National Dog Walker Appreciation Day - 8th September 2024

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‍It’s a dog’s world

Did you know that out of around 900 million dogs in the world, 12 million of them are in the UK?

That’s approximately 33% of UK households that have a canine companion.

As a result of the pandemic, sales of pooches soared making the UK the second-highest dog-owning nation in Europe - just behind Germany who take the top spot.

With 3.2million UK homes acquiring a pet during lockdown, this has led to high demand for pet-related products and services - including dog walking.

 In fact, around 1 in 40 dog owners use professional dog walking services. Pawsome news for all you dog walkers out there – and those considering setting up a ‘walkies’ business.

And if you happen to live in Swindon in Wiltshire, with one dog per every three people, Swindon is the UK’s canine capital, you’re sure to be in doggy demand!

‍For the love of dog walkers

Professional dog walking services are a lifeline for owners with poor mobility or during periods of illness, those who are out at work all day or for people who need an extra pair of hands to provide extra exercise for the most energetic and demanding dogs. Subsequently, professional dog walking businesses are booming with UK owners spending around £1.5bn on dog walking services each year.

But how can you stand out from the competition and make dog owners know that they would be barking mad to get anyone else to walk their beloved Barney?

As a professional dog walker, it’s important to keep up to date with dog walking rules and regulations that may impact the success of your dog walking business. Plus, building a portfolio of regular clients and word of mouth recommendations is invaluable. Never underestimate the power of social media to build up - or knock down your business reputation at the click of a mouse.  

10 ways to help you be top dog! 

1. Meet the dog owners and their dogs before their first booking so you can get to know the dog’s temperament and likes or dislikes

2. It’s generally recommended to walk a maximum of four dogs at any given time -and always have a lead for each dog

3. Keep accurate records of all clients and activities undertaken and safe guard clients’ personal information

4. Clean up after pets to avoid hefty fines

5. Join an association such as Narps UK, Pet Industry Federation, Professional Dog Walkers Association or the Dogs Trust to keep up to speed with rules and regulations, improve your doggy knowledge and build business credibility and trust with clients

6. Some local councils enforce restrictions on dog walking in certain areas or during certain dates so familiarise yourself with guidelines in your area e.g. dogs are banned from some beaches during summer months

7. Being trained and qualified in animal behaviour, animal first aid, and overall animal care can give your business an edge over the competition

8. If you hold a dog owner's keys and enter their house to collect a dog, you must have a Criminal Record Check

9. Ask regular clients for feedback and testimonials to use in your marketing efforts

10. Get insured from a reputable, specialist provider like Cliverton who has a team of experts who all love dogs as much as you do!

Insuring your dog business is a walk in the park

Being a professional dog walker can be a rewarding business – but it also comes with risks. As a dog lover, you’ll be used to the unpredictable nature of your furry friends. But when it comes to protecting your business, you should never cut corners.

Public liability insurance offers protection should a member of the public be injured by a dog in your care - such as falling over a dog or lead - and decides to take legal action and sue for damages. It also covers you if a dog under your control damages their property or possessions.

If dogs in your care get lost or injured, dog walkers’ business insurance offers protection in case something happens to your canine clients.  It can also cover any specialist equipment such as leads and harnesses, and general business equipment such as your laptop.

A woof guide to dog walking laws in the UK

It’s currently not a legal requirement to have a dog walking licence in the UK, but you should be mindful of the following laws:

· The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 - you could be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to pick up faeces, keep a dog on a lead when required or allow a dog to enter land where dogs are excluded.

· The Control of Dogs Order 1992 - all dogs in a public place must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on a tag.

· The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 - is against the law for a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control' in a public place.

· The Road Traffic Act 1988 - dogs must be on a lead at all times on roads.

· Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 - if a dog in your care worries livestock on any agricultural land, you would be guilty of an offence under this Act. A farmer has the right to stop a dog if caught worrying his livestock - and that can include shooting it.

· Dogs Act 1871 - It's an offence if a dog is considered dangerous and not kept under control on a lead or muzzled.