You love your dog, but your workday doesn't pause for potty breaks. Finding a reliable dog walker in Philadelphia can feel overwhelming, but the right one turns worry into wagging tails. We've researched the city's top independent walkers to help
Why Philadelphia Dog Owners Need a Professional Walker
Philadelphia is a city of dog lovers, but busy schedules often leave pups home alone. Professional dog walking services have become essential for working pet parents who want their dogs to get exercise, mental stimulation, and a bathroom break during the day. The best local walkers offer GPS tracking, real-time updates, and insured, bonded employees. Here's how the top five companies stack up.
How We Ranked the Best Dog Walkers in Philly
We evaluated each company based on years in business, range of services, pricing transparency, customer reviews, safety protocols, and service area coverage. We also considered unique features like app integration and special needs care.
Here's a quick comparison of the top five Philadelphia dog walkers to help you decide.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Walkies (iheartwalkies) | Experienced walkers in Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Kensington | Not publicly listed on site |
| Walk It Like A Dog | Flexible scheduling with transparent pricing | 20-min $18, 30-min $21, 45-min $30, 60-min $38 |
| The Monster Minders | Peace of mind with award-winning service | Not publicly listed on site |
| Pups On Passyunk | Budget-friendly walks in Center City and South Philly | Walks starting at $16 (20/30/60-min options) |
| Phl Pets | Special needs and geriatric pet care | 15-min $17, 30-min $25, 60-min $38. Overnight $95. Weekends +$5, Holidays +$20. Extra pet +$5 |
The Top 5 Philadelphia Dog Walkers Reviewed
#1 Walkies (iheartwalkies)
A screenshot of the Walkies website.
Walkies has been serving Philadelphia since 2002, making it one of the longest-running independent dog walking companies in the city. Owner Andrea Borror runs a tight ship with a 6-point employee vetting process, ensuring you get reliable walkers every time. They offer monthly mid-day walks and as-needed 'Just Walks' plus cat sitting. Currently serving Northern Liberties, Fishtown, and Kensington, Walkies is open 365 days a year. Check out their services at iheartwalkies.com.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Longest-running company with deep experience and a rigorous vetting process.
- Con: Limited service area and pricing not publicly listed.
- Pricing: Not publicly listed on site
#2 Walk It Like A Dog
A screenshot of the Walk It Like A Dog website.
Walk It Like A Dog has been providing professional dog walking in Philadelphia since 2009. They offer a range of walk durations from 20 to 60 minutes, plus cat sitting and overnight pet sitting. Their Scout for Pet Owners app includes GPS tracking, report cards, and photos so you never miss a moment. The team is background checked, insured, and bonded, and they operate 7AM to 9PM, 365 days a year. See their pricing at walkitlikeadog.com/pricing/.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Flexible walk durations and transparent pricing.
- Con: Slightly higher starting price than some competitors.
- Pricing: 20-min $18, 30-min $21, 45-min $30, 60-min $38
#3 The Monster Minders
A screenshot of The Monster Minders website.
The Monster Minders has been a trusted name in Philadelphia dog walking since 2005, earning three Best of Philly awards along the way. They employ vetted, insured, and bonded walkers who provide consistent one-on-one walks. Their app delivers real-time updates, photos, and visit reports so you can see your pup's adventures while you're away. With over 130 five-star Google reviews, they've built a loyal following in neighborhoods across the city. Learn more at themonsterminders.com.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Award-winning, highly reviewed, and uses a user-friendly app.
- Con: Pricing not publicly listed on the website.
- Pricing: Not publicly listed on site
#4 Pups On Passyunk
A screenshot of the Pups On Passyunk website.
Pups On Passyunk is a locally owned service since 2018, serving Center City and South Philly. They offer one-on-one walks with detailed service reports, GPS route maps, and photos. Their protocols were developed with a professional dog trainer, ensuring safe and structured walks. They pride themselves on never missing an appointment. Check them out at pupsonpassyunk.com.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Trainer-developed protocols and never missed an appointment.
- Con: Newer company with a smaller service area.
- Pricing: Walks starting at $16 (20/30/60-min options)
#5 Phl Pets
Phl Pets is a Philadelphia-owned company based in Pennsport, run by owners Dina and Brian. They are licensed, insured, bonded, and members of NAPPS. They welcome all ages, breeds, and special needs, including geriatric and hospice animals. Their team works with local independent walkers to provide personalized care. Visit phlpets.com for more details.
Comparison Table:
- Pro: Inclusive of special needs and geriatric pets.
- Con: Weekend and holiday surcharges add up.
- Pricing: 15-min $17, 30-min $25, 60-min $38. Overnight $95. Weekends +$5, Holidays +$20. Extra pet +$5
How to Choose the Right Dog Walker for Your Pup
Start by considering your dog's needs: energy level, age, and temperament. Look for a walker who offers the right walk duration and frequency. Check that they are insured and bonded, and read reviews from other pet parents in your neighborhood. Many companies offer a free meet-and-greet, so take advantage of that to see if the walker clicks with your dog. Finally, consider the app experience — real-time updates can give you peace of mind.
Automating Your Dog's Daily Walks
Most of these services offer online scheduling through their apps or websites. You can set up recurring weekly walks, adjust times, and receive automatic notifications when your walker arrives and leaves. Some apps even let you track your dog's route in real time. By automating the scheduling, you free up mental energy and ensure your dog never misses a walk.
The Best Dog Walker for Your Philadelphia Pup
Whether you need a quick midday potty break or a long adventure walk, Philadelphia's independent dog walkers have you covered. From the decades of experience at Walkies and The Monster Minders to the budget-friendly options at Pups On Passyunk, there's a perfect match for every dog. Take advantage of meet-and-greets to find the walker who will become your dog's favorite human.