Quick answer: Look for a properly insured (public liability + care, custody and control cover), DBS-checked, canine-first-aid-trained walker with a clear written policy on group sizes (4 to 6 max per the RSPCA), recall, emergencies, key handling, and updates. UK 2026 cost ranges: 30-minute group walk £10 to £15; 60-minute group walk £15 to £25; solo walk £20 to £40. London premiums add £5 to £10. Avoid walkers who: do not provide insurance proof, walk more than 6 dogs at once, transport dogs loose in vehicles, or have no written contract. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes the walker legally responsible for your dog while in their care, the same as you.
The 10 questions to ask
A practical checklist for hiring a professional walker in 2026. Use it for an in-person chat, an email exchange, or a phone call.
1. What insurance do you have, and can I see proof? Look for specialist pet-business cover with public liability and "care, custody and control" as a minimum. If the walker transports dogs, vehicle cover too. A minimum of £1 million public liability is standard; £2 million is better. Ask for the certificate, not a verbal assurance.
2. Do you have a current DBS check? A basic DBS is standard for anyone regularly entering clients' homes. Ask to see the certificate and check the issue date (typically renewed every 3 years).
3. Are you trained in canine first aid, and when was your last course? Many reputable walkers complete CPD-accredited dog first aid training and refresh every 2 to 3 years. Ask which provider they used (a recognised UK canine first aid provider) and when.
4. How many dogs do you walk at once, and how do you group them? RSPCA guidance recommends no more than about 4 dogs at a time for public walks, with up to 6 acceptable for professionals in some boroughs (per local PSPOs). Dogs should be grouped by temperament and energy, not just by location. Ask how the walker handles a new dog joining the group.
5. What is your off-lead and recall policy? A professional should assess recall, get your written consent before off-lead walks, and avoid off-lead in unsafe areas or with unreliable dogs. Off-lead should never be the default.
6. What happens in an emergency (injury, illness, dog fight, heatwave, car breakdown)? They should explain their vet arrangements, how they contact you, and when they would stop walking in extreme weather. The 5-second pavement test and a written hot-weather policy are the right answers.
7. How will you access and secure my home? Expect a clear key-handling policy, secure storage (e.g., keys coded without your address), and confirmation they lock up after each visit. Many walkers use a lockbox or coded key safe.
8. How do you assess new dogs and manage behaviour issues or reactivity? Good walkers do an in-person consultation and a trial walk, and may have specific protocols or limits for reactive or anxious dogs. "I just see how it goes" is the wrong answer.
9. What updates do you provide after walks? Many offer written notes, photos, or GPS summaries. This is a good indicator of professionalism and transparency. A walker who disappears for an hour with no updates is a red flag.
10. Can you provide references or reviews from existing clients? Reputable walkers will have testimonials, online reviews, or clients willing to vouch for them. A new walker can offer a free first walk as a trial.
Group walks vs solo walks
Both have a place. The right answer depends on the dog.
| | Group walk | Solo walk | | --- | --- | --- | | Dogs per walk | 4 to 6 | 1 dog; sometimes 2 from same household | | Best for | Social, friendly, well-trained dogs | Puppies, seniors, reactive or recovering dogs | | Attention level | Shared across group | Fully focused on your dog | | Cost (UK 2026) | £10 to £25 for 30 to 60 minutes | £20 to £40 for 30 to 60 minutes |
A well-run group walk is the right answer for a sociable adult dog. A solo walk is the right answer for a puppy in training, a senior dog with reduced mobility, a reactive dog, or any dog recovering from illness or surgery. Many owners use a mix: group walks mid-week for socialisation, solo walks at the weekend for focused attention.
What "good" insurance looks like
Three cover types to look for.
- Public liability insurance to cover injury or damage caused by a dog in the walker's care. £1 million minimum.
- "Care, custody and control" cover for injury, loss, or death of a dog while with the walker. £25,000 to £50,000 typical.
- Vehicle cover if the walker transports dogs in a car or van. This is separate from the personal car insurance.
A walker who cannot produce a certificate on request is a red flag. Insurance certificates are public documents by design; there is no reason to hide them.
The contract: what should be in writing
For a professional walker, the right client onboarding includes:
- A written contract that warrants the dog is microchipped, vaccinated, and not subject to a control order.
- A copy of the dog's vaccination record.
- The dog's microchip number and the owner's contact details.
- A clear fee schedule and cancellation policy.
- A written force majeure policy (heatwaves, storms, owner hospitalisation).
- A photo of the dog, kept on file.
- Public liability insurance certificate, copy held on file.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes a walker legally responsible for the dog in their charge, just as the owner is. The contract does not remove that duty; it documents it.
Red flags
A short list of "walk away" signals.
- No insurance certificate on request.
- No DBS check, or DBS from more than 3 years ago.
- No canine first aid training.
- Walking more than 6 dogs at once.
- No written contract.
- No clear policy for hot weather, illness, or emergencies (e.g., walking at midday in heatwaves, no plan for vet care).
- Transporting dogs loose in vehicles without crates, harnesses, or partitioning.
- Mixing incompatible dogs in cramped spaces.
- Poor communication: late replies, vague answers, unwillingness to provide references.
UK 2026 cost ranges
From current UK guides and dog-walking service pages:
- 30-minute group walk: about £10 to £15.
- 60-minute group walk: about £15 to £25.
- Solo walk (30 to 60 minutes): roughly £20 to £40 depending on area, timing, and dog needs.
Premium pricing is common in London and for dogs with special behavioural or medical needs. Professional walkers also factor in insurance (£60 to £250 per year depending on cover level) and training costs into their rates. A walker who is significantly cheaper than the local norm is often uninsured, untrained, or both.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance should a UK dog walker have?
Public liability insurance (£1 million minimum) to cover injury or damage caused by a dog in their care, plus care, custody and control cover (£25,000 to £50,000) for injury, loss, or death of a dog while with them. Vehicle cover if the walker transports dogs. Always ask to see the certificate.
How much does a dog walker cost in the UK 2026?
30-minute group walk: £10 to £15. 60-minute group walk: £15 to £25. Solo walk (30 to 60 minutes): £20 to £40. London premiums add £5 to £10. A walker who is significantly cheaper than the local norm is often uninsured or untrained.
Is there a national professional dog walker licence in the UK?
No. Some councils (Hammersmith and Fulham, Lambeth, others) require a paid commercial-use licence for council parks. The right answer is to check the specific borough where you walk. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 duties apply to every professional walker regardless of licence status.
Reading about the 2026 law changes? Our England and Wales dog walking laws 2026 guide covers the new livestock worrying rules, the PSPO fixed penalty rise, and the council licence position.
Dog care exercise guide UK How much exercise does my dog need Sniff walks UK England and Wales dog walking laws Exercise by breed UK