17/07/2026
🐾🐾Should children offer dog-walking services?🐾🐾
Understanding risks, responsibilities, and legal penalties
Every school holiday brings the same posts and questions: “I have some time off school, and I can help you by walking your dog for £5 an hour.” While this may seem like a harmless opportunity for children to earn some pocket money, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and responsibilities involved.
Dog-walking is not just about enjoying time outdoors with animals. Children need to be insured, able to physically handle the dog, possess a basic understanding of canine behaviour, and know how to administer first-aid in the event of an accident. Without these essentials, both the child and the dog could be placed in unsafe situations.
Legally, children cannot sign contracts or hold Public Liability Insurance in the UK. If a dog causes injury or property damage while being walked by a child, the parent or guardian is legally accountable. Those responsible for children under the age of 16 must ensure the animal’s welfare, and the adult owner remains liable for any harm or damage caused by the dog.
Legal implications under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, both owners and those in charge of a dog can face severe legal consequences if the animal is dangerously out of control in a public place. Penalties depend on the severity of the incident:
• Injury to a person: up to 5 years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
• Injury to an assistance dog: up to 3 years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
• Death caused by a dog: up to 14 years imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
• No injury (dangerously out of control): up to 6 months imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
Parents, guardians, and young people should carefully consider these legal risks and responsibilities before agreeing to walk dogs for others. It is always worth checking local regulations, ensuring adequate supervision, and prioritising safety for both the child and the animal.
Dog-walking is a serious business as you are putting your beloved dog in the care of someone else; you should be insisting on insurance, experience, ethical methods etc.
I love to see children and dogs interacting in the right way, but we do need to be safe. If your child wants to walk dogs, you need to go with them as a responsible parent.
Many thanks to Denise at Mighty Dog Graphics for the graphic.
