Pawsome Companions Ltd
At Pawsome Companions Ltd, the safety and wellbeing of every dog in our care is our top priority. We are committed to managing risks responsibly and providing a safe, enjoyable walking experience for all dogs.
1. Risk Assessment
Before each walk, we assess potential risks to ensure the safety of the dogs and the public. This includes:
- Environment Risks: Busy roads, uneven surfaces, slippery paths, water hazards, or areas under construction.
- Dog Risks: Behavioural issues, temperament, health conditions, age, or injuries.
- Human Risks: Potential interactions with the public, children, or other dogs.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme heat, cold, heavy rain, or icy conditions that could affect dogs’ health or safety.
2. Dog Walking Procedures
- Dogs are always walked on a secure lead unless a safe, enclosed off-leash area is authorised.
- Dogs are supervised at all times, and attention is paid to their behaviour and body language.
- Dogs are walked individually or in small groups according to temperament, size, and compatibility.
- Walks are planned to provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation for each dog.
- Fresh water is available after exercise when required.
- Any incidents or concerns are reported to the owner promptly.
3. Equipment
All dogs are walked using appropriate equipment:
- Strong, secure collars or harnesses
- Durable leads, retractable leads only where safe and agreed
- Identification tags and/or microchips
- Waste disposal bags for cleaning up after dogs
Equipment is checked regularly for wear and replaced when necessary.
4. Emergency Procedures
In the event of an emergency during a walk:
- Injury or illness: The dog will be assessed and first aid applied where possible. If needed, the dog will be transported to a veterinary clinic.
- Owner Contact: The owner (and emergency contact if unavailable) will be notified immediately.
- Documentation: All incidents are documented and reviewed for future safety improvements.
5. Handling Aggressive Behaviour
- Dogs showing aggressive behaviour will be separated from other dogs and handled with caution.
- Owners will be informed immediately of any incidents.
- Repeat aggression may result in review of walking arrangements or service adjustments.
6. Insurance & Compliance
Pawsome Companions Ltd maintains public liability insurance and professional pet care insurance to cover dog walking services. All walks are conducted in accordance with local laws and regulations.
7. Review & Continuous Improvement
Our Dog Walking Safety & Risk Assessment Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure:
- Compliance with legal and insurance requirements
- Best practices in dog welfare and safety
- Continuous improvement based on incidents, feedback, and experience
8. Owner Responsibilities
To help ensure the safety of their pets:
- Owners must provide accurate information about their dog’s behaviour, health, and temperament.
- Owners must inform us of any recent changes in health or behaviour.
- Owners must ensure their dog is up to date with vaccinations and flea/tick treatment.
Commitment
Pawsome Companions Ltd is committed to providing safe, responsible, and enjoyable dog walking experiences for all dogs while minimising risk and promoting wellbeing.