Event Guidelines

Walkie Dogs are not dog walkers, but a club that organises social events for individuals or families and their dogs. This document aims to provide guidelines for all involved in the events with or without dogs, ensuring the standards and welfare for the dogs, respect for the environment and safety of all attending any of the events.

As domestic animals, dogs are protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The law says an owner of a dog is also identified as being responsible for it – whilst he/she is in charge of the dog. A dog walker has legal responsibilities and can also be held criminally liable under the Act.

Prior to the Walk

• All transport legislation must be followed (Welfare of Animals, Transport, England, Order 2006).
• Walkie Dogs Ltd takes no responsibility of your travel arrangements to and from events. During extreme weather conditions, consideration should be taken to the time travelled in a vehicle and should be limited.
• Ensure all equipment (leads, harness etc) is fitted correctly and suitable for the walk. Walkie Dogs Ltd do not take responsibility for your equipment and do not stock any spares.
• We recommend all dogs must be vaccinated, wormed and treated for fleas, unless exempt by a veterinary surgeon.
• If your dog is showing signs of sickness, do not attend the walk and wait until they have recovered.
• Ensure you have plenty of poo bags prior to attending the events.
• We recommend all participating hold an up-to-date insurance policy, if a dog is involved in an incident with another dog then the dog owner/walker needs to fully document the incident.
• All dogs must wear a collar and tag.

During Events

• The walk leader and volunteers are there to guide the walk and offer support when needed, they will not take responsibility or walk your dogs during the event. If they feel comfortable, they can hold your dog/one of your dogs in a stationary positioning while you collect faeces, tie laces etc, this is at the volunteer’s discretion and the owner of the dog takes responsibility during this period of time.
• Walkie Dogs Ltd takes no responsibility for any dogs and their actions. Responsibility of each dog is their own responsibility.
• All types of dogs are welcome (including exempt dogs), we also understand dogs can be unpredictable. We do ask if your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, to keep them muzzled.
• We recommend that during the events you keep your dog on a lead at all times to have full control. This is for your dog’s safety, others included in the event (dogs and humans) and other people in the area. We will be in a public place and we want to respect other people’s time and enjoyment in the same area.
• Always pick up your dog’s faeces and deposit in the correct bins. Do not litter in any of the areas we are in and respect the area we are in, leave it how you find it. Following the Dog (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.
• Owners should not use any equipment which could cause fear, anxiety or distress. For example, electric shock, prong, spray or choke collars
• Participants should not act in any way that would cause fear, anxiety or stress.
• Beware when feeding your dog(s) treats that other owners might have dietary requirements and allergies with their dog(s) always obtain the owner’s express permission.
• Dogs should be provided with plenty of fresh water during their walk.
• If you have a bitch in season pleased avoid attending the walk.
• Be aware of others using the facilities you are in and if the path size is limited leave plenty of room for others in the area to pass. Members of the public should be given the right of way at all times.
• Dogs must not be allowed to frighten, threaten or interfere with wildlife.

Post Walk

• We will ask for feedback from all who attend the walk. Feedback should be sent to: info@walkiedogs.com