Handing a pet to a paid dog walker or sitter means trusting a stranger with the animal and the front door key. Dogs Trust, the RSPCA and Cats Protection each publish checklists for owners. This article combines them and adds the English licensing position from GOV.UK. Licensing rules differ between the nations of the UK, so only England is covered on that point.
Is a licence needed?
GOV.UK’s statutory guidance for English local authorities says businesses that look after dogs in their owner’s homes, such as dog sitters and dog walkers, do not need an animal activity licence. The guidance describes licensed dog day care as providing daytime housing for other people’s dogs at a fixed location. A walker or sitter therefore does not have to hold a licence, and the owner cannot rely on one as a mark of quality. Dogs Trust advises owners to check local council websites, because regulations and codes of conduct vary.
Checks for a dog walker
Dogs Trust’s checklist includes:
- Knowledge: up-to-date, evidence-based understanding of dog behaviour and handling.
- First aid: a canine first aid certificate and a first aid kit.
- Insurance: third-party liability insurance, with details of how many dogs are covered and what veterinary cover applies.
- References: references or reviews from existing clients.
- Vehicle standards: if dogs are transported, the vehicle should be regularly cleaned and disinfected, with good ventilation and temperature control. Dogs should use a correctly sized seatbelt harness or a purpose-designed crate and never be left unattended except during brief pick-ups and drop-offs.
The charity also says the walker should meet the dog and understand its personality before any walks begin.
What a written agreement should cover
Dogs Trust suggests agreeing in writing:
- who makes veterinary decisions in an emergency;
- which leads, harnesses or muzzles are used;
- walk timing, length and route variation;
- permitted treats and food quantities;
- any training permissions and the commands the dog knows;
- the off-lead policy;
- what type of dogs may share a group;
- cancellation notice periods.
A pre-walk checklist from the charity adds identity tags, medical history shared with the walker and emergency vet contact details.
Checks for a pet sitter
The RSPCA recommends asking to see a sitter’s DBS certificate, confirming that insurance covers the pet in an emergency, asking for references and arranging an introduction between the pet and the sitter before the owner leaves. It says the sitter carries a legal responsibility for the animal’s care while the owner is away, and that a sitter staying in the home usually suits a pet better than daily visits because the routine is maintained.
The information to provide includes emergency contact details and the vet’s details, the daily routine and feeding schedule, any medication, the pet’s temperament, exercise needs and supplies such as leads, collars, toys and litter trays.
Extra points for cats
Cats Protection says a cat sitter should visit at least twice a day, and that very young or old cats, or those with health conditions, may need more frequent visits. It recommends meeting the sitter in the home as early as possible, or at least a few days before departure, checking references, reviews and insurance, and confirming the sitter can manage any medication. A backup sitter should be lined up in case of cancellation. The written checklist should include the feeding schedule, litter tray locations and cleaning, the cat’s personality, emergency contacts, the location of the carrier and backup key arrangements. The charity adds that home sitters tend to suit anxious or home-loving cats, whereas catteries suit cats that cope with strangers and require advance booking and vaccination checks.
Questions worth asking at the first meeting
An introduction gives the owner a chance to test the checklist in practice. Useful questions drawn from the charities’ advice include how many dogs are walked together and which types share a group, whether the walker has read the dog’s medical history, what will happen if the dog is unwell or slips its lead, and who the sitter would call first. Cats Protection also advises checking that a sitter can manage any medication and knows what to do if a cat becomes unwell or goes missing.
Red flags to act on
- A reluctance to meet the pet in advance.
- No insurance documents when asked.
- No references or reviews, or a refusal to provide them.
- Vehicles without secure restraints for dogs.
- Vague answers about emergencies or who will take the animal to the vet.
Frequently asked questions
Do dog walkers in England need a council licence?
According to GOV.UK’s guidance for local authorities, dog walkers and sitters who look after dogs in their owner’s homes do not need one. Dog day care is a separate, licensed activity.
How often should a cat sitter visit?
Cats Protection recommends at least twice a day, with more visits for very young, elderly or unwell cats.
Should the arrangement be in writing?
Dogs Trust suggests it, covering emergencies, equipment, off-lead policy, group makeup and cancellation terms.
The bottom line
Because English dog walkers and sitters do not need a licence, the owner has to do the checking. Insurance documents, references, first aid knowledge, a meeting with the pet beforehand and a written agreement covering emergencies and routine are the core steps, with extra attention to visit frequency for cats. A sitter who welcomes these questions is a better sign than any badge.