I can confirm it really is; and quite often receive similar, such comments from passers by.
Another comment that is frequently mentioned in tandem with “lovely” is “oooh, dog walking, that’s an easy job”.
Lovely job – Yes!!
Working (mostly) outdoors, in a beautiful area, with animals is an amazing thing.
Easy job – No!!
Well, I don’t think so!!….
It’s a responsible role as we are the guardians of our client’s dogs, who are family members. Whilst they are in our care we are responsible for them.
The same as other jobs, the background work required can be immense (and this is how I work):
Hold appropriate business insurance (for the protection of both the dog walker and client).
Hold appropriate vehicle business insurance (domestic cover is not always sufficient for supporting business activities).
Hold appropriate qualifications and undertake continued professional development to ensure we are as up to date as we can be as well as supporting professional memberships.
Experience, knowledge and understanding of the many breeds we walk so we can provide appropriate care.
Knowledge and understanding of the different laws we must work within (same as owners) including, but not limited to Control of Dogs / Animal Health and Welfare / Dangerous Dogs / The Dog’s Protection of Livestock / Land Reform Acts, Scottish Outdoor Access / Highway Codes as well as Trading Standards.
Key holders to our client’s homes and so comes that added responsibility.
Security vigilance and awareness while out with our clients.
Use appropriate, kind methods and equipment.
Carry a first aid kit and water.
Ensuring our vehicles are in safe, reliable and clean condition inside and out.
Plan our walks to ensure the dogs in our care are safe, well and happy.
Knowing our limits and what to do if we are unable to provide a specific service for a client and be able to recommend a suitable colleague who may be able to help.
Be transparent and honest with the service we provide and communicate.
And, believe it or not, many of us prepare Risk Assessments to identify, understand, mitigate and manage potential risks that may arise. Some examples of what we cover are, but not limited to:
– Tailored for each dog in our care and consider their breed, health, age, temperament, fitness level, ability to travel, swim, compatibility for group walks, ‘issues’ a dog may have such as anxieties or behavioural etc..
– Walk venues, ensuring suitability for each dog in our care.
– Extreme weather scenarios.
– Unforeseen events and emergency situations that may occur on a walk or on a drive to a walk.
We need to be physically fit, I work part-time but can still cover anything up to 10miles some days, and be happy to be out in all weather, regardless – come sub zero temperatures, torrential rain or warm sun shine.
Ofcourse, there are other ‘easy’, lighter, fun and sometimes ‘out of hours and contract’ situations that can arise, I have been asked by clients to:
– Take a meal out the freezer for their dinner later.
– Stop for shopping and prescriptions en route to their house.
– Take in deliveries.
– Back up for lost or forgotten keys.
– Help a client’s elderly neighbours to get their heavy shopping in.
While dog walking is a “lovely job”, it isn’t really an “easy” one!
If you’d like more information about the dog walking or small pet care services I provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
© 2022 AW Pet Care & Dog Walking
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