Our Doggy Do Code has helped owners know how to walk their dogs responsibly for over 15 years. Now that many people employ dog walkers to provide extra walks for their dogs, we’ve produced some additional guidance, with ten Top Tips for Choosing a Dog Walker.
There are currently no national regulations for commercial dog walking, so our top tips are designed to help owners choose a business who will take the same care and responsibility as they do when out on walks, as well as ensuring their dogs are safe and secure when with them.
Do your research
Look for recommendations and reviews from trusted people and businesses. Check out the content of their website and social media. Are they members of any dog walking organisations, or signed up to any codes of conduct?
Qualifications and experience
Look for training in Canine First Aid, Professional Dog Walking. What is their experience of working with dogs, and if they use other people to walk your dogs are they trained and experienced?
Do they have relevant insurance?
Meeting your dogs needs:
All dogs vary in sociability, exercise requirements and training. Check to see if they offer a client introduction and initial consultation. What is the maximum number of dogs they will walk together. How do they match dogs with other dogs, do they have a way of introducing them, do they offer a variety of options of group walks/solo walks/house visits?
Meeting your needs:
Do they have clear agreement on the services they provide. Check if walk times includes pick up and drop off time or travel time. Clarify agreement for off-lead walking, instructions for leaving the dogs at the end of a walk, feeding, water, even administering of medication. Do you want feedback from walks?
Safe and Secure:
Do they have robust measures in place for keeping your dog, your home and your data safe? Ask for criminal records checks (DBS checks), key storage, GDPR and privacy policies).
Vehicles and transport:
How will they safely transport your dog? Is the vehicle appropriate, maintained, and insured. How are the dogs secured during transportation, is there adequate ventilation and access to water.
Health and hygiene:
Check their policy on vaccination and parasite treatment of dogs in their care. How do they minimise risk of illness passing between dogs, ask about cleaning regimes of shared spaces, and potentially shared items such as water bowls, towels, crate bedding.
Risk assessment and emergency plans:
What plans do they have in place to return your dog in case of an accident, illness or other issue affecting them, a dog (dogs) in their care, or their vehicle? What policy do they have for extreme weather conditions?
Do their values match your values?
Do they follow codes such as the Doggy Do code? Do they pick up after the dogs in their care, look out for wildlife and livestock, and consider other users? Do they have an environmental policy?
If you are looking for a dog walker, don’t forget to check out Dorset Dogs the Professional Dogs Walkers listed in our Doggy Directory Professional dog walkers – Dorset Dogs
Professional Dog Walkers on this page have signed up to our Charter and agree that they operate their business in a professional manner.
Follow us on social media @dorsetdogs where you’ll find lots of useful information including our Top Tips for Choosing a Dog Walker.