The COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown periods sparked a surge in pet adoption across Britain, with many households welcoming dogs into their homes as a source of comfort during isolation. However, as normalcy returned and people headed back to their workplaces, a new challenge emerged: ensuring their pets received adequate exercise and attention during working hours.
This need gave rise to a flourishing professional dog walking industry, with entrepreneurs stepping in to provide essential services for busy pet owners. However, recent events have sparked serious discussions about the regulation of this growing sector.
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Fatal Dog Walking Incident Sparks Safety Debate
The catalyst for these discussions was a tragic incident involving professional dog walker Natasha Johnston, 28, who lost her life in January 2023 near Caterham, Surrey. Johnston suffered fatal injuries while managing a group of eight dogs, including her own pitbull terrier named Stan and a Leonberger. The incident occurred at Gravelly Hill, a location frequently used by dog walkers.
The circumstances surrounding Johnston’s death were particularly concerning. Her pitbull, which she had rescued from euthanasia after it had bitten a child, had previously bitten her twice. At the time of the fatal incident, the dog was neither muzzled nor leashed.
Following a recent inquest, Surrey’s senior coroner Richard Travers announced plans to address Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, advocating for nationwide limits on group dog walking. This has intensified the ongoing debate about proper regulation of the industry.
Glen Oglaza, a former broadcast journalist whose two dogs – a labradoodle and sheepadoodle – were part of Johnston’s walking group that day, supports the push for regulation. He emphasizes three key areas: limiting group sizes to four dogs, considering dog weight restrictions, and implementing professional licensing requirements.
The RSPCA has joined the call for reform, proposing a formal licensing system. While regulations exist for dog boarding and daycare services since 2018, professional dog walking remains largely unregulated. The animal welfare organization currently recommends a maximum of four dogs per walker.
Local Councils Implement Patchwork Regulations
Local authorities have begun implementing their own solutions. In London, Lambeth Council has established a licensing system charging £392 for walking up to six dogs, with reduced fees for smaller groups. Licensed walkers must display identification armbands, and violations incur fines. Similarly, Reigate & Banstead borough council in Surrey recently imposed a four-dog limit.
Professional Dog Walkers Fight Back Against Restrictions
However, these restrictions have met resistance from professional dog walkers. Karen Fry, a 60-year-old industry veteran with nine years of experience, argues that blanket restrictions threaten the viability of small businesses like her Wag & Mama service, which charges £16 per walk. She advocates for a professional registry system that would document walkers’ qualifications and experience instead of arbitrary group size limits.
Fry raises valid concerns about the broader implications of these restrictions. She points out that her clients include essential workers such as NHS staff, teachers, and firefighters who rely on professional dog walking services. She warns that overly restrictive regulations could force many small businesses to close, potentially leading to increased pet surrenders to rescue centers as working owners struggle to provide adequate care for their animals.
The situation highlights the complex balance between ensuring public safety and maintaining accessible pet care services. As municipalities continue to develop new regulations, the challenge lies in finding solutions that protect both public safety and the viability of professional dog walking services that have become essential to many working pet owners.