{"id":3578,"date":"2023-08-01T16:20:47","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T16:20:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/?p=3578"},"modified":"2024-02-20T12:55:11","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T12:55:11","slug":"how-many-dogs-can-a-dog-walker-walk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/how-many-dogs-can-a-dog-walker-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"How Many Dogs Can a Dog Walker Walk?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dog walking is a booming industry. There are more dogs needing to be walked than ever before, especially with all the lockdown puppies now grown up. But there are considerations to make when becoming or selecting a dog walker; one consideration is knowing how many dogs a dog walker can walk at one time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Although it is recommended that a dog walker should walk no more than four dogs at any one time, there is no definitive answer in the UK. The number of dogs a dog walker can walk as a group can be limited by local councils and insurance companies, so it is important for dog walkers to research this information independently. Read on to find out all the details you need in full.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

It can be tempting to get as many dogs as possible walked in one go, especially if you’re out to make a profit. However, this isn’t always the safest method. It can be dangerous not only for the dogs but also for you and others around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maximum Number of Dogs Allowed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Knowing the maximum number of dogs you are allowed to walk as a dog walker is an essential part of the job; not only will it affect the dogs and yourself, but it is a decision that could affect the general public, too. Unfortunately, the maximum number is not settled upon by a central government or body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is recommended that no more than four dogs be walked at any one time. The exact number of dogs an individual dog walker can safely walk will depend on various reasons, such as the chosen insurance policy, what transport is used, and if there are any council regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Council Regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some council areas in the UK have regulations in place to limit or even ban dogs in public spaces; this is common during the summer months when tourist hot spots, such as beaches in Devon, Nairn, and Pembrokeshire, see a complete ban on dogs. Banning dogs from popular public places has been on the rise since 2019, and it is often advertised with large signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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However, councils can also set their own maximum number of dogs an individual dog walker can walk at once. This came after the Control of Dogs Act 2010<\/a> was introduced in Scotland, which gave local authorities the ability to create bye-laws; this could range from banning dogs from playgrounds for children or introducing dog walking schemes. East Lothian Council<\/a> introduced such a scheme, limiting dog walkers to exercise no more than six dogs at one time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most council areas, including Wandsworth, London, have limited the number of dogs to four. Wandsworth has a multiple dog walking license<\/a> that professional dog walkers can apply for, although this will only allow them to walk up to eight dogs in specified open spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the number varies from council to council, it is best to check your council area for an answer to the question, “How many dogs can a dog walker walk?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insurance Policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Different insurance policies will outline a different number of dogs dog walkers can walk. Not all dog walkers have insurance, as it isn’t a legal requirement, but for those that do, there might be limitations on how many dogs can be walked at one time. For example, Protectivity Insurance covers dog walkers for up to six dogs being walked at any one time, as long as the local council does not state any less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, the number of dogs covered by the insurance does not include the dog walker’s own dogs, which they might also take out while walking the clients’ pets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a dog walking business does not follow the guidelines set out by its insurance, this could result in issues with the coverage if an incident took place. To ensure you have the correct information, contact your insurance provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location of the Walk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are some locations that make walking multiple dogs difficult, such as public parks and popular tourist destinations. These areas are shared and can be busy with families and other dogs, adding stress to dog walkers when walking multiple dogs. This often causes professional dog walkers to find walking routes further afield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, dog walkers are not the only ones with this mindset. Owners of reactive dogs also seek out quieter walking areas, so this should be kept in mind, especially when walking dogs that are trusted off-lead. You should ensure that all dogs walking off the lead have good recall and you can clip their leads on quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other considerations to make when choosing a suitable walking route include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n