Dog Walking

rach83

I am currently on maternity leave and I fancy doing some dog walking. Extra money would be nice but I would be willing to do it without getting paid. Could do with the exercise more than anything. Is there anything to stop me from advertising and doing this. Do I need insurances etc?

Thanks

aurongrande_2

I don't know if you need insurance or not, but sadly there's practically no-one who would let others walk their dogs for them, paid or not.

I was told to try advertising myself as a dog walker, but there's no-one round here that would allow me to walk their dogs. Not even for a couple quid a time, or even free for that matter.

Unless you work for a dog school, kennels/pound, RSPCA etc, or know some friends or family that would let you walk their dog(s) for them, then you're out of luck.

I remember many years ago, I use to cut my neighbours lawns for her because she was too busy to do it herself. I got a few quid for the job. She eventually moved away, and so that job went with her.

Pimmsoclock

I wouldn't say there is no one that would let you walk their dog for them
I know for a fact there is a regular dog walking woman in my area which advertises herself in our local pet grooming salon and vet centre.

I would have thought that this might depend on where you live (maybe) due to people not having huge amount of time to walk their own animals all the time.

I happen to know that the ladie dog walker charges £6 per animal per walk, this is in London/Essex.

UKTigerlily

You'd need a CRB check & Insurance, after all you'd be going into people's homes to get their Dogs. I'd also expect the walker to know basics in dog first aid & to have references & to know abit about training & behaviour. Where will the baby be as I wouldn't personally want a dog walker to be walking my dog with a baby too?

smileypigface

I have two friends who both dog walk for pin money (I don't think they'll ever be millionaires!!). One of the friends is fully committed at the moment and has passed people on to another friend of hers who is now also fully committed.

So, yes, it is possible - people do pay for someone to pop in and either keep their dog company at home for an hour or take it out for a walk. Usually people who regularly need a person to visit their pet during the day or people, like me, who occasionally needs someone as we don't have any dog savvy family or friends nearby.

It seems to be a service that is in demand in my part of the world (Bristol) - and when I'm walking my own dogs I regularly see the 'Walkies with Ian' van - just one example of someone who has set up a business full scale based on dog walking and branching out into boarding, vet taxi service etc.

Here's a link to his website - which gives lots of information about how he runs it - I've no connection to him or his business but just thought it's a good example of someone who has made this type of work his livelihood. You will notice he is insured - probably essential to have some kind of insurance in case the dog you are walking causes damage while you are responsible for it - or, god forbid, anything awful happened to the dog while in your care.

http://www.walkieswithian.co.uk/

Dog_Days

Owning a dog myself i would be very selective about who walked it and how they would handle the training and discipline, if you don't need the money just walk yourself it will be easier. Dogs are usually one person animals and as such find it easier to be handled by one person, some dogs will not even go with someone new.
The RSPCA may welcome some help exercising the dogs as they are always looking for volunteers.

Sagz_2

I don't think you have to have insurance to walk other peoples dogs - but you would be MAD not to!

If the dog got into a fight whilst in your care who would pay the Vet bills? And if the dog were to bite someone whilst under your control you would be liable.

If you want to walk then can I suggest contacting your local dog rescue and offering your services there?

aurongrande_2

There's mixed ideas about this topic. But it comes down to a a couple of things. 1) the area where you live. 2) making sure you've got insurance as a precaution.

Oldernotwiser

I used to pay someone £5 per walk, which I gather is very cheap. I never dreamed of asking for insurance, CRB etc.

[Deleted User]

Walking the dog?? No problem.:o

cepheus

Yip got to be an American !

< I look after this one for free for friends all day, usually at short notice since I work at home now and can go out when necessary.

Annoying though how some people will work and leave them in all day without plans.

I heard on the Panorama undercover vet programme the other night that a dog cost £20,000 over its lifetime. How the hell is that worked out? I doubt if these guys pay a tenth of that!