The rise in dog ownership has led to an increase in demand for professional dog walking services. The increase in redundancies and unemployment due to Covid- 19 may encourage more people to see this as a viable business option. At present, anyone can start a dog walking business having little or no experience of dogs and very little (if any) understanding of dog behaviour.
I run a dog walking business and have been shocked and disgusted by the behaviour of some "professional" dog walkers. I have witnessed on many occasions as many as twelve dogs being walked as a pack with little or no control of the pack. Any person would realise this is highly irresponsible, reckless and dangerous. This is completely unnecessary and driven by greed. It does not consider the welfare of the dogs, their clients or the general public.
At present, professional dog walking businesses are not required by law to be registered or licensed and there is no legally recognised governing body or qualification. There are laws pertaining to the control of dogs however these are difficult to report and not specific to professional dog walking businesses.
It is now, more than ever, necessary for specific legislation covering the professional dog walking industry. We want the number of dogs allowed to be walked by a single professional dog walker limited to five dogs in a public area and for it to be unlawful to join up with other professional dog walkers in a public area if the joining of packs would exceed five dogs.
We believe the best way to regulate the limit of five dogs would be through licensing. Businesses should be held accountable through fines and revoking of licences where necessary. We would like all professional dog walkers to carry a copy of their licence, preferably in the form of a photocard licence, to be on display at all times thus making it easier for the public to report any concerns and breaches of the law.
It is now, more than ever, necessary for specific legislation covering the professional dog walking industry. We want the number of dogs allowed to be walked by a single professional dog walker limited to five dogs in a public area and for it to be unlawful to join up with other professional dog walkers in a public area if the joining of packs would exceed five dogs.
We believe the best way to regulate the limit of five dogs would be through licensing. Businesses should be held accountable through fines and revoking of licences where necessary. We would like all professional dog walkers to carry a copy of their licence, preferably in the form of a photocard licence, to be on display at all times thus making it easier for the public to report any concerns and breaches of the law.