Professional dog walking is a great business opportunity for anyone who loves dogs and being outside. However, it is important to know what the ‘rules’ for dog walkers are, in order to operate legally and safely.
Where do I find the rules?
Outside of government legislation, there is no one place that makes, monitors, or enforces dog walking rules. However, there are organisations which provide resources and advice on best practice. Notable bodies include:
Setting up a professional dog walking business
Do I need a licence?
You do not need a dog walking licence when starting a dog walking business. However, if you offer a dog boarding service, you will need a licence. This will be issued by your local council.
Do I need any qualifications or experience?
You are not required to have any formal qualifications or experience. However, it is sensible to make sure you have some experience of handling dogs of different sizes and temperaments.
What are my legal obligations as a business owner?
You will need to comply with any rules that apply to your business set up, i.e. whether you are a limited company, a partnership, or self-employed sole trader.
It is also important to draw up terms and conditions, and a contract template for your clients that can be signed by you and the client. Both need to be written clearly, accurately, and reasonably.
In addition, you will be required to inform HMRC. There will be rules about tax returns and record keeping that need to be adhered to.
Finally, you must comply with laws about holding and sharing the personal data of your clients.
Dog walking and the law
There are certain responsibilities dog owners and walkers must assume, as stated in official laws and regulations.
Ensuring the safety of others and dogs in your care
All dogs must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it. You also need to comply with local rules about where you and your dogs are allowed to go.
Don’t allow dogs on private property and comply with any signage requiring dogs to be on a lead. Always keep your dogs on a lead if you are walking on or by the road.
It is against the law for a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public place. Be aware that a dog can be considered ‘out of control’ even when it is on a lead.
If the dog is known to be aggressive, it should wear a muzzle while walked in public.
Allowing a dog to worry livestock (such as sheep or cattle) is also an offence. Both the dog owner and the person in charge of the dog can be fined and ordered to pay damages.
Cleaning up after dogs
It is important to make sure you are properly equipped to clean up after your dogs. You can be fined £1,000 if you do not.
Walking more than one dog at a time
The maximum number of dogs you can walk will depend on where you operate. Local authorities set their own rules on the issue. However, not every council has set a limit.
It’s important to check the situation in your area. If you breach the law, you could be fined.
In addition, consider carefully how many dogs you can control safely when out walking, and then limit how many you agree to walk.
Will I need dog walking insurance?
You should consider having adequate dog walking insurance. It will protect you and your business in if a dog in your care causes an accident, injury, or damage to someone else’s property, or if a dog is injured or lost while in your care.
While insurance may not always be a legal requirement, there may be other aspects of your business for which it is. For example, if someone helps you with walking the dogs, you will need employers’ liability insurance. You can normally add this on to your policy.
Reliable dog walking insurance for professionals
When it comes to dog walking insurance, Pet Business Insurance has you covered. Our insurance for professional dog walkers includes all the essentials, such as public liability insurance and accidents and injury cover, as well as useful extras such as cover for loss of keys or equipment.
We also provide additional forms of insurance that suit your unique business requirements, such as employer’s liability insurance, professional indemnity, and animal illness cover.
To discuss your dog walking insurance requirements, get in touch with Pet Business Insurance today. Call 01284 736 874, or complete our online enquiry form.