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How to choose a dog walker: insurance, group sizes and what to ask

Someone will have your dog, and your keys, every week. Here's what to check before you hand them over.

Meet them first, and check

The RSPCA's checklist for choosing a pet sitter works for a walker too:

  • Meet them before you hire them, so you can see they can meet your dog's needs.
  • Ask to see their DBS certificate (a criminal record check).
  • Check their references.
  • Ask about insurance that covers your dog in an emergency.

How many dogs they walk together

Councils in England and Wales can limit how many dogs one person may have with them, and GOV.UK says this applies to professional dog walkers too. These rules are Public Spaces Protection Orders. Ask the walker how many dogs they take out at once, and check your council's rules for the places they walk.

Your council's dog rules

Under a Public Spaces Protection Order, a council in England or Wales can require dog walkers to:

  • keep dogs on a lead, or put them on one when asked by a police officer, a PCSO or someone from the council;
  • keep dogs out of certain places, like farmland or parts of a park;
  • limit the number of dogs with them;
  • clear up after dogs, and carry a poop scoop and bags.

Breaking one can mean £100 on the spot (a fixed penalty notice), or up to £1,000 if it goes to court. Councils have to put up signs and publish the rules on their website.

Collar and tag

By law in England, Scotland and Wales, a dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it, or on a plate or badge attached to it (the Control of Dogs Order 1992). Check it's on before each walk.

What to leave them

The RSPCA suggests leaving whoever looks after your dog its routine and diet, your vet's details and an emergency number, any medicine and how to give it, and how your dog behaves out and about.

Questions owners ask

How many dogs can a dog walker walk at once?

It depends on the council. Councils in England and Wales can limit the number of dogs one person has with them, professional walkers included (Public Spaces Protection Orders). Check your council's rules.

Should a dog walker have insurance?

Yes, ask. The RSPCA's checklist for anyone looking after your pet includes insurance that covers your pet in an emergency, a DBS certificate and references.

Does a dog walker need a licence?

In England, council licences are for boarding (kennels, home boarding and day care) and breeding. Dog walking isn't one of them, so check insurance and references instead.

Find one near you

Every business you can book on Pooky Dog is checked: ID and insurance, and a council licence where the law needs one.

Where this comes from

Checked against these on 4 October 2026. The law can change: check the source before you rely on it.

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