Business Details
21 Years
experience
Philadelphia's Trusted Dog Walking Experts Since 2005
The Monster Minders has been Philadelphia's trusted partner for professional dog walking since 2005. Founded in Bella Vista by a husband-and-wife team, our family-owned business combines over two decades of experience with a deep commitment to canine care. We pride ourselves on maintaining rigorous safety standards, having completed over 900,000 walks while earning three Best of Philly awards. Our employee-based model ensures trained, insured professionals who receive paid time off and ongoing development, creating unmatched consistency for clients. Through our proprietary app, we provide real-time updates, photo documentation, and flexible scheduling options that cater to Philadelphia's busiest pet owners.Our team of certified dog lovers works closely with each client to create personalized walking routines that address specific behavioral needs while maintaining strict home security protocols. With active involvement in local rescue efforts and a proven track record of reliability, we've become an integral part of the Philadelphia pet care community. Our commitment to quality extends beyond walks to include comprehensive client communication systems and employee development programs that ensure every dog receives the individual attention they deserve.
Services
Dog Walking
Solo Walks
20 Minute Visits
30 Minute Visits
60 Minute Visits
On-Demand Scheduling
Walk Documentation
Behavioral Support
Flexible Scheduling
Emergency Rescheduling
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of Philadelphia dog walking experience with 900,000+ completed walks
- Employee-based model with trained, insured professionals receiving paid time off
- Three-time Best of Philly award winners for dog walking services
- Proprietary app for real-time updates, scheduling, and photo documentation
- Solo walks ensure personalized attention and enhanced safety protocols
What people say
Best dog walkers in Philly
Reliable and trustworthy team
Excellent communication tools
Personalized care for each dog
Stress-free scheduling system
Services
Dog Walking Services
Professional one-on-one dog walking tailored to each pet's specific needs. Our trained professionals provide midday exercise, potty breaks, and behavioral enrichment while maintaining strict safety protocols. Clients receive real-time updates through our custom app with photo documentation of each visit.
Solo Walks
Exclusive individual attention for your dog during each visit. This safety-focused approach prevents potential conflicts with other animals while allowing customized training reinforcement and personalized socialization strategies tailored to your pet's unique temperament and requirements.
20 Minute Visits
Efficient potty breaks combined with brief exercise sessions. Ideal for puppies in training or senior dogs needing frequent bathroom access. Despite the short duration, our experienced walkers maximize engagement through interactive play and mental stimulation techniques during these focused visits.
30 Minute Visits
Comprehensive midday exercise sessions combining physical activity with behavioral enrichment. This popular option allows sufficient time for proper elimination, extended play periods, and basic training reinforcement while maintaining flexible scheduling options for working pet owners.
60 Minute Visits
Full-length exercise sessions for high-energy dogs or those requiring special attention. These visits include extensive playtime, advanced training opportunities, and thorough mental stimulation activities designed to address separation anxiety and provide complete physical exhaustion for improved household behavior.
People
Carrie Maria
CEO and Founder
Co-founder with over 20 years of dog care experience. Developed the company's safety protocols and employee training programs. Active in local rescue efforts and former Mayoral Animal Advisory Committee member. Pet parent to rescue dog Tui.
Lindsay Maria
Co-Founder and New Client Charmer
Co-founder responsible for client relations and service customization. Oversees the matching process between clients and walkers. Manages the company's community engagement initiatives and neighborhood expansion efforts.
Nikki
Monster Minder + Manager
Senior team member with extensive dog behavior expertise. Trains new hires and handles complex cases requiring specialized handling. Coordinates scheduling logistics and ensures service consistency across multiple Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Garvin
Monster Minder
Certified professional dog walker with specialized training in canine communication. Focuses on behavioral reinforcement during walks and provides detailed client reports. Participates in ongoing development programs to enhance service quality.
Tui
Route Scout + Head of Cuddle Compliance
Official mascot and quality control specialist. As the founders' rescue dog, Tui helps evaluate new team members and testing training methods. Serves as the ultimate benchmark for walker reliability and compassion.
Questions
Are your dog walkers employees or independent contractors?
All our walkers are W-2 employees with job stability, benefits, and paid training. This ensures consistent, accountable service with full background checks and insurance coverage for every visit.
What safety measures do you implement?
We conduct thorough background checks, provide professional training, and maintain bonding/insurance for all staff. Our solo walk policy prevents pack-related incidents while our app provides real-time tracking and visit documentation for complete transparency.
How do you handle schedule changes?
Our proprietary app allows instant schedule modifications, automated payments, and immediate notifications. Clients can adjust their service preferences 24/7 with real-time confirmation of any changes to their walking schedule.
What service areas do you cover?
We serve Center City Philadelphia neighborhoods between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, including Bella Vista, Rittenhouse, Fitler Square, and 15+ other communities with experienced local walkers.
How are walks handled in bad weather?
Walkers use protective gear for all weather conditions. We modify activities based on safety considerations, providing indoor playtime when necessary. Extreme weather adjustments prioritize both pet comfort and walker safety.
What happens when my regular walker is unavailable?
Our employee model ensures seamless coverage with trained backup staff. All team members follow standardized protocols, and your detailed pet profile ensures consistent care even when your primary walker requires time off.
