Professional Dog Walkers’ Charter
The New Forest is one of the most important areas for nature conservation in Europe. As a national park it is a protected landscape and recognised to be of the highest national importance for the natural beauty of its landscape, the value of its wildlife habitats and cultural heritage. It is also a place which gives opportunities for many people to enjoy these qualities.
Many people enjoy the New Forest for all types of outdoor recreation including dog walking. It is vitally important that everyone walking with a dog adopts the best practice set out in the New Forest Dog Walking Code to ensure that they do not damage the special qualities of the Forest or interfere with the working practices that help maintain the landscape.
Dog walking businesses have an additional duty to operate responsibly. They also have an excellent opportunity to set a positive example to other dog walkers. However, there are currently no specific national regulations for commercial dog walking, except where it is done as part of a daycare or home boarding service.
The New Forest Professional Dog Walking Charter (PDWC) promotes best practice for dog walking businesses operating throughout the National Park. Businesses signing up to the PDWC are committing to follow the guidance available, alongside local codes of practice. In doing so they will operate and conduct themselves in a professional manner; consider the welfare and behaviour of the dogs in their care; and minimise their impact on the wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park.
It is supported by the New Forest National Park Authority, New Forest District Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary, Natural England, Forestry England, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Bird Aware Solent and New Forest Dog Owners Group.
If you walk dogs in Dorset, please follow the Dorset Dogs Professional Dogs Walkers Charter.
If your dog walking business would like to sign up, please read the Professional Dog Walkers’ Charter and fill in your details below. If you have any questions please email pdwc@newforestnpa.gov.uk. Feedback on the operation of the scheme is also welcome to the same email address.
