would like to become a dog walker.

daisyboo

I would love a dog of my own but this is not possible so would like to become a dog walker.

Does anyone know how I can do this? Are there places where people advertise for people to walk their dogs or can you volunteer for the rspca to do this?

Thanks

Dobiesmon

Hi
Where are you I know a few people who would love to use your new service ,
I have seen cards in the post office .
some dog walkers have a van collect a couple of dogs that get on ok and off to the park.

daisyboo

HI I am from Preston Lancashire, I am not expereinced in dog walking so would probably just want to walk one at a time to start off with.

orlao

I use dog walkers regularly as I work full time and if you decide to do it as a business I cannot advise strongly enough that you take insurance in case you get sued in case you damage a dog or a dog you are walking causes an accident, fight etc. The firm I use always police checks (CRB?) their staff as they hold my keys and more importantly to me, my dogs. I prefer to use a company as in the past "one man bands" have let me down at the last minute which is no good when I'm 40 miles away at work:mad: They are great but expensive....£15 for an hour walk for 3 dogs in Essex, my dogs aren't walked with other client dogs but sometimes they are walked with the dogwalkers own dogs. TBH, it's not something I would advise if you're not used to loads of different dogs but if you're just looking for a dog to walk with no payment your local dog rescues would be thrilled to hear from you:beer: . Also, the Cinnamon Trust is always looking for volunteers to walk dogs for people, usually because of age related reasons or disabilities of the pet owner, which gives you an option of building a relationship with one dog IYSWIM.

Best of Luck!

RooBee

orlao wrote: »

I use dog walkers regularly as I work full time and if you decide to do it as a business I cannot advise strongly enough that you take insurance in case you get sued in case you damage a dog or a dog you are walking causes an accident, fight etc. The firm I use always police checks (CRB?) their staff as they hold my keys and more importantly to me, my dogs. I prefer to use a company as in the past "one man bands" have let me down at the last minute which is no good when I'm 40 miles away at work:mad: They are great but expensive....£15 for an hour walk for 3 dogs in Essex, my dogs aren't walked with other client dogs but sometimes they are walked with the dogwalkers own dogs. TBH, it's not something I would advise if you're not used to loads of different dogs but if you're just looking for a dog to walk with no payment your local dog rescues would be thrilled to hear from you:beer: . Also, the Cinnamon Trust is always looking for volunteers to walk dogs for people, usually because of age related reasons or disabilities of the pet owner, which gives you an option of building a relationship with one dog IYSWIM.

Best of Luck!

Agree with everything Orlao has said.

The very least I would be looking for is proof of your insurance and a police background check.

However, I must also warn you that there will be people who will not wnat to use your services because of your admitted lack of experience with dogs. I would be one of them. I have very large, powerful dogs and one of the things I need to be confident that someone I employ to walk my dogs is a capable and competent handler. Even then, I insist on my dogs being walked separately and alone so that the have the undivided attention of their dog walker. Of course, you could limit yourself to only taking on small dogs (I know a dog walker who does this) but you are limiting your market in doing so.

Perhaps if you were to take the suggestion of gaining experience through volunteer walking for a rescue shelter, that would be one way of ganing experience and might instil a bit more confidence in potential clients.

elsien

I can second the idea of the cinnamon trust - I did dog walking for them when my last dog died, and I missed going out for the walks. You can do as little or as often as you like. I went once a week for an elderly lady to give her dog a good run in the fields, other people do visits every couple of days for shorter walks. It's really up to you and what you feel you can offer.
Here's their info if you want a look.
http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/ctrust.html

gemmalouanna

Sure the RSPCA at Ribbleton would be glad of your help with walking the dogs, I know the one near me in Blackpool has people who do this.

skintlass

Please please please get a lot more experience before you advertise as a dogwalker. Even experienced dogwalkers can get into problems - I have had 2 walkers for my girl and they've both been great but things have happened when she's out with them. Luckily in my case its never been anything serious but people are very attached to their pets and its a tremendous responsibility you're taking on.

poppy_f1

if you have a dogs trust near you they are always looking for walkers

twinklie

I tried signing up to the Ribbleton RSPCA for dog walking, was told I'd hear back for some volunteer training and never have. I've been in touch about it twice since and still nothing.

Puts them in a negative light if you ask me. I have nothing to do at evenings and weekends so am totally free. And I'm a teacher so get lots of holidays. Hmmmm.... My OH only works part time and has lots of free time too and he's heard nothing either.

chuckie79

twinklie wrote: »

I tried signing up to the Ribbleton RSPCA for dog walking, was told I'd hear back for some volunteer training and never have. I've been in touch about it twice since and still nothing.

Puts them in a negative light if you ask me. I have nothing to do at evenings and weekends so am totally free. And I'm a teacher so get lots of holidays. Hmmmm.... My OH only works part time and has lots of free time too and he's heard nothing either.

Can I try and stick up for the RSPCA at Ribbleton (:embarasse ) and say that they have had a lot of changes recently management wise and unfortunatly the voluntary side has been probably overlooked. Things are now getting back on track and improving.

If you are still interested in dog walking they could certainly do with the help and the staff appreciate the help a lot. A member of the chuckie household works there!!! so I have pointed out the feedback on this thread and they will try to do something about the lack of response people have had.