Legalities and Insurance

Before starting any work, please review the following points carefully. Don’t be discouraged by this list! Securing adequate insurance can take as little as 10 minutes, and not all parks or areas require dog walkers to have a license. I’ve also included some helpful tips and useful links to guide you.

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​1. Business Registration

• Register Your Business: If you're starting a dog walking business, you'll need to register as a self-employed individual with HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs). This ensures you're paying the correct taxes, and it’s a legal requirement if you earn over a certain threshold.

• Legal Structure: Decide whether you will operate as a sole trader, a limited company, or a partnership. Most dog walkers begin as sole traders, but it may be worth considering forming a limited company for legal protection and tax benefits if your business grows.

 

2. Insurance

Having appropriate insurance is crucial to protect both your business and your clients. The following types of insurance are highly recommended:

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• Public Liability Insurance: This covers you in case of accidents or injuries involving the dogs in your care or third parties (e.g., a dog causing an injury to another person or their pet). It’s one of the most important types of insurance for dog walkers.

• Professional Indemnity Insurance: This covers you if a client claims that your services caused harm or if a dog suffers an injury while under your care. It can be particularly important if you are offering additional services such as training or behavior consulting.

• Employers’ Liability Insurance: If you hire staff, you are legally required to have this insurance. It protects you against claims made by employees in the event of an injury or illness at work.

• Pet Insurance: While this isn’t a requirement for dog walkers, it’s something you might want to consider. It could cover veterinary fees for dogs in your care if they become injured or ill during a walk.

 

3. Licensing and Permits

• Dog Walking License: In some local authorities in the UK, you may need a dog walking license or permit to operate your business. Check with your local council to see if a license is required in your area.

• Vehicle Licensing: If you transport dogs in your own vehicle, there are specific rules and regulations that may apply. Ensure that your vehicle is appropriately insured for transporting animals and that it meets safety standards.

 

4. Animal Welfare Act 2006

• As a dog walker, you have a duty of care towards the dogs you are walking. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, you are legally required to ensure that the dogs in your care are treated humanely and kept safe. This includes providing them with proper exercise, food, water, and shelter during walks and ensuring they are safe from harm.

• Dog Control Laws: Ensure you are aware of the Control of Dogs Order 1992, which requires dogs to wear a collar with identification tags that include the owner's details. You should also be familiar with local leash laws and breed-specific regulations.

 

5. Criminal Record Checks (DBS Check)

• While not a legal requirement for dog walkers, many clients may request a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure you have no criminal record, particularly if you're working with children, vulnerable adults, or high-value pets. You can apply for a DBS check through the government website.

 

6. Contract and Terms of Service

• Written Agreement: While not legally required, having a contract or terms of service for your dog walking clients is a good practice. This can outline expectations, responsibilities, payment terms, and cancellation policies. It helps to clarify any misunderstandings and provides protection for both parties.

• Booking System: If you use a booking system or website to handle client appointments, ensure that your terms and conditions are clear, especially regarding cancellations, payment, and emergency procedures.

 

7. Health and Safety

• Risk Assessments: You should conduct regular risk assessments to ensure safe working practices. This includes checking for hazards on dog walks (e.g., busy roads, wildlife, other dogs) and ensuring your equipment (leashes, harnesses, etc.) is in good condition.

• First Aid: It's strongly recommended to have a pet first aid qualification, which will help you respond to minor injuries or emergencies during walks.

 

8. Tax and National Insurance

• As a self-employed dog walker, you’ll need to pay tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs) on your earnings. Keep accurate records of income and expenses to make filing taxes easier. You may also be eligible for certain business-related tax deductions.

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