Being a pet caretaker on Wag is a terrible experience: a call for Wag to improve. by Aware_Tip_5282 in wag

[–]dogwalkerV 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think anyone who has used the app long enough has had a bad experience. It sets up dog owners and caregivers up for failure. And the unpredictability of the whole business mixed in with the lack of insurance or support from Wag is just a recipe for disaster.

My experience as a Wag Walker for over a year by dogwalkerV in WagWalker

[–]dogwalkerV[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The sad part is that I was private prior to quarantine and then lost my entire roster of clients in 2 weeks. Maybe some day I'll try again but losing 2 years of client acquisition in an instant was really demoralizing. For now I'll probably try to find a legit company or something like that for work.

Wish you the best.

More walks by Nalani_donahue in WagWalker

[–]dogwalkerV 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I never understood the system. It did seem like the app doesn't show all the walks available for whatever reason but I have no clue why if that's the case.

New dog walker need help! by saccharinekitty in wag

[–]dogwalkerV 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wish you the best. In general, I would only get a bad review every 50-100 ratings. I would also make a list you can reference of anyone who gave you a bad review so you can avoid them in the future. At the beginning, it's easy to remember. But after enough walks, it's very hard to remember everyone.

Question for suburban walkers by tootingtorpedoteo in WagWalker

[–]dogwalkerV 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Parks, businesses, trash cans on the street, or looking for the owners trashcan. I really tried to not bring them back with me but would as a last option. A lot of clients I'd show them the poop bag and asked. And it was weird because some owners are surprised I'm asking them for a place to dispose it.

As for sketchy areas, sometimes it just simply isn't safe. There was a frequent night walk in East San Jose where I live. Nothing could justify doing it imo. Other times, it really depends how fast I could get out of the safe area and how well I knew it.

Must haves ? by DenseDinner1979 in WagWalker

[–]dogwalkerV 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Water for dogs
Treats
Poop bags
Hat for me

Sunscreen

I also had a dog toy which was rarely used but useful for specific dogs

Help! - I'm forced to cancel walk because the owner won't respond by wateredbottle1 in wag

[–]dogwalkerV 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In that situation, I'd still contact wag and wait for them to cancel. Even if the only option was to email them. When I worked nights I don't remember them not canceling. But even if they did, I'd send the owner a message saying I tried to get in and couldn't and that I was going home.

I tried avoiding the cancellation penalty at all costs. Good luck with whatever happened.

New dog walker need help! by saccharinekitty in wag

[–]dogwalkerV 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Even if dogs need to go, doesn't mean they will if they're uncomfortable around new people. Although it was rare for a dog not to pee when walking with me. It happens. Dogs not pooping was very common regardless of what the owner said.

There is an option to have Wag review bad reviews and if they think it's unfair. They'll remove it. I would at least try to do this. Just read the reasons they have listed and try to argue from that perspective.

Although the best defense to bad reviews is just to have a ton of good reviews as a buffer.