Whose walking your dog: Choosing a Trusted, First Aid Trained Dog Walker

Introduction

If you’re juggling work, family, appointments or life’s demands, you may wonder: whose walking your dog today? It’s a question every pet owner should ask.

You want someone reliable and capable. Someone who understands dog behaviour. Someone who is insured and first aid trained. Without regulation in the industry, anyone can start offering walks. That leaves you, the owner, to decide.

I write this because I believe your pet deserves care you can trust. I’ve spoken to owners who’ve had mixed experiences—from walkers who arrived unprepared, to those who turned out exceptional. I’ve also researched guidance from RSPCA and Dogs Trust on best practice for dog walkers.

You’ll learn what matters when choosing who walks your dog: experience, insurance, knowledge of dog laws, behaviour and first aid skills. I’ll share real stories and tips. You’ll see why checking these things reduces risk and increases peace of mind for you and wellbeing for your dog.

Why the Dog Walking Industry Remains Unregulated

Currently, dog walking in the UK is unregulated. Anyone can set up a business without certifications, licences or formal training (Dogs Trust, democracy.northdevon.gov.uk).

That means when you search online or ask someone local, you might find:

  • walkers with no experience handling dogs of different temperaments
  • no insurance in place for accidents or damage
  • no first aid knowledge
  • no checks like DBS if they have access to your home

RSPCA and Pet Industry Federation developed Professional Dog Walkers’ Guidelines to fill this gap. These guidelines are endorsed by Dogs Trust and urge high standards even though they’re not legally enforced (Caw, Reddit, RSPCA).

You need to vet anyone walking your dog carefully. Asking clear questions helps protect your pet.

What questions do you ask a potential walker?

Experience and Understanding Dog Behaviour

A walker should know how to read a dog’s behaviour. They should spot stress, fear or conflict early. That means safer walks and fewer problems.

Ask these when meeting someone:

  • How long have you walked dogs?
  • What breeds or sizes are you comfortable with?
  • What would you do if two dogs showed aggression?
  • Have you worked with scared, elderly, reactive or nervous dogs?

Here’s an example: one walker described working with a rescue terrier who bolted at gates. With patience and small reinforcement rewards, the dog improved recall and calmed down over weeks.

It makes a difference when your walker knows body language and remains calm under stress. That saves time and builds trust.I

Insurance might feel optional—but it’s not something to skip. Most professionals have third‑party liability insurance, which covers injury or damage caused by a dog in their care

Even though it’s not required by law, insurance protects you and the walker if your dog causes damage or gets injured.

Check:

  • Are you covered for accidents involving your dog?
  • How many dogs are you allowed to walk at once under your policy?
  • Do you carry insurance for emergency vet fees as well?

RSPCA guidance calls out that walkers can be held responsible under the Animal Welfare Act when they’re walking your dog (RSPCA, Dogs Trust). In some councils, licences are now required too—like Reigate & Banstead, which limits group size and demands proof of insurance (The Times).

Some local authorities require licences: it’s worth checking your council’s rules before hiring someone.

first aid trained

Why First Aid Training Matters

Emergencies happen. A walker trained in canine first aid can respond fast. They can recognise heatstroke, allergic reaction, choking or wounds, and act before reaching a vet

Ask:

  • Are you certified in pet or canine first aid?
  • Have you ever had to give first aid during a walk?
  • Do you carry a first aid kit with you?

One walker shared she once treated a deep cut after a dog slipped under a fence. Immediate cleaning and pressure dressing prevented infection until the vet arrived.

That level of care matters. It shows preparedness and prioritises the dog’s safety.

How Many Dogs Should a Walker Handle at Once

The RSPCA and Dogs Trust recommend a maximum of four dogs at once to maintain control and reduce risks.

In council areas like Surrey, regulation limits walkers to four dogs. Some professional walkers push for a national register instead of blanket rules, arguing experienced walkers can manage more than four safely

Challenge a walker kindly:

  • How many dogs do you walk at once?
  • How do you keep track of each dog’s needs?
  • What water, cleaning and transport arrangements do you provide?

One company, My Dog Walker in London, limits group size, uses matched groupings and offers smaller walks for elderly or recovering dogs—each walker often works with six dogs but within strict protocols and training

Meeting and Monitoring Your Walker

You want someone you trust. That often starts with a meet and greet. Dogs Trust recommends a meeting before bookings begin to discuss your dog’s personality, routines, health and needs (Dogs Trust).

During the meet:

  • Observe how your dog responds to the walker
  • Ask about their emergency process
  • Check how they record walk details or behaviour notes
  • Clarify scheduling, transport and communication

You can also ask for client references or checks like DBS if someone enters your home

Does the walker provide pet updates? Do they carry a mobile phone, water and vet contacts? These small details reflect professionalism.

Benefits of Choosing a Trusted, First Aid Trained Dog Walker

When you choose a walker who is experienced, insured, regulated or first aid trained, you get:

  • Safer walks for your dog
  • Faster response in emergencies
  • Confidence they understand dog behaviour
  • Protection if an incident occurs
  • Better communication with updates and notes
  • Peace of mind that your dog is in capable hands

A friend chose a walker recommended by her vet. She appreciated that the walker texted a photo during walks. When her dog ate something odd, the walker recognised the signs, administered first aid, and caught it early. That level of care eased her worry.

Conclusion

Dog walking should bring joy to your pet without extra risk. Asking whose walking your dog helps you make a safe choice.

You’ve learned:

  • The industry is largely unregulated, so you must vet walkers
  • Insurance and legal responsibility are important
  • First aid training saves lives
  • Knowing how many dogs are walked at once matters
  • A meet and clear communication builds trust

Your dog’s welfare depends on knowing who’s in charge of their exercise. Choosing someone with experience, insurance, and first aid training shows you care.

If you’d like help finding a local, trusted dog walker—or more information about safe professional standards—feel free to explore services, training guides or contact us for recommendations.

Resources

related links from Derek “Del” Chambers of Finchley of Walker