How Many Dogs Can a Dog Walker Walk?

As a dog walker, taking out several of your canine clients at one time is a great way to maximise income. However, there is often confusion as to how many dogs walkers can walk at one time.

 

Maximum dogs allowed

The answer to this quandary is not a straightforward one. This is because the limit is not set by central government or any one body. Instead, the Control of Dogs Act 2010, allows local authorities to set their own restrictions and maximum number.

Some council areas will have no set limit, while others will see a complete ban on dogs. This is true on some beaches in Devon, Essex and Lincolnshire in the summer months.

 

Local authority PSPOs

What is becoming more common is local councils lowering the number of dogs permitted to be walked at any one time.

Gosport Borough Council were one of the earlier authorities to take advantage the remit of Public Space Protection Orders when announcing that the maximum number of dogs one person could walk would be lowered from six to four in March 2017.

Other councils have since followed, with consultations regularly being announced. Wandsworth in London sees the council limit the number of dogs that can be walked to four. However, there is the possibility to apply for a licence to walk up to eight dogs in specified areas of the borough.

When some councils announced a consultation on the subject, a furore followed. For example, Blackpool Council faced stiff opposition this year when they announced plans to reduce the number to four dogs. While other restrictions made it through, the limit remained at six dogs at a time.

 

Kennel Club opposed to limit

The drive to restrict the number of dogs any owner can walk at a time is not something that the Kennel Club sees as viable. The organisation has previously released a statement arguing the setting of an arbitrary number:

“The maximum number of dogs a person can walk in a controlled manner depends on a number of factors relating to the dog walker, the dogs being walked, whether leads are used and the location the walking is taking place,” a statement read.

People must use their own initiative to make a judgement for themselves the press release implied. By assessing the risks of walking a larger number of dogs, walkers, both professional and non, can best judge how many dogs they should walk at one time.

 

How many dogs does insurance cover?

Local rules are there to be followed, with fines of over £100 in operation for anyone walking more than the maximum number of dogs. However, the limit to the number of dogs set by your council, and the number of dogs covered by a professional’s Dog Walking Insurance can vary.

At Protectivity, we cover dog walkers for up to six dogs at any one time. Therefore, if no local authority restrictions are in place, this is the limit you should stick to. However, if the local council says no more than four, this is the figure to adhere to.

There can often be confusion when it comes to walking your own dogs and Dog Walking Insurance. Our policy is designed to cover dogs not owned by you, however if you take your own canines out with your clients’ dogs, they count towards your six-dog maximum.

For example, if you walk two of your own dogs with four client-owned dogs, this is fine, however only the latter four would be covered by your insurance policy.

It’s important to remember that your own dogs wouldn’t be covered by the insurance policy should they get injured or cause injury to another dog, but they could send you over the limit of six dogs at a time, rendering your insurance cover invalid in the event of a claim.

The subject can be a confusing one for dog walkers, but our advice is always to check with your local council. If a PSPO is in place limiting the number of dogs you can walk, stick to that. Otherwise we advise you to walk no more than six dogs at any one time.

About Us

We’re one of the leading providers of insurance for pet businesses, and we offer a variety of tailored products such as Dog WalkingPet Sitting Insurance and Dog Grooming Insurance policies.

Get Dog Walking Insurance from Protectivity

 

 

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date. 

Recent Blogs

How much do roofers really make? Image

Trades

How much do roofers really make?

If you’re working in the construction industry, whether as a labourer, scaffolder, or another site-based trade,

10 mins read

Tech tips for craft businesses Image

Crafters

Tech tips for craft businesses

Running a craft business is a blend of creativity, dedication, and - let’s be honest - a fair bit of admin. Whe

Startup loans for small businesses in the UK Image

Starting a business

Startup loans for small businesses in the UK

Starting a small business is an exciting and ambitious step — but for many entrepreneurs, the first major hurdl

New rules for professional dog walkers in Royal Parks 2025 Image

Pet Business

New rules for professional dog walkers in Royal Parks 2025

From April 2025, new licensing rules and conduct standards have been introduced - and if you walk dogs, they may

How to teach yourself handyman skills Image

Trades

How to teach yourself handyman skills

Have you ever fixed a leaky tap, hung a shelf, or patched a hole in the wall and thought, “I could do this for

Pet Behaviour and Psychology for Pet Care Providers Image

Pet Business

Pet Behaviour and Psychology for Pet Care Providers

Whether you're running a doggy daycare, grooming service, or a pet sitting business, one of the most valuable ski

11 mins read

Event Budgeting – Tips for Event Organisers Image

Events

Event Budgeting – Tips for Event Organisers

For small to mid-scale event organisers, getting the budget right isn’t just about balancing the books - it’s

Sourcing unique materials for your crafts Image

Business

Sourcing unique materials for your crafts

If you're a craft maker, artist or craft business owner, you'll know that the materials you use are just as impor

10 mins read

How to groom different dog breeds Image

Pet Business

How to groom different dog breeds

Every dog is unique and so is their coat. Whether you're a first-time pet parent or a seasoned dog groomer, under

10 mins read

How to Handle Last-Minute Changes in Event Planning Image

Events

How to Handle Last-Minute Changes in Event Planning

Event planning is all about precision; timelines, logistics, guest lists, and programming must all fall into plac

Simply find the insurance you need.