As a professional dog walker in the UK, you’ve always prided yourself on providing top-notch care for your furry clients. However, recent changes in dog walking licence requirements across various regions are shaking up the industry. While the UK doesn’t have nationwide regulations for dog walking businesses, a growing number of local councils are implementing their own licensing schemes, creating a patchwork of rules that can be challenging to navigate.
Licensing requirements for professional dog walkers in the UK vary by local council, with some implementing specific regulations and others not. Below is a list of councils known to have established licensing or permit systems for professional dog walkers:
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Bromley Council Dog Walking Licence
Requirements: Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of £1 million.
Application: https://www.bromley.gov.uk/DogWalkingLicence
Ealing Council
Requirements: Public Liability Insurance of £5 million, risk assessment, method statement, and details of experience.
Application: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201192/a_to_z_of_licences/2659/animal_boarding_establishments
Edinburgh Council
Requirements: Voluntary registration adhering to the council’s code of conduct for commercial dog walkers.
Application: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/park-management-rules/commercial-dog-walkers
Lambeth Council
Requirements: Adherence to the council’s code of conduct and terms and conditions; fees vary based on the number of dogs walked.
Application: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Business-rates-services-and-licensing/licensing-and-permits/Apply-change-or-pay-for-a-licence/Apply-for-an-animal-licence/professional-dog-walking-licence
Wandsworth Council
Requirements: Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of £2 million; adherence to terms and conditions and code of conduct; fees vary based on the number of dogs walked.
Application: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/business-and-licensing/licensing/animal-welfare-licensing/dog-walking-licence/professional-dog-walking-licence/
Nonsuch Park (Joint Management Committee)
Requirements: Starting April 2025, professional dog walkers will need a license. The annual fee is £200, with a limit of six dogs per walker.
More Information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3wqeg947ppo
Banstead Commons Conservators
Requirements: Professional dog walkers will need a license starting April 2025. The annual fee is £365.
More Information: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c33d4e8xj2eo
The Royal Parks
The Royal Parks charity requires commercial dog walkers to obtain a license to operate in their parks. This includes well-known London parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Richmond Park. The annual license fee is £300 (excluding VAT) for most Royal Parks, with a reduced rate of £225 (excluding VAT) for Richmond and Bushy Parks due to restrictions during the deer birthing season. https://www.royalparks.org.uk/commercial-licences/dog-walking-licences/professional-dog-walking-licence-tcs
Swindon Borough Council
While not a mandatory requirement, Swindon Borough Council has introduced a voluntary registration scheme for commercial dog walkers. This initiative aims to promote best practices and support reputable local businesses. https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20027/licences_and_permits/955/voluntary_commercial_dog_walker_registration
Please note that licensing requirements can change, and not all councils may have specific regulations for professional dog walkers. It’s advisable to contact the local council in the area where you plan to operate to confirm current requirements.
Hampstead Heath (City of London)
Annual licence fee: £331 plus VAT
Requires:
Public liability insurance (minimum £2 million, preferred £5 million)
Current risk assessment
Health & safety method statement