I am a member of the Professional Dog Walkers Association but why does that matter?

If you are not familiar with the pet care industry, you might not realise how unregulated a lot of it is. At the moment, anyone can become a dog walker, no experience, qualifications or background checks required.

With today's regulations, well... lack thereof, someone could set up a business and describe themselves as a professional, but in reality they could have 0 animal experience, no dog walking industry knowledge, no business insurance, no disclosure checks, no verification and no awareness of their clients or surroundings... And, as you can imagine, the results could potentially be devastating.

But being a member of the Professional Dog Walkers Association means that I have been vetted and have had my knowledge of dogs and the law assessed. It also means that I have made a commitment to follow the PDWA Best Practice Guidance and Ethics. These are outlined as:

• Ensuring the health, welfare and safety of all dogs in my care at all times.

• Always keeping all dogs in my care under control.

• Always having a genuine care, respect and courtesy for all animals, the public, other dog walkers and environment.

• Ensuring the security of clients' premises following all visits, collection and return of dogs.

• Always working within the law regarding all aspects of conducting business.

• Making myself aware of and keeping up-to-date with all laws associated with dogs, control and handling, my local council byelaws, park management rules, outdoor access codes, the highway code.

• Obtaining any necessary permits from my local council and complying with their code of practice.

• Ensuring all dogs in my care have safe and correctly fitted collars and / or harnesses.

• Ensuring all dogs in my care are ID tagged and microchipped in line with current dog welfare law.

• Cleaning up after dogs in my care and disposing of waste properly in line with current legislation.

• Ensuring all dogs in my care are transported in a safe and secure manner.

• All dogs should be walked away from and returned to the vehicle on the lead.

• Providing sufficient Public Liability Insurance for my dog walking service.

• Only exercising a maximum of 4 well-behaved dogs at one time in a public area.

• Carrying a dog First Aid kit and fresh drinking water.

• Using kind methods and equipment only for any dogs in my care.

• I will not disclose any private, personal or confidential information about my clients without prior permission.

• I will not solicit clientele from any other local dog walking business.

• I will not advertise falsely any service or credentials.
  

I say all this with the hopes of giving you the reassurance that I will endeavour to work ethically and ensure that your dog receives high-quality and safe care. Of course though, more than a membership goes into choosing a dog walker. Be vigilant in your own assessment criteria and always have a Meet & Greet.