The coronavirus era is over. Back then, people wanted to spend a lot of time outdoors and took dogs as companions. Now people walk less. Their time and desire depend on the weather.
Larissa Kozõreva, the manager of the Tallinn Animal Shelter, says: "There is so little sun in Estonia that people immediately go to the beach when the sun shines. Now there are weather conditions where you can come to walk the dog. We are building up a new generation of walkers."
At the Tallinn and Narva animal shelters, 44 dogs are waiting for those who want to walk them. The walker must be at least 18 years old. "Dogs may not love children, and we cannot guarantee that the dog will not do anything," Kozõreva explained.
Reliable walkers are sought on social media and forums. Sabalipu OÜ has a full walking schedule every day. "There are clients who want to walk for one and a half to three hours. They prefer to go out of the city and walk on hiking trails," said Laura Koitsaar, a member of the management board of Sabalipu OÜ.
Emmaleen is a new dog walker. She walked 12-year-old Murt. "Finding time to walk your dog can sometimes be difficult, especially if you work full-time. If family members can't, then why not use a walking service," said Emmaleen.