12 dog walkers available in Troy
| Service | Typical range (USD) |
|---|---|
| 30-minute solo walk | $20–$30 |
| 60-minute solo walk | $30–$45 |
| Group walk | $16–$25 |
| Drop-in visit | $20–$32 |
| Overnight sit | $55–$95 |
These are national guideline ranges — local rates in Troy vary with solo vs group walks, peak after-work times, and the number of dogs.
Treat the meet-and-greet like an interview. Ask to see proof of insurance and any pet first-aid certification, ask for two client references you can actually call, and confirm how keys are handled (a written key agreement is the professional standard). Watch how the walker greets your dog — a good one gets low and lets the dog approach. Agree in writing on the exact service, rate, cancellation policy, and the emergency plan (which vet, who they call).
Michigan is a strict-liability state (MCL 287.351) and, unusually, has a statewide leash-and-license law (MCL 287.262) on top of local rules.
These state-level rules apply across Michigan; the local rules that govern day-to-day walking are on the Local bylaws tab.
Michigan is a strict-liability state. Under MCL 287.351, if a dog bites a person without provocation while that person is on public property or lawfully on private property (including the owner's own), the owner is liable for any damages — regardless of the dog's former viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it. There is no one free bite, and breed is not a defense.
Limits and defenses: strict liability applies to bites only — a dog that knocks someone down, scratches, or jumps is handled under common-law negligence (which does require showing the owner knew the dog was dangerous, Hiner v. Mojica); provocation is a defense (a proportional reaction to being teased or hit; a disproportionate response is not provoked); and the victim must be lawfully present.
Unlike most states, Michigan sets baseline rules at the state level: all dogs over 6 months old must be licensed, wear a collar with the current tag, and be appropriately leashed off the owner's property (working or training dogs excepted). Female dogs in heat must be leashed when off the premises. Local ordinances add more on top — leash-length caps (for example, Grosse Pointe caps the leash at 10 feet), fencing, signage, and microchip rules for dangerous dogs. Violating a leash law is negligence and can support liability if a bite or injury results.
Tethering (Penal Code 750.50): a tether must be at least three times the dog's body length and allow free movement. Bite reporting: under the Michigan Public Health Code, every bite must be reported to the local health department, generally within 24 hours — a duty shared by owners, physicians, and veterinarians — which triggers a rabies quarantine (typically 10 days) and creates the official record.
A court can declare a dog dangerous (MCL 287.321) if it bit or attacked a person or seriously attacked another dog without justification. A later bite by a known-dangerous dog can be a misdemeanor; one that kills or seriously injures someone can expose the owner to felony charges — up to four years, heavy fines, and possible euthanasia. Detroit specifically requires, for dangerous animals, a locked 6-ft enclosure, a muzzle and a leash no longer than 6 ft off-property, a handler 18 or older, and posted warning signage. Michigan's personal-injury limit is three years (MCL 600.5805).