Find Trusted Dog Walkers Near You
When you choose to own a dog, it is important to make sure all of their needs are met, including regular exercise, companionship and daily care. If work commitments, travel, family responsibilities or health conditions make this difficult, a professional dog walker can provide valuable support and help maintain your dog's routine and wellbeing.
NarpsUK helps pet owners connect with trusted, professional dog walkers across the UK. Use our postcode search to find registered pet care professionals in your area.
Enter your to find the nearest pet sitter or dog walker.
What Safe and Reliable Dog Walking Really Means
Dog walking is about far more than simply exercising a dog. A reliable dog walker should understand animal welfare, safety, behaviour, routine and responsible pet care. Many dogs benefit from consistency, companionship and structured walks that suit their age, breed and temperament.
Choosing a trustworthy dog walker also gives pet owners reassurance that their dog is being cared for responsibly while they are away from home. Professional standards, communication and reliability all play an important role in creating that peace of mind.
Before Handing Over Your Dog, Check These Essentials
Not all dog walkers offer the same level of professionalism or experience. Before choosing a dog walker, there are several important things every pet owner should check.
Experience and Reputation
An experienced dog walker should be comfortable caring for different breeds, temperaments and walking requirements. Reviews, recommendations and client testimonials can help you understand how reliable and trustworthy a dog walker may be.
Insurance Protection
Professional dog walkers should have public liability insurance as a minimum requirement. Insurance helps provide protection should an incident or accident occur while dogs are in their care.
DBS or Criminal Record Checks
If a dog walker is collecting your dog from your home or holding house keys, a criminal record check is an important trust signal and should be discussed during your first meeting.
Training and Qualifications
Many professional dog walkers complete pet first aid training or recognised dog walking and pet care courses. Training helps demonstrate a commitment to safe and responsible pet care.
Membership to a Professional Association
NarpsUK members are required to work within a Code of Practice and Terms and Conditions, supported by a complaints and disciplinary procedure designed to help maintain professional standards across the industry.
Contracts and Service Agreements
A professional dog walker should provide clear forms and agreements explaining services, responsibilities, pricing and emergency procedures before any walks begin.
Dog Walking Services Designed Around Your Dog
Every dog has different exercise and care requirements. Professional dog walkers may offer a range of services depending on your dog's needs and routine.
These services may include:
- Regular daily dog walks
- Solo dog walking
- Group dog walks
- Puppy visits and short exercise sessions
- Elderly dog care
- Feeding and home visits
- Pet sitting and companionship visits
Discussing your dog's personality, health and routine with a dog walker can help ensure the service is suitable for your pet.
Not All Dog Walkers Offer the Same Level of Care
Anyone can advertise dog walking services online, but levels of experience, professionalism and safety standards can vary significantly. Many pet owners only realise the importance of insurance, emergency procedures, professional standards and clear communication after a negative experience. Taking time to choose a dog walker carefully can help reduce risk and provide greater reassurance that your dog is in safe hands.
A professional dog walker should be open, transparent and willing to answer questions about their experience, policies and approach to caring for dogs.
Why Pet Owners Across the UK Trust NarpsUK Members
NarpsUK supports professional pet sitters and dog walkers throughout the UK and promotes high standards within the pet care industry.
Choosing a NarpsUK registered dog walker helps pet owners connect with professionals who are committed to responsible pet care and professional working standards.
NarpsUK members are encouraged to operate professionally, maintain appropriate insurance, use clear contracts and work within recognised standards of conduct designed to support both pet owners and pet care professionals.
If you are looking for a Dog Walker who is registered with NarpsUK, and therefore has all of the above criteria, you can use our postcode search to find members in your area who you can then contact directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for experience, reviews, insurance, clear communication, professional agreements and a willingness to meet before services begin.
Yes. Public liability insurance is considered an important part of operating professionally as a dog walker.
Formal qualifications are not always legally required, but pet first aid training and recognised pet care courses are valuable indicators of professionalism.
Yes. A meet and greet is strongly recommended before arranging regular dog walking services.
Ask about experience, insurance, emergency procedures, walking routines, group sizes, qualifications and how they handle different dog behaviours.
NarpsUK members are expected to work within professional standards and follow the association's Code of Practice and Terms and Conditions.
Use the NarpsUK postcode search to find registered dog walkers and pet care professionals in your local area.