Who Is Legally Responsible When You Take Someone Else’s Dog Out?
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Who Is Legally Responsible When You Take Someone Else’s Dog Out?
UK laws, liability and real-world responsibility explained (2026)
Whether you are a professional dog walker, a friend helping out, a family member, or a neighbour doing a favour, taking responsibility for someone else’s dog is not as simple as it may seem.
Under UK law, responsibility for a dog can transfer the moment you take charge of it. This blog explains who is legally responsible when walking a dog that does not belong to you, what happens if someone is injured, what happens if the dog is injured, how breed-specific issues are treated, and how the law applies to XL Bullies and other banned breeds.
This is essential reading for anyone handling dogs professionally or informally.
The Key Legal Principle: “The Person in Charge”
UK law focuses less on ownership and more on control.
In most legal situations, responsibility sits with the person in charge of the dog at the time, not necessarily the legal owner.
✓ If you are holding the lead, you are usually “the person in charge”
✓ If the dog is under your supervision, responsibility may transfer to you
✓ Owners can still be involved, but they are not automatically liable
This principle applies across several areas of law.
What Laws Apply When Walking Someone Else’s Dog?
The main laws involved are:
✓ Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
✓ Animal Welfare Act 2006
✓ Control of Dogs Order 1992
✓ Common law negligence
✓ Civil liability law
These laws apply whether you are being paid or not.
If the Dog Injures Another Person
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
If a dog injures a person or causes them to fear injury, the law looks at who was in charge at the time.
✓ You may be held criminally responsible
✓ The owner may also be investigated
✓ Prosecution does not require prior aggression
If the injury occurs in a public place or a private place where the dog is not permitted to be, the person in charge may face:
✓ Criminal charges
✓ A fine or prison sentence (in serious cases)
✓ A court order controlling or destroying the dog
Professional dog walkers are frequently treated as the responsible handler if an incident occurs during a walk.
If the Dog Injures You (the Walker)
If the dog injures you, the situation depends on foreseeability and disclosure.
Owner responsibility
An owner may be liable if:
✓ They failed to disclose known aggressive behaviour
✓ They misrepresented the dog as safe
✓ They placed you at unreasonable risk
Your responsibility
You may be considered to have accepted some risk if:
✓ You chose to walk the dog knowingly
✓ The dog had no known history of aggression
✓ The injury was accidental and unforeseeable
In professional settings, contracts and insurance are critical. Without them, claims can become complex very quickly.
If the Dog Injures Another Dog
Dog-on-dog incidents are common and legally messy.
Responsibility may fall on:
✓ The person in charge of the dog at the time
✓ The owner, if the dog was known to be aggressive
✓ Both parties, depending on circumstances
Courts will consider:
✓ Whether dogs were under control
✓ Use of leads
✓ Whether behaviour history was disclosed
✓ Whether local rules (PSPOs) were followed
Civil claims for veterinary costs are common following dog-on-dog injuries.
If the Dog Gets Injured While in Your Care
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the person responsible for a dog must take reasonable steps to protect it from harm.
If a dog is injured while with you, the key question is negligence.
You may be liable if:
✓ You failed to supervise appropriately
✓ You ignored known medical or physical limitations
✓ You acted recklessly or outside agreed terms
You are unlikely to be liable if:
✓ The injury was accidental
✓ Reasonable care was taken
✓ The injury was unforeseeable
This is why written permission for veterinary treatment and clear contracts are so important.
Breed-Specific Injuries and Health Conditions
Some dogs are prone to breed-specific health issues, such as:
✓ Brachycephalic breathing problems
✓ Joint conditions
✓ Spinal issues
✓ Heart conditions
If a dog suffers an injury or medical episode linked to a known breed-specific issue, liability usually depends on disclosure.
Owner responsibility
✓ Owners should disclose known conditions
✓ Owners remain responsible for underlying health issues
Walker responsibility
✓ You must follow instructions
✓ You must act reasonably
✓ You should stop exercise if distress is evident
If an owner fails to disclose a known condition, liability is far less likely to sit with the person walking the dog.
XL Bullies and Other Banned Breeds (UK Law 2026)
Banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act include:
✗ Pit Bull Terrier
✗ Japanese Tosa
✗ Dogo Argentino
✗ Fila Brasileiro
XL Bully Type Dogs
In England and Wales, XL Bully type dogs are subject to strict legal restrictions.
As of 2026, it is illegal to:
✗ Own an XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption
✗ Walk an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
✗ Allow anyone under 18 to walk one
✗ Breed, sell, rehome or abandon one
Responsibility when walking an XL Bully
If you walk an XL Bully:
✓ You must be legally allowed to do so
✓ The dog must be muzzled and on a lead
✓ You may be considered fully responsible while in charge
Professional dog walkers should be extremely cautious. Many insurers exclude XL Bullies entirely, and walking one without full legal compliance can result in criminal charges.
Can Responsibility Be Passed Back to the Owner?
Responsibility can be shared, but not fully signed away.
✓ Owners remain responsible for accurate disclosure
✓ Walkers are responsible for control and supervision
✗ Liability cannot simply be “waived” by a disclaimer
Contracts can help clarify responsibility, but they do not override criminal law.
What This Means for Professional Dog Walkers
If you walk dogs professionally:
✓ You are usually treated as the responsible handler
✓ You need clear contracts
✓ You need appropriate insurance
✓ You must understand breed and behaviour risks
✓ You should refuse dogs you cannot safely handle
Ignorance of the law is not a defence.
What This Means for Dog Owners
If you allow someone else to walk your dog:
✓ You must disclose behaviour and health issues
✓ You must ensure your dog is legally compliant
✓ You may still be liable if information was withheld
What If the Dog Is Being Walked by a Child or Young Person?
Age makes a significant difference in law. When a dog is handled by someone under 18, responsibility does not automatically sit with the child, even if they are physically holding the lead.
UK law looks at age, capacity, payment and control.
If the Dog Is Walked by a Child Under 16 (for example, age 14)
A child under 16 is not legally considered fully responsible in the same way as an adult.
Legal position
✓ The child can be considered “in charge” in a practical sense
✗ The child is unlikely to be held legally liable on their own
✓ Responsibility usually sits with adults connected to the situation
Who may be responsible?
Responsibility may fall on:
✓ The dog owner
✓ The child’s parent or legal guardian
✓ Any adult who allowed or arranged the walk
If a dog injures someone while being walked by a 14-year-old, authorities will usually investigate:
✓ Whether the owner allowed an unsuitable handler
✓ Whether the parents permitted the child to take responsibility
✓ Whether the situation was foreseeable and avoidable
The child themselves is extremely unlikely to face criminal consequences, but adults may.
If the Dog Is Walked by a 16 or 17 Year Old
At 16 and 17, a young person sits in a grey legal area.
They are still legally a minor, but they may be treated as having more responsibility depending on circumstances.
Legal position
✓ A 16 or 17 year old may be considered “the person in charge”
✓ They can be questioned and held partially responsible
✗ Full criminal liability is still unlikely in most cases
Courts and authorities will consider:
✓ The size and type of dog
✓ The young person’s experience
✓ Whether the dog is legally restricted (for example, XL Bully type)
✓ Whether adults acted responsibly in allowing the arrangement
Important: XL Bullies and Restricted Dogs
Under current law in England and Wales:
✗ Anyone under 18 is legally prohibited from walking an XL Bully type dog
✗ This applies regardless of experience or payment
✗ Responsibility falls squarely on the owner and supervising adults
Allowing a child or young person under 18 to walk a legally restricted dog can result in criminal charges for the owner.
If the Dog Is Walked by an 18 Year Old
At 18, a person is legally an adult.
Legal position
✓ An 18 year old is fully legally responsible
✓ They are treated the same as any other adult walker
✓ Liability usually sits with the person in charge at the time
If an incident occurs, responsibility is likely to fall on:
✓ The walker (18+)
✓ Possibly the owner, depending on disclosure and circumstances
What If the Child or Young Person Is Being Paid?
Payment significantly changes the legal picture.
If a child is being paid to walk a dog:
✓ The arrangement may be considered a form of employment or service
✓ Safeguarding and duty of care issues arise
✓ Responsibility is far more likely to sit with adults
Who may be responsible?
Depending on age and circumstances:
✓ The dog owner (for hiring a minor)
✓ The child’s parents or guardians
✓ Any adult facilitating the arrangement
Paying a minor does not transfer legal responsibility onto the child.
Can a Child Be Held Criminally Responsible?
In England and Wales:
✓ The age of criminal responsibility is 10
✗ In practice, criminal charges relating to dog incidents are extremely rare for minors
Authorities focus on:
✓ Adult decision-making
✓ Foreseeability of risk
✓ Whether safeguarding responsibilities were breached
What This Means for Dog Owners
If you allow a child or young person to walk your dog:
✓ You remain legally exposed
✓ You must assess whether the dog is suitable
✓ You must comply with breed-specific laws
✓ You should not rely on a child to manage risk
Allowing an unsuitable handler can be considered negligent.
What This Means for Professional Dog Walkers and Pet Care Businesses
✓ You should never subcontract to minors
✓ You should never allow under-18s to handle restricted breeds
✓ Your insurance is unlikely to cover incidents involving child handlers
✓ Parents cannot “sign away” responsibility on behalf of a child
Key Takeaway
In UK law, responsibility follows control, age and adult decision-making.
✓ Children are rarely held legally responsible on their own
✓ Parents, guardians and owners carry the greatest legal risk
✓ Paying a child does not protect the owner
✓ Restricted breeds have absolute age limits
If in doubt, the safest legal position is simple:
If someone is not legally allowed to take responsibility for a dog, they should not be walking it.
Final Thoughts
Taking responsibility for someone else’s dog is a serious legal commitment, whether it is paid or unpaid.
In UK law, control matters more than ownership, and the person holding the lead often carries significant responsibility.
Understanding these legal realities protects you, the dog, and the public.
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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