Find a registered dog walker

Alice Addison @ Paws at the Park

07767 624 464

send an email to pawsatp@gmail.com

Paws at the Park Brighton

Bien Perro

07543 561 816

send an email to info@bienperro.co.uk

Brightdogs

07941 991 322

send an email to walks@brightdogs.uk

Brighton Barkers

07981 755 034

Brighton Dog Adventures

07718 123 989

Hattie’s Hounds Hove

07508 697 897 

send an email to hattieshounds.hove@gmail.com

Hugo and Hounds

07508 056 770

Paws to Doorz

07581 185 659

Pop Dog Walking Brighton

07463 788 017

Pop Dog Walking

Pup Scouts

01273 282 787

The Dog Runner

07710 062 356

send an email to info@thedogrunner.co.uk 

Waggles & Whiskers

07875 291 157

send an email to waggleswhiskers@gmail.com 

Waggles and Whiskers

Wags and Whiskers

07932 576 633

Woody's Walks

07813 434 447

We recognise the importance of promoting responsible dog walking. Dog walking companies must treat the safety and welfare of dogs and people as their top priority.

To follow our standards, we invite you to agree to:

• get your clients to sign an agreement and consent form, about the safety and well-being of their pets while you look after them
• clean up after the dogs you look after
• keep the dogs you look after under proper control, in line with the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and The Dogs Act 1871
• familiarise yourself with Section 4 and Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
• make sure your dog walkers wear an identification badge with the company name and contact details when walking dogs in public
• attach visible identification to the dogs with details of your company, as well as the tag with the owner's details
• keep up to date with any changes in the law on micro-chipping and dangerous dogs
• do everything you can to reduce the impact on other park users of walking many dogs
• provide appropriate insurance coverage for the business
• only exercise the number of dogs covered by your insurance policy and keep them under control in line with dog laws
• only transport dogs in vehicles that are fit for purpose, with current insurance, tax, MOT and efficient heat and temperature control
• make sure the vehicle is ventilated properly for the size of the vehicle and the number of dogs
• have a good knowledge of dog behaviour and skills in dog training and handling
• have a sound knowledge of canine first aid
• register with a local vet
• have a plan of action in the event of an emergency

Defra transport requirements state you must also agree to always carry clean, fresh drinking water and clean bowls to offer dogs after exercise.

You must not restrain dogs by leashes or chains within the vehicles. Cages or containment in your vehicle must be suitable for the size and number of dogs, to safely transport them.

Ideally, cage doors should be fitted to the vehicle.

Refer to this checklist to make sure you're ready for your inspection.

Undertake the training needed:

• you should have completed a certified Canine First Aid course and be competent in all aspects of dog husbandry

Have an agreement and consent form for all your clients:

• these forms should be held securely and available for inspection if an Animal Warden or Council Officer asks to see them
• the forms should include emergency contact information and consents to enable you to: 
  • walk dogs as part of a pack
  • transport dogs as part of a pack
  • walk dogs off lead
  • provide basic grooming - brushing, washing if required
  • provide emergency first aid if required
  • take a dog to an appointed vet if necessary

Cleaning up after the dogs in your care:

• you're required to remove and suitably dispose of all dog waste in connection with your dog walking business

Dog leads and collars for the number of dogs you'll be walking and keeping all dogs in your charge under proper control:

• if the owners provide leads, make sure you have a suitable number of spares in case of loss or breakage
• you must be able to manage all the dogs under your control, and make sure they do not cause harm or nuisance to other members of the public or other animals

The Animal Welfare Act 2006:

• specifically, section 4 (Unnecessary suffering) and Section 9 (Duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare)
• you should have procedures in place to prevent any breaches of section 4 and 9

Identification badge with your company name on it:

• you must have an identification badge stating the company name and contact details - you must wear this while you walk dogs in public spaces
• you may also choose to wear something with your company name and contact information on it, such as a t-shirt, hoodie or jacket

Dog tags:

• when on a walk, all dogs in your care must wear an additional tag that has your company name and phone number inscribed on it 

Minimising the impact of multiple dogs being exercised and avoiding concern to members of the public:

• consider the actions you will take to minimise the overall impact of walking multiple dogs, especially if you plan to walk in high traffic areas or at busy times of the day - you should specify within your procedure how you aim to do this and provide this at your inspection.

Indemnity insurance:

• the policy should specify the number of dogs you are allowed to walk
• provide insurance documentation at the inspection

Vehicle insurance for business use:

• provide a valid certificate of insurance at your inspection

Valid driver’s license:

• provide your driver's license at your inspection

M.O.T. certificate (if required):

• if multiple vehicles are used, you must provide this for all vehicles

Securely fitted cages in the vehicle for the dogs you will walk:

• each dog in the vehicle should have its own cage - it should be of a suitable size for the dog being transported and the dog should be comfortable within the vehicle
• dogs must not be left unattended in vehicles

Ventilation in the vehicle:

• if you're using the vehicles air conditioning, you will need to make sure it stays recharged
• you must ensure the welfare of all dogs while being transported in the vehicle and particularly how weather conditions will affect internal vehicle temperatures

Water bowls and an adequate supply of clean water in the vehicle:

• adequate steps should be taken to avoid competition between dogs, especially dogs that are unfamiliar with one another - this can be done by having one bowl per dog and giving water to some dogs while maintaining control over the remaining dogs in your care

First aid kit:

• you must carry a canine first aid kit in your vehicle - all items must be in date

Cleaning equipment:

• pet safe cleaning products must be available for cleaning cages as required - you should have pet safe disinfectant, cleaning spray, absorbent cloths or towels, pet safe wipes and bags for disposal
• all waste should be suitably disposed of

Written emergency plan:

• this should cover unforeseen circumstances such as a vehicle breakdown, a road traffic collision, if you need to change your schedule on short notice and if a dog is taken ill while in your care, especially if it involves an emergency trip to the vets

Register with a local vet:

• the vet must be aware that you're registering as a dog walker - ideally the vet should be near the area, especially in cases of emergency where a dog requires urgent veterinary attention