Safety & Welfare Policy

At How4you Canine, the safety, wellbeing and happiness of every dog in our care is our highest priority. We operate to high professional standards and put each dog’s physical and emotional welfare first at all times.

🐾 Dog Assessment & Group Selection

• Every dog is assessed before joining our group walks

• Dogs are carefully matched based on size, temperament, energy levels and social skills

• We keep consistent walking groups so dogs can build familiarity, confidence and positive relationships

• We reserve the right to refuse or withdraw dogs if group walking is no longer suitable for their wellbeing

👥 Group Sizes

• Group sizes are kept to safe, manageable numbers

• This allows close supervision, positive interactions and individual attention

• Dogs are never overcrowded or left unsupervised

🚗 Transport Safety

• All dogs are transported securely using crash-tested harnesses or crates

• Vehicles are well-ventilated and cleaned regularly

• Dogs are never left unattended in vehicles

• Travel times are kept as short as possible for comfort

📍 GPS Tracking & Equipment

• Dogs wear GPS trackers during walks for added security

• Only secure, well-fitted collars or harnesses are used

• Leads, long lines and safety equipment are checked regularly for wear and tear

🌳 Walking Locations

• Walks take place in carefully selected, low-risk environments such as forestry and open countryside

• Locations are chosen to suit group ability, weather conditions and seasonal risks

• We avoid unsafe areas, livestock risks and extreme conditions

🌦️ Weather & Environmental Safety

• Walks are adapted based on weather conditions

• In hot weather, walk length, location and activity levels are adjusted

• In extreme weather, walks may be shortened, rescheduled or cancelled for safety

• Dogs are never walked in unsafe temperatures or conditions

🚨 Emergency Procedures

• We carry a canine first aid kit on every walk

• In the event of illness or injury, we will:

• Contact the owner immediately

• Seek veterinary treatment if required

• Owners agree that we may seek emergency veterinary care if they cannot be contacted

🏥 Veterinary Care & Health

• Owners must provide up-to-date veterinary details

• Dogs must be in good general health to attend walks

• Dogs showing signs of illness, injury, or distress will not be walked

• Medication is administered only with prior written consent

🧼 Hygiene & Cleanliness

• Vehicles, equipment and walking gear are cleaned and sanitised regularly

• Fresh water is always available

• Pet first aid is always available 

• Dogs are checked after walks for injuries, ticks, or discomfort

• We carry a portable electric washer 

• We use professional grooming products 

📋 Insurance & Professional Standards

• How4you Canine is fully insured for dog walking and canine care services

• We operate in line with best practice guidelines for professional dog walkers

• Ongoing attention is given to safety training, welfare standards and risk management