Dog walker scheme

No, the scheme is a voluntary and there is no legal requirement to be part of it. It is aimed to give a single point of contact for the public to find a responsible dog walker that has been vetted and agrees to do things to a certain standard.

Yes, you can sign up to our scheme, its run separately from the animal licensing requirements and is a voluntary scheme aimed to provide a similar standard of care by Dog Walkers operating within Wiltshire Councils area.

Yes, see the information on the application for some tips and advice if you're just starting out. To be part of the scheme you must have at least done a suitable canine first aid course and have some skills and experience (not necessarily qualifications) in dealing with dogs.

The code of conduct has been set up to be clear on the standards we expect from all Dog Walkers within the scheme. We recognise the importance of the high standards followed by Dog Walkers and want to ensure we are clear on what standard we expect for things like leads, number of dogs walked and clearing up after dogs. We have designed the scheme by reviewing other schemes nationally and with feedback from professional dog walkers within Wiltshire.

A copy of the Dog Walker Code of Conduct can be found in the downloads section.

Dog owners want a high standard of care for their dogs, they are after all part of the family. By knowing that dog walkers have been checked they can choose an approved dog walker knowing they meet a high standard and will treat their dog in a manner they would expect.

Dog Walkers that have reached our standard will be listed on our website to help dog owners find a suitable dog walker.

We will use social media to tell our followers when we register Dog walkers and how to find and contact them.

We will send out quarterly newsletters via e-mail about relevant issues and updates to registered Dog Walkers and you can also contact us for advice.

Usual fees for 2024/25 is £100 to apply to be approved for 2 years. If you are already registered as a Kennels or Home Boarder or Dog Day care with Wiltshire Council, the fee is reduced to £85 for 2 years.

The cost to renew the registration is £85 for 2024/25

If you are a Dog Walker and would like to be registered with us, read through the code of conduct to make sure that can adhere to the conditions and then complete the application form, supply the required documentation and e-mail this to us at dogs@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

We aim to process your application within 28 days, but this could take slightly longer during the summer months as we expect there to be a lot of interest in the scheme. By providing all the required information with the application it will really help us speed up the process.

All dog walkers that become part of the scheme have had to agree to follow our code of conduct which outlines what we expect from them and their business. Take a look at our application form and the code of conduct to see what information approved walkers have provided us with to show they are competent people to be on the scheme.

We will have a list of all approved dog walkers online which will be updated as applications are approved.

We would ask you to speak to the dog walker initially to see if there is a reason for the action you are seeing.

Alternatively, email dogs@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) with your details, the name of the Dog Walker and details of the incident and dates and times. We will then carry out an investigation.

If we find something that is either endangering the dog or is a repeat issue, we will consider withdrawing the approval to be on the scheme.

We are actively recruiting new dog walkers to join the scheme, keep checking back with us or if you find a dog walker that isn't registered please pass on our details.