnight starting at $80/night (8pm-8am). |
Detailed Reviews of Philadelphia's Top Dog Walkers
#1 The Monster Minders
A screenshot of The Monster Minders website.
Since 2005, The Monster Minders has been Philadelphia's award-winning dog walking company, earning a Best of Philly title along the way. They operate with an employee-based team — not contractors — so every walker is bonded, insured, and background checked. Their real-time app sends you photos and detailed visit reports after each walk. They only do one-on-one walks, meaning your dog gets undivided attention. Service areas include Graduate Hospital, Fitler Square, Point Breeze, and Society Hill. Learn more at The Monster Minders.
Service Comparison:
- Pro: Employee team ensures consistent, vetted walkers; award-winning reputation; one-on-one walks only.
- Con: Premium pricing compared to some competitors; limited to specific Center City-adjacent neighborhoods.
- Pricing: 20-min $21-24, 30-min $24-27, 60-min $42-48. Additional dog +$4-9. Weekly routine discounts available.
#2 Walk It Like A Dog
A screenshot of Walk It Like A Dog website.
Walk It Like A Dog has been serving Philadelphia since 2009 with 7-day-a-week, 365-day-a-year service. Their walks are GPS-tracked and come with report cards and photos through the Scout mobile app. Beyond dog walking, they offer cat sitting and overnight pet sitting. Their key security system uses a coded numbering method to protect your home. Background checks, insurance, and bonding are all standard. Check their pricing page at Walk It Like A Dog pricing.
Service Comparison:
- Pro: Affordable 30-min rate; GPS tracking and app reports; covers holidays and weekends.
- Con: Some walkers may be contractors rather than employees; no mention of employee-based model.
- Pricing: 20-min $18, 30-min $21, 45-min $30, 60-min $38. Overnight pet sitting available.
#3 Phl Pets
Phl Pets is a South Philly favorite, owned and operated by Dina & Brian. Based in Pennsport, they serve South Philadelphia neighborhoods with licensed, insured, and bonded care. Dina studied dog training with Dr. Ian Dunbar, so they also offer training consulting alongside walks. They welcome all ages and breeds, including geriatric and hospice animals. Their membership in NAPPS adds an extra layer of credibility. See their services at Phl Pets services.
Service Comparison:
- Pro: Specialized in geriatric and hospice care; dog training expertise; inclusive of all breeds.
- Con: Limited to South Philly neighborhoods; weekend and holiday surcharges add up.
- Pricing: 15-min $17, 30-min $25, 60-min $38. Extra pets +$5, weekends +$5, holidays +$20. Overnight $95 (+$25 additional pet).
#4 Philly Bow Wow
A screenshot of Philly Bow Wow website.
Philly Bow Wow is a bonded and insured company serving Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and Fairmount. Owner Zivit Shlank brings a lifelong love of dogs, having grown up with her golden retriever Hanna-Belle. The business is a Pet Sitters Associates (PSA) member, adding a layer of professional accountability. They offer dog walking and pet care Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm. Their client consultation form helps tailor services to your pet's needs. Visit Philly Bow Wow to learn more.
Service Comparison:
- Pro: PSA bonded and insured; personalized owner-operated service; serves three key Philly neighborhoods.
- Con: No weekend service; pricing not transparent online; limited service area.
- Pricing: Not publicly listed; contact for rates.
#5 Happy Tails of Philly
A screenshot of Happy Tails of Philly website.
Happy Tails of Philly is a veterinarian-recommended, city-licensed dog walking business serving Old City, Northern Liberties, and Queen Village. They are bonded, insured, and certified in animal first-aid. Their team also handles exotic pets, making them a versatile choice. They directly overlap with Philly Bow Wow in Northern Liberties, giving you a second option in that area. Check their pet sitting page at Happy Tails of Philly pet sitting.
Service Comparison:
- Pro: Veterinarian recommended; animal first-aid certified; handles exotics; weekend availability.
- Con: Surcharges for weekends and holidays; pricing slightly higher than some competitors.
- Pricing: Standard 20-30 min walk starting at $25/visit. Weekends +$5 surcharge. Holidays +$10 surcharge. Overnight starting at $80/night (8pm-8am).
How to Choose the Right Dog Walker for Your Pup
Start by identifying your neighborhood — many walkers serve specific areas. Then consider your schedule: if you need weekend or holiday coverage, look for services like Walk It Like A Dog or Happy Tails of Philly. For senior pets, Phl Pets is a standout. If transparency and employee-based teams matter, The Monster Minders leads the pack. Always ask about bonding, insurance, and backup plans. Request a meet-and-greet to see how the walker interacts with your dog.
Automating Your Dog Walking Routine
Most of these services offer recurring scheduling through their apps or websites. Set up a weekly routine with The Monster Minders or Walk It Like A Dog to get automatic visits and real-time updates. Use their apps to track walks, view photos, and communicate with your walker without picking up the phone.
Final Thoughts on Philadelphia's Dog Walkers
Philadelphia's independent dog walking scene is strong, with options for every budget and neighborhood. The Monster Minders takes the top spot for its employee-based model and award-winning service, but each of these five businesses brings something valuable. Whether you choose Philly Bow Wow for its local focus in Fishtown or Happy Tails for weekend flexibility, you can trust that your pup is in good hands with these dedicated professionals.