Home > Pet Services > A Day in the Life of Professional Dog Walker

A Day in the Life of Professional Dog Walker

By: Margaret Paxton - Updated: 3 Aug 2018 | comments*Discuss
 
Dogs Walk Exercise Dog Walker Pet

Now in her forth year as a professional dog walker, Sylvia is a person who is always keen to start work! The decision to set up her own business as a dog walker was made after Sylvia had twice been made redundant.

“This gave me the time to consider working for myself and doing something I could really enjoy. I love dogs and enjoy walking, so…”

Having helped out a friend-who already had an established dog walking service-Sylvia realized that this was what she wanted to do.

Rules and Regulations

Although there are no formal qualifications needed to set up in business as a dog walker, it is important that the person, or persons, handling clients’ dogs have an understanding of canine body language. A love of dogs and walking is also essential!

Professional dog-walkers must have public liability insurance. Some companies specialize in this type of insurance policy and it is a legal requirement in the UK: understandably so as not all dog-owners are completely honest about their pets’ behaviour!

“The worst untruth for me to deal with is when owners say their dog is well socialized and ok with other dogs.”

Safety

Accidents can and do happen in any career with animals; but that’s no reason to be complacent about safety!

As a precautionary measure, Sylvia takes her new charges for a walk on their own-so that she can assess them-before they are introduced to ‘the pack’ they’ll be walked with. It makes sense to match dogs according to both their physical requirements and temperaments. After all, the service that dog-walkers provide should be enjoyable for the dogs too! (My two dogs love being walked twice a week in one of Sylvia’s packs and I’m happy in the knowledge that they are having exercise and fun within their very own select canine gang, under her control.)

The care and control of dogs and the number of dogs walked at any on time are subject to rules and regulations of local councils and the insurance policies required.

How it Works

On average, Sylvia walks 12-16 dogs per day. She is ably helped by a friend, and fellow dog-lover, which means she is allowed to take up to 6 dogs at a time. Some pets may be walked on their own by arrangement with the owners.

The dogs are collected from clients’ homes and transported in secure dog crates inside Sylvia’s ‘Paw Tours’ van; this method of transporting the dogs is essential for the safety and comfort of all ‘on board’.

Knowledge of locally available safe areas for dog-walkers is an absolute must for the smooth running of this business. Daily walks are planned to suit not only the animals to be exercised, but also the weather! Further necessities include the provision of water and water containers, spare leads, collars, poo bags, walking boots, wet weather gear and first aid kits for both dogs and humans. Sylvia always has a mobile phone with her.

The Dogs and Paperwork

On Sylvia’s first visit, simply to meet my dogs at home, she spent a while observing them and writing up their details: ages, breed, our regular walking habits, the dogs immunization records (including kennel cough) pet insurance, identity discs, and compiling records of the dogs’ general health and habits. She took the contact details of their veterinary surgeon in case of emergencies as well as my telephone numbers.

With the nitty gritty done, I asked Sylvia about her experiences as a professional dog walker.

“I had one dog that didn’t like the rain and he would run and hide under the van to keep dry. I’ve been dragged through the mud a few times and once fell down a rabbit hole while exercising…”

“I do get attached to all the dogs and it’s sad when people move away or their circumstances change and they no longer need to use my services.”

“I enjoy watching the dogs as they run about and play together and the peaceful drive home when they’re all happy and tired! The thing I least like is getting caught in a sudden downpour without having my wet-weather gear on!”

Interested in Branding, a Website or Graphic Design?

You can receieve an elegantly built, fully customised website that generates enquiries for just £399, merchandise design from £59, or illustrations from just £35, all unique to you and your brand. Check us out here.

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
Hello, such a great post, I walk dogs from individual households its just safer that way as I have that very few dogs are actually superb leash trained.
johnsmith_pd - 3-Aug-18 @ 7:09 AM
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice...
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Latest Comments
  • Emma
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hi I see there are like minded individuals who feel and know the need to help animals more so now than ever! It would be amazing if…
    1 December 2024
  • FiMice
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    I look after fieldmice that already inhabit an old church, the 'church mice' if you like. As the mice destroy woodwork, masonry,…
    21 November 2024
  • Monika
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hi, I'm also animal crazy and would like to do something to help in life. have you guys started it? I live in Malvern do I think…
    16 November 2024
  • dminik
    Re: Work With Horses: Becoming a Stablehand
    Hi, im 37 years old. Looking for a job and a teacher. Im from Russia. Was taking part in ~ 50 horse rides.
    4 September 2024
  • Rosierou
    Re: Sniffer & Police Dogs at Work
    My dog finds the ball wherever I hide it, she amazes me. I really think she could find anything anywhere. To her it is a game.
    17 August 2024
  • Hope
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    i’m only 17 and i have always wanted to open my own animal shelter. i want to try and make it possible to open multiple in…
    28 July 2024
  • Kidza
    Re: Work as a Flying Groom
    Good day I am much interested in flying groom position. I am based in Zimbabwe with over 15 years experience in horse care management as…
    7 July 2024
  • Eva
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hi Vic and Callum, I am based in North Yate - I'm in a similar situation! Perhaps we could start a group chat with ideas? I…
    15 June 2024
  • Gabriel
    Re: Work in a Zoo
    Hi, I'm Gabriel. I'm 15 turning 16 in November and thought that I'd really like to get a summer job working for some zoo in or around Liverpool. I am…
    6 June 2024
  • Vic
    Re: Run your own Animal Shelter
    Hello to Callum, I am based in Cheltenham and am animal crazy, I wan to rescue also! I do know a farmer who will give me a bit of…
    20 April 2024