22/07/2025
Did you know? In Scotland, dog grooming, dog sitting/boarding and dog walking arenโt regulated industries.
That means anyone can offer these services without formal training, insurance, or safety checks. For owners who see their dogs as family (like most of us do!), thatโs quite a scary thought.
So, how do you know who to trust?
Hereโs what to look for when choosing a groomer, sitter/boarder or dog walker:
๐พ Qualifications and Experience
Are they trained? Do they hold recognised grooming qualifications like iPET, or have canine first aid knowledge?
๐พ Insurance and Safety Practices
Are they fully insured? Are safety procedures clear? Will they be caged? Will they be focused on your petโs welfare at every step.
๐พ For Dog Walkers โ Know the Limits!
Did you know professional dog walkers in Scotland should follow recommended best practice guidelines? The standard advice is:
โ๏ธ No more than 6 dogs walked at once
โ๏ธ Proper control and supervision at all times
โ๏ธPet first aid trained and understanding different breeds and canine behaviours
โ๏ธ Fully insured and able to handle emergencies
Ask potential walkers how many dogs they walk together โ and whether theyโre trained to help in case of an emergency. Also there's a big difference in trying to control 6 German shepherds and 6 shihtzus.
๐พ Behaviour / Breed
Is the person trained and have good knowledge of breed traits, body language, the ability to recognise telling signs?
๐พ Pet-First Approach
Whether itโs grooming, walking, or sitting, your dog should always come first. No harsh handling, no rushing โ just care, patience, and understanding.
๐พ Local Reputation
Check reviews, speak to other owners, and trust your instincts. Trusted, qualified businesses build their reputations through word of mouth and happy, waggy clients.