We are being heard.
We are being heard.
As professional dog walkers, we support the introduction of licensing and agree that paying for a licence is fair. We hope this will help improve standards within the industry and discourage individuals who may not be suitable to undertake professional dog walking responsibilities.
We also support a maximum of four dogs within inner-city parks, in line with recommendations from the RSPCA. However, professional dog walkers generally avoid busy public parks wherever possible, regardless of group size, as we understand the importance of reducing interactions with the general public, unmanaged dogs, and other walkers.
Our request is simply that larger, more rural fringe areas around Bristol are considered differently, with discretionary allowances where appropriate. Areas such as Purdown, for example, may be suitable for flexibility due to the space available and reduced public density.
This small adjustment would help keep responsible local businesses sustainable, reduce the need for increased driving in order to generate sufficient income, and preserve a working model that has operated successfully for many years.
We believe it would support both environmental considerations and the viability of small independent businesses, while maintaining high standards of welfare and safety.
Professional dog walkers routinely self-regulate and hold one another to high standards. We do not support unruly or uncontrolled dogs within groups and would not knowingly include dogs unsuitable for group walking. This is precisely why responsible professional dog walkers carry out meet-and-greets and behavioural assessments before accepting dogs into their care, ensuring groups remain safe, controlled, and appropriate.
We are also very willing to support the regulation of those who misuse or abuse access to Bristol’s beautiful green spaces. Responsible professionals already challenge poor practice within the industry and care deeply about protecting the city, its communities, and the welfare of the dogs entrusted to us.
We hope these considerations can help shape a balanced policy that protects animal welfare, public safety, supports responsible professional practice, and sustains ethical small businesses.