As much as you love your dog, it can sometimes be hard to give him as much undivided attention as you’d like. Even taking him for walks can be difficult when you’re working long hours, raising a family, and running a household at the same time. The fact is, there are only so many hours in a day, and many people are finding it increasingly difficult to squeeze in time to exercise their canine companions. Luckily, there’s a solution besides feeling guilty.

“I got a new job last year,” says Carolyn Hickson, who has a Shepherd mix named Aaron. “I don’t get home as early anymore and I worried about Aaron being left alone so long.” To solve the problem, Carolyn hired a professional dog walker. Although she was initially anxious about committing her beloved companion to a stranger’s care, she’s now glad she made the decision. “Aaron took to our dogwalker really well, especially once he learned her arrival meant a half-hour romp in the park!”

Our grandparents might have chuckled at the idea of professional dog walkers, but it’s an occupation whose time has come, thanks to the ever-increasing pace of life. “People are working longer hours and travelling more on business,” says Sheila Smith of Pet Sitters International, a ten-year-old trade organization for professional pet sitters and dog walkers. “The demand for these services is increasing.”

Lorie Dodd of Mutts & Meows, an L.A.-based dog walking and pet sitting business, agrees. “Many of my clients are in the movie industry and work 12 to 14 hours a day,” she says. “Several also live in condos or apartments, and for obvious reasons don’t want their dogs to be cooped up there all day. Even those in houses with doggy doors have me do visits, take the dog for a walk and feed him if required. It helps break up a long day alone.”

Dog walking services are also ideal for elderly or disabled people, many of whom rely on their dogs for companionship, but can’t manage to get out and exercise them. “I have clients in their 90s who are living on their own and have dogs that they love and care for,” says Aviva Chepurny of Barking Along in Toronto.

The same is true for older dogs, whose bladders may not be as strong anymore. For these animals, a mid-day walk may be just the ticket to avoiding accidents in the house. Whatever your reasons for needing a dog walker, it’s important to do your homework before hiring anyone.

In the print issue we've listed how to make sure you’re getting a professional whose primary concern is the welfare and safety of your companion:

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Stephanie Smith has a PH.D. In Psychology and lives in Texa with her standard poodle, Amber, and her pointer, Scout.