I come to you with a personal story in my heart. My Golden Retriever faced a traumatic accident which has not only caused emotional distress but also put a heavy financial burden on our family. The two operations she underwent cost over £8,000 -- a daunting sum that we are still working to pay off.

This incident has made it abundantly clear that just like childcare, dog care requires regulated and certified individuals. Our dogs are not only our family, they are sentient beings that rely on us for their safety. It is vital to ensure that those who are entrusted with their wellbeing are equipped with appropriate knowledge and skills.

In the UK alone, there are approximately 9 million dogs and countless walkers who are not required to hold any specific training or credentials. This situation leaves our pets susceptible to accidents and incidents resulting from lack of knowledge or unprofessional handling. (Source: PDSA)

Through this petition, we urge the government to introduce mandatory registration and training for professional dog walkers. By doing so, we can provide an extra level of security for our furry companions and ensure that they are in safe, competent hands whenever we are unavailable to care for them directly.

A dog's life should matter as much as a child's. Please lend your support to this cause and sign this petition to ensure all professional dog walkers are registered and trained.