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Welfare groups create guidelines for dog walkers
“We felt it was extremely important - not only for the welfare of dogs but also for dog walkers themselves - to produce a set of guidelines."
Survey suggests demand for dog walking services is growing

A set of guidelines have been created to help ensure high welfare standards in the unregulated dog walking profession.

The Dogs Trust, RSPCA and Pet Industry Federation joined forces to produce the Professional Dog Walkers’ Guidelines, as recent research shows there is a growing demand for this service.

A survey by the Dogs Trust found 13 per cent of owners rely on dog walkers to ensure their pet gets enough exercise. Yet nearly 60 per cent do not have a contract or legal agreement with their dog walker.

Only a small number of local authorities have introduced regulations for local dog walkers and animal welfare groups say the quality of service is a ‘postcode lottery’ as a result.

Dog welfare expert Dr Sam Gaines explains: “Dog walkers are currently unregulated and unlicensed meaning there are no checks on who these people are and how they ensure the needs of the dogs in their care are being met.

“We felt it was extremely important - not only for the welfare of dogs but also for dog walkers themselves - to produce a set of guidelines to ensure that dogs are always being well looked after and to guarantee that dog walkers know what is expected of them.

“We hope these new guidelines will also help dog owners make informed decisions when choosing the right dog walker for them and their pet.”

The guidelines aim to provide information to local authorities and a framework for dog walkers, as well as helping pet owners understand what they should expect from a dog walker.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.