Professional Dog Walkers’ Code of Conduct

Stroud District Council’s Animal Welfare team has launched a Professional Dog Walkers’ Code of Conduct in response to the growing number of people providing this service.

This code will act as a framework of best practice for paid dog walkers.

Professional Dog Walkers agree:

• to clean up after, and appropriately dispose of mess from, the dogs in their charge at all times, thereby setting a good example to members of the public

• to keep dogs under proper control at all times in line with the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and The Dogs Act 1871

• to make themselves aware of and comply with all current laws and byelaws relating to dogs

• to ensure that every dog walked by them on a highway or public place wears a collar with the name and address of its owner inscribed on it or on a tag/plate attached to it and a tag inscribed with the dog walker’s details. To also ensure that each dog is implanted with an appropriate microchip with up to date details of the keeper

• to provide appropriate insurance cover for the service

• to minimise the impact that exercising multiple dogs has on other dog walkers, thereby avoiding causing concern to members of the public

• to only exercise the number of dogs covered by their insurance policy and a maximum of 6 dogs at any time, or in line with appropriate legislation, whichever is the lesser

• not to walk dogs off lead without written consent from the owner

• to transport dogs in vehicles fitted with adequate ventilation and extraction so as not to cause them distress, particularly during warmer weather and to provide them with access to fresh, clean drinking water

• to ensure that dogs are adequately contained/crated within vehicles to safely transport them

• not to restrain dogs by leashes or chains within vehicles

• to have a good knowledge of dog behaviour and skills in dog training and handling

• to inform the Stroud District Council Animal Welfare Service immediately of any lost dogs by telephoning (01453) 754478

• not to home or day board any dog without the appropriate Licence as defined under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018