Dog Walking Contracts in the UK: Laws, Legislation and Best Practice (2026)
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Jan 11
- 6 min read
Dog Walking Contracts in the UK: Laws, Legislation and Best Practice (2026)
An in-depth legal guide for new and established pet care professionals
Running a professional dog walking business in the UK involves far more than simply taking dogs out for exercise. Once you accept responsibility for someone else’s dog, you take on legal, ethical and financial obligations.
A properly written dog walking contract is one of the most important tools you have to protect yourself, your business and your clients. This blog provides a detailed, up-to-date overview of the laws and legislation that affect dog walking contracts in the UK in 2026, alongside best-practice guidance on what your contract should include and why it matters.
Why a Dog Walking Contract Matters
A dog walking contract is not just a formality. It is a legally recognised agreement that:
✓ Sets clear expectations between you and the client
✓ Defines the services you provide
✓ Clarifies responsibility and liability
✓ Supports insurance claims
✓ Reduces the risk of disputes
While dog walking is an unregulated industry, disputes over payments, injuries, property damage or dog behaviour are not uncommon. A clear, fair contract significantly reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings escalating into legal issues.
Is a Dog Walking Contract Legally Required?
✗ There is no single UK law that requires dog walkers to have a written contract
✓ A contract is strongly recommended under UK contract and consumer law
✓ Most insurers expect professional dog walkers to operate with written terms
Without a contract, you may struggle to prove what was agreed if a disagreement arises. Verbal agreements are legally binding in theory, but extremely difficult to enforce in practice.
The Legal Framework That Affects Dog Walking Contracts (UK 2026)
Although dog walking is not a licensed profession, several areas of UK law directly affect how you operate and what your contract should reflect.
1. Animal Welfare Act 2006
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, anyone responsible for an animal has a legal duty to ensure its welfare needs are met. This includes providing appropriate exercise, preventing suffering and protecting the dog from harm.
When a dog is in your care, you are considered responsible under this law. Your contract should acknowledge this duty and make clear that you may adapt walks or services to protect a dog’s welfare, for example during extreme weather or illness.
2. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
The Dangerous Dogs Act places responsibility on the person in charge of a dog at the time of an incident. This means that if a dog injures a person or another animal while you are walking it, you may be held legally responsible.
Your contract should:
✓ Require full disclosure of behavioural history
✓ Confirm that dogs must be suitable for the service offered
✓ Give you the right to refuse or terminate services if safety is compromised
3. Control of Dogs Order 1992
All dogs in public places must wear a collar and ID tag showing the owner’s name and address. Microchipping does not replace this requirement.
Your contract should state that the owner is responsible for ensuring their dog complies with this law before walks take place.
4. Local Authority Rules and Public Space Restrictions
Many councils and landowners impose additional rules on professional dog walkers, including:
✓ Limits on the number of dogs walked at once
✓ Permit or licence requirements
✓ Insurance minimums
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) may restrict where and how dogs can be walked. Your contract should allow you to change walking locations to remain compliant with local rules.
Insurance and How It Relates to Your Contract
Insurance and contracts must work together. A contract that contradicts your insurance policy can invalidate your cover.
Most professional dog walkers hold:
✓ Public liability insurance
✓ Care, custody and control cover
✓ Employer’s liability insurance if employing staff (legally required)
Your contract should:
✓ State that you are insured
✓ Avoid guarantees that exceed your policy cover
✓ Include reasonable limitations of liability
You cannot legally exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence. Any attempt to do so is likely to be unenforceable.
Consumer Rights and Fair Contract Terms
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, your clients are consumers. This means your contract terms must be fair, transparent and written in plain English.
Unfair terms may be challenged and ignored by a court. Examples include:
✗ Excessive cancellation fees
✗ Hidden charges
✗ One-sided clauses that remove all client rights
✗ Sudden price changes without notice
A fair contract protects both parties and strengthens your position if a dispute arises.
What a Dog Walking Contract Should Include
A well-written contract should clearly cover the following areas.
Parties to the Agreement
Your contract should clearly identify:
✓ The business owner or trading name
✓ The dog owner
✓ Contact details for both parties
Description of Services
This section should clearly explain:
✓ Type of walk (solo or group)
✓ Duration of walks
✓ Frequency
✓ Collection and return arrangements
✓ Lead or off-lead conditions
Clarity here prevents unrealistic expectations.
Fees and Payment Terms
Your contract should state:
✓ Prices
✓ When payment is due
✓ Accepted payment methods
✓ Consequences of late or missed payments
Cancellations and Termination
This section should explain:
✓ Client cancellation notice requirements
✓ Charges for late cancellations
✓ Your right to suspend or terminate services
✓ What happens to prepaid fees
Clear terms protect your income and time.
Emergency Care and Veterinary Treatment
Your contract should include:
✓ Emergency contact details
✓ Permission to seek veterinary treatment
✓ Preferred veterinary practice
✓ Responsibility for veterinary costs
This allows you to act quickly in an emergency.
Key Holding and Home Access
If you hold keys, your contract should explain:
✓ How keys are stored
✓ What happens if keys are lost
✓ When keys are returned
This reassures clients and protects you.
Dog Information and Owner Responsibilities
Owners should confirm:
✓ Their dog is legally owned
✓ Their dog is microchipped and wearing an ID tag
✓ All medical and behavioural issues have been disclosed
Owners should warrant that all information is accurate.
Data Protection and Privacy
Your contract should reference your compliance with UK GDPR and explain how personal data is handled.
Governing Law
Your contract should state that it is governed by the laws of England and Wales (or the relevant UK jurisdiction where you operate).
Common Contract Mistakes Dog Walkers Make
✗ Using free templates without understanding them
✗ Including unenforceable liability clauses
✗ Not updating contracts as services evolve
✗ Failing to obtain signed agreement
✗ Relying on messages instead of formal terms
Best Practice for Using Your Contract
✓ Issue the contract before services begin
✓ Give clients time to read and ask questions
✓ Keep signed copies securely
✓ Review your contract annually
✓ Update it when laws or services change
Final Thoughts
A dog walking contract is not about distrust. It is about professionalism, clarity and protection. In a largely unregulated industry, a clear and fair contract helps demonstrate that you operate responsibly and ethically.
If you are unsure about any aspect of your contract, professional legal advice is always recommended.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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