Anyone can call themselves a dog walker. Far fewer are fully insured, DBS-checked and canine first-aid trained — and that gap is exactly where things go wrong. Here is what each safeguard really protects, and why we would never walk a dog without all three.
The short answer
If a walker isn’t insured, you could be left liable when a dog is injured, causes an accident or damages property mid-walk. If they’re not DBS-checked, a near-stranger is holding the keys to your home. If they’re not first-aid trained, nobody can act in the few minutes that actually matter. Insurance, a DBS check and canine first aid are the three non-negotiables — ask to see all three before you book any dog walking service.
What public liability insurance really covers
Dogs are unpredictable. A slipped lead near a road, a scuffle between two dogs, a knocked-over ornament during a home visit — a proper public liability policy covers third-party injury, property damage and the vet bills that follow. Without it, those costs can land on you, the owner. Every one of our walks is fully insured; you can see the cover and our other credentials on our accreditations and insurance page.
Why a DBS check matters when someone holds your keys
Most dog walkers in South Manchester let themselves into your home while you’re at work — for the walk itself, and often for pet sitting and home visits too. A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a basic, verifiable background check that tells you the person trusted with your keys and your dog has been vetted. If a walker can’t produce one, that should give you pause.
Canine first aid: the minutes that matter
Choking, heatstroke, a cut pad, a sudden collapse — in an emergency, the gap between “trained” and “not” is measured in minutes. Viv is canine first-aid trained and once gave CPR to revive a dachshund mid-walk; that isn’t a sales line, it’s the reason we train. It matters even more on longer outings like our dog adventure walks, away from the car. For the basics every owner should know, the Blue Cross guide to canine first aid is a sound starting point.
How to check a walker has all three
It’s a fair thing to ask, and a good walker will be glad you did. Ask to see the insurance policy and the insurer’s name, the DBS certificate, and the first-aid certificate — and use the free meet & greet to do it in person. Our guide to the questions to ask before hiring a dog walker and our walk-through on how to choose a dog walker both cover exactly what to look for. The best dog walkers won’t flinch — they’ll hand the paperwork straight over.
Written by Viv of The Dog Walkers — fully insured, DBS-checked and Canine First Aid trained, covering Wythenshawe & South Manchester. Want to meet us? Book a free meet & greet.
Related reading: what IMDT training means for your dog.