Dog walker insurance, DBS checks and the law in the UK: what you actually need

Starting out as a dog walker in the UK, three questions come up straight away: what insurance do I need, do I need a DBS check, and what does the law expect of me with someone else's dog? Here's what's required by law, and what parks and clients will ask for anyway.

We checked these facts in November 2026 on gov.uk and legislation.gov.uk, and each one is linked. If the official page ever says something different from this one, go with it.

Insurance

• Employers' liability is the law once you employ anyone. You need cover of at least £5 million. Going without can cost £2,500 for every day you're not insured, and £1,000 for not showing the certificate. If you only employ close family, you may be exempt. Employers' liability insurance
• Public liability isn't the law, but you'll need it. The Royal Parks, Hampstead Heath and Wandsworth all want £2 million of cover before they license you, and Bristol and Tower Hamlets want to see your insurance too. Most clients will ask as well.
• Ask about the dogs in your care. Insurers sell cover for an injury to, or loss of, a client's dog while you have it. Check your policy covers the number of dogs you actually walk.

DBS checks

• Not required by law for walkers, and none of the council licences we read asks for one. Clients often like to see one, because you hold their keys.
• A basic DBS check costs £20 and usually takes up to 3 days. You must be 16 or over. It covers England and Wales; in Scotland apply through Disclosure Scotland, and in Northern Ireland through Access NI. Request a basic DBS check

The law with someone else's dog

• You carry the duty of care while the dog is with you. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the person in charge of an animal, even for a while, must meet its needs: somewhere suitable, food and water, normal behaviour, the right company, and protection from pain, injury and disease. Animal Welfare Act 2006, section 9 · section 3
• Collar and tag. In a public place a dog must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it or on a tag. Control of Dogs Order 1992
• Microchips. Dogs must be microchipped and registered, with fines of up to £500. Get your dog microchipped
• Out of control is a crime anywhere, private land included. A dog dangerously out of control can mean an unlimited fine and up to 6 months in prison, and far more if someone is hurt. Controlling your dog in public
• XL Bully dogs in England and Wales must be on a lead and muzzled in public, and the lead held by someone 16 or over. The XL Bully rules
• Fouling and dog limits are set by your council, usually through a Public Spaces Protection Order with fixed penalties around £80 to £100. See How many dogs can you walk at once in the UK?

In the van

• Restrain every dog. Highway Code rule 57 says dogs in a vehicle must be restrained so they can't distract you or get hurt if you stop quickly: a harness, carrier, cage or dog guard.
• On pavements and roads, short leads. Rule 56 says keep dogs on a short lead on roads and pavements, and on paths shared with cyclists or horses. Highway Code rules about animals
• Never leave dogs in a hot van. A dog that suffers can lead to a charge under the Animal Welfare Act.

Having the owner's details when it matters

If a dog is hurt, lost or in trouble, the first thing you need is the owner and the vet. BarkBus was built by two people who walked packs for ten years, and it keeps that on every walker's phone:

• The owner, their address and phone, on each Owner profile.
• Every dog on today's run, on Daily run, for whoever is out with the pack.
• Your business details in one place, on Company.

Start free with BarkBus