If you’ve ever searched for someone to care for your dog while you’re at work, away on vacation, or just juggling a busy day, you’ve probably come across two common options: dog walker and dog sitter. At a glance, they may seem similar — both provide care and companionship for your pup — but the roles, responsibilities, and value they bring to your pet’s life can be quite different.
At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, we offer both services and help clients decide which is best based on their pet’s unique routine, health needs, and household schedule. Here’s a full breakdown of how dog walking and dog sitting differ — and how to know which one your dog really needs.
🐾 What Is a Dog Walker?
A dog walker provides exercise and potty relief, usually through short visits that include:
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A 15–30 minute walk around your neighborhood
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Leash-based physical activity
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Outdoor potty breaks
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A brief check on water and general wellbeing
Dog walkers are ideal for:
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Busy professionals who work long hours
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High-energy dogs who need a midday outlet
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Puppies learning leash and potty routines
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Dogs who do fine alone but need a quick break
At Lezlie’s, our dog walking clients often set up recurring midday visits for consistency — keeping their pets stimulated, healthy, and happy between morning and evening routines.
🏠 What Is a Dog Sitter?
A dog sitter provides more comprehensive, in-home care. This may include:
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Feeding and fresh water
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Longer or multiple walks per day
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Administering medications
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Playtime, companionship, and supervision
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Cleaning up accidents or messes
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Overnight stays or multi-visit schedules
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Bringing in mail, rotating lights, watering plants (home care)
Sitters offer care while the owner is away for several hours or overnight. They ensure your dog doesn’t just get walked — they stay comfortable, calm, and connected in their home environment.
At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting, dog sitting services are fully customizable based on your pet’s medical needs, behavior, energy level, and routine.
🐶 Key Differences Between Walkers and Sitters
| Feature | Dog Walker | Dog Sitter |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Short visit (15–30 minutes) | Longer visits or overnight care |
| Focus | Exercise and potty breaks | Full daily care and supervision |
| Feeding | No (unless requested) | Yes, usually included |
| Medication | Not always | Frequently part of service |
| Emotional support | Limited | High — especially for anxious pets |
| Household tasks | Rarely | Yes (mail, lights, plants) |
| Ideal for | Daily routines | Travel, long days, special-needs dogs |
🔄 Can You Use Both?
Absolutely! Many Lezlie’s clients use walkers during the workweek and sitters for vacations or weekend trips. Some even mix the two — for example:
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Midday walks Monday through Friday
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Full-day sitter on Saturday when they’re at a wedding
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Overnight sitter for a 3-day trip
We’re flexible based on what your dog needs. And we help you build a care plan that grows with your pup — from energetic puppyhood to peaceful senior years.
🧠 Behavioral Considerations: What Type of Pet Do You Have?
Your dog’s temperament plays a big role in what kind of care they need.
Independent and Low-Maintenance:
A quick potty break and sniff around the block may be all they need. A walker is perfect.
Anxious or Velcro Dogs:
Being left alone all day (or night) can trigger:
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Barking or howling
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Pacing
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Potty accidents
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Destructive behavior
In this case, a sitter who offers structured time and soothing company is better.
Puppies or Seniors:
Puppies need more supervision. Seniors may need gentle care, more bathroom trips, or help with stairs. These dogs do best with a sitter who stays longer and checks in frequently.
At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting, we meet your dog in advance and help you assess which role is best — and adjust the plan as your pet’s needs change.
🩺 Health and Safety: Sitters Offer More Monitoring
Walkers check in and walk out — and for many dogs, that’s plenty. But if your pet:
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Is recovering from surgery
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Needs insulin or medication
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Has incontinence or balance issues
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Has separation anxiety
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Requires a very specific schedule
…then you need a sitter. Sitters can watch for symptoms, offer hands-on help, and communicate with you throughout the day or night. At Lezlie’s, our sitters are trained in pet CPR and emergency protocols.
📷 Communication and Trust
All Lezlie’s services include updates — but sitters offer more context, such as:
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How your pet ate
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Any stress or anxiety symptoms
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Play preferences and energy level
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Mood changes or household messes
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Behavior around the home
You’ll get:
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Time-stamped updates
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Photos and short videos
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Medication tracking if needed
When you’re away, knowing someone is in your home, following your pet’s routine exactly, and sending clear updates is priceless.
💡 Choosing the Right Service at the Right Time
| Your Situation | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Working 9–5 and dog is house-trained | Dog Walker |
| Going away overnight | Dog Sitter |
| Dog recovering from surgery | Dog Sitter |
| Puppy potty training | Walker + Sitter |
| Have guests staying but need backup help | Sitter |
| Need flexible daily check-ins | Either, depending on length |
Final Thoughts: Walks Move Bodies, Sitting Calms Souls
Dog walking is a valuable daily service that gives your pet movement and stimulation. Dog sitting offers full emotional, physical, and medical support — especially during times when you’re away or your pet needs a little extra help.
At Lezlie’s Pet Sitting in Marietta, GA, we proudly offer both. Whether your dog needs a short loop around the neighborhood or a full day of love and attention, we’ve got you covered.
Still not sure which is best? Schedule a free meet-and-greet. We’ll get to know your dog and help you build a care plan that fits your life — and theirs.
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