Bound by law The rules for paid dog walking
Professional dog walking licences can be required and this depends on rules set out by the local council. Lambeth council, for example, charges £55, £111 or £333 for a dog walking licence depending on if it is for up to two, four or six dogs at a time, respectively.
Guidance endorsed by Dogs Trust and RSPCA says that dog walkers “should be suitably trained” and that walkers “should” get dog walking certificates and do training courses.
Professional dog walkers have to abide by other local and animal welfare laws and must always use leads in designated areas and have adequate insurance, the advice states.
It is a legal requirement for dogs to be microchipped and to have a collar with the owner’s name and address.