An in-depth legal guide for new and established pet care professionals Running a professional dog walking business in the UK involves far…

Professional dog walking isn’t paid movement. It’s paid judgement, responsibility, and risk absorption — most of which happens before…

Cold temperatures, short daylight hours and rapidly changing weather conditions require more than enthusiasm and warm clothing — they …

Most incidents don’t happen because dogs hate each other. They happen because one dog tips another over threshold repeatedly — often…

Most professional dog walkers only find out the limits of their cover after something has gone wrong. By then, it’s too late to change…

Professional safety begins the moment we stop treating “goodness” as protection, and start treating it as conditional. Dogs do not bite….

"I did not know" is not a valid excuse. A statement I often hear is "but it is not my dog, so the owners are responsible!" This is not true, once you set out that door with a dog, you are legally responsible! I have written this blog so it sets out current UK law as of December 2025, including banned breeds, handler responsibility, and mandatory insurance considerations for professional...

Studies in canine behaviour have shown that dogs experience emotional contagion — they mirror the stress, excitement, and calmness of …

Learn how to grow your dog walking business by offering additional services like pet sitting, training, grooming, and more — boost income and client satisfaction.

For the public, dog walking looks simple — a lead, a stroll, a happy tail.

One of the greatest skills a professional dog walker can develop isn’t strength, speed, or stamina — it’s observation.

A well-structured group not only provides physical exercise and mental stimulation for the dogs but also keeps everyone safe and happy—your clients’ dogs, you, and the dogs in the group itself. One of the most important factors in making group walks successful is ensuring the dogs are compatible with each other, which can sometimes feel like a juggling act....

Learn how to handle client feedback and complaints professionally as a dog walker, build trust, resolve issues, and improve your services.

With professional Dog Walkers, Advanced Emergency Planning, Lone Working Protocols, and Risk Containment are critical . At a certain level..

Are you a self-employed dog walker facing surgery or illness? Learn how Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit, and ESA work for self-employed professionals, what to do if you run a limited company, and practical tips to protect your income while you recover.

Discover the top challenges dog walkers face — from handling dogs to managing clients — and learn practical strategies to grow your business with confidence.

You are exhausted! You are not only responsible for animals. You are responsible for safety, logistics, client trust, emotional…

Many of those costs can be claimed back as business expenses, helping you reduce your taxable income and run a more efficient, profitable business. Whether you’re a solo dog walker or running a full team like I do at TLC Dog Walking, keeping track of your expenses is essential. Below is a clear guide to what dog walkers can usually claim as expenses in the UK, including how logoed clothing and branded kit fit into your allowable business costs.....

equipment is not neutral. Every point of attachment changes how pressure is felt, how information travels through the dog’s body, and how the dog responds emotionally and physically. This blog breaks down the four most common walking tools used by professional dog walkers, what they actually do, and when they help or hinder. Front-attach harnesses clip at the chest or sternum and are commonly marketed as “no-pull” solutions. What they do well...