Allow Professional Dog Walkers to Walk up to 6 Dogs in Bristol Parks and green spaces.

We, the undersigned, call on Bristol City Council to ensure that professional dog walkers are treated fairly and safely when using public parks and green spaces.

Professional dog walkers are mobile operators, not based in any one park, or green space, and they provide an essential service for dogs’ health, welfare, and socialisation. 

• They use parks exactly like boarding businesses, following strict safety and hygiene protocols, including:
  Behavioural assessments and individual handling for dogs unsuitable for group walks
  Avoiding high-traffic areas and keeping dogs under control at all times
  Cleaning up after dogs, often going above and beyond to maintain hygiene
  Following insurance, DBS, and professional standards (for those who hold ABTC or PACT membership)

The proposed council limit of 4 dogs per walker is inconsistent with national practice, unfairly penalises mobile operators, and creates a loophole where boarders can walk more dogs while walkers cannot.

This restriction does not improve public safety, welfare, or park maintenance, and places unnecessary financial strain on small businesses.

• 
  We urge the Council to:
  Recognise that professional walkers are mobile and use parks in the same way as boarders.
  Allow licensed walkers to walk up to 6 dogs, in line with insurance standards.
• Ensure any licensing scheme is transparent, proportionate, and evidence-based, focusing on safety and welfare rather than arbitrary limits.

Bristol’s parks are a shared resource. Supporting responsible professional walkers ensures dogs are exercised safely, the public can enjoy green spaces without concern, and small, ethical businesses can continue to thrive.

Sign this petition if you support fair, safe, and responsible dog walking in Bristol.

A Bristol Dog Walker’s Story

I’ve been a dog walker in Bristol for years. It’s not just my job — it’s my livelihood, my routine, and for many of the dogs I care for, it’s a huge part of their daily happiness and wellbeing.
Every morning starts early. I collect dogs from their homes — nervous rescues, energetic young pups, older dogs who just need a gentle stroll and some company. I know each of them inside out. Who needs space. Who needs reassurance. Who can walk together safely.
This isn’t random. It’s carefully planned, built on experience, trust, and responsibility.
When we arrive at the park, we’re not causing disruption — we’re doing exactly what these spaces are for. Walking. Exercising. Giving dogs a safe, controlled environment to run, socialise, and decompress. We actively avoid busy areas, we clean up after every dog, and we make sure the public feels comfortable around us.
Over the years, I’ve built relationships not just with the dogs, but with their owners too — people who rely on me so they can go to work, care for family, or manage their own health. For some, I’m not just a dog walker — I’m part of their support system.
That’s why this matters so much.
The proposed limit of 4 dogs doesn’t reflect the reality of what we do. Most of us are insured and experienced to safely walk up to 6 dogs — and we’ve been doing so responsibly for years without issue. Reducing that number doesn’t improve safety. It just makes it harder for small businesses like mine to survive.
It means fewer dogs per walk, longer days, rising costs for clients, and in some cases, people being forced to give up the work they love entirely.
What’s even harder to understand is that boarding businesses — doing the exact same thing in the same parks — may still be allowed to walk more dogs. We are all mobile professionals, using these spaces in the same way. There is no real difference in how we operate on the ground.
We’re not asking to avoid regulation. We’re happy to be licensed, to be accountable, and to work with the council.
We’re simply asking to be treated fairly.
To be recognised for the responsible, experienced professionals we are.
And to be allowed to continue doing the job we’ve built our lives around — safely, ethically, and sustainably.