RISK ASSESSMENT

REGULATIONS

COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL REGULATIONS

Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Offence to not pick up faeces, excluding dogs from children’s play areas etc

• Clean and pick up any faeces that are produced by dogs in our care.
• Not to take dogs in our care into any children’s play areas, avoid using or walking into children’s play areas
• Have a good supply of poo bags in the van and on person while walking any dogs.
  

Animal Welfare Act 2006 Animals must be properly cared for and allowed to exhibit normal behavior

• Allow dogs to play off-lead, fetch and play.
• Allow the dogs to sniff and explore their surroundings, introduce enrichment toys and games.
• Client to sign off-lead forms, get to know the dog and build relationship before off lead.
• Use paddocks enclosed, with enrichment and toys suitable to the dog.

Control of Dogs Order 1992 Dogs in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on it

• Clients dogs to be chipped and wear a collar with name tag on.
• Check dogs before leaving clients property, to make sure wearing correct collar and tag.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Against the law for a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public place – this could include chasing or jumping up at someone

• Get as much information about the dog during Meet and Greet.
• If the dog is known to be anti-social, use appropriate lead as procuration for example a red caution lead.
• Walk dogs in areas with less distraction.

Road Traffic Act 1988 Dogs must be on a lead at all times on roads.

• All clients dog to be on lead while near roads and on footpath.
• Visit parks, woods and paddocks, so the dog can run free. Only if a off-lead consent is signed.
• The company uses their own leads and check regular, for any defects.

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 Against the law to allow a dog to worry livestock on farmland. A farmer catching a dog worrying livestock has the right to stop the dog

• Do not walk dogs near live stock, or fields that may have live stock.
• Research the areas of walking before taking any dogs, know the areas we visit.
• Avoid walking in areas with live stock.

Dogs Act 1871 It’s an offence if a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control ie on a lead or muzzled.

During meet and greet discuss the dog’s behavior, while talking observe the dog’s behavior.

• If the dog becomes out of control then return to client if it’s safe to do so, if the situation is too out of control, then contact police, RSPCA and client
• Use appropriate measures for reactive a dog, while walking, with the client’s consent. For example, muzzle, caution lead.
• Walk in places with no possible triggers. Keep record of numbers for any local authorities.

Compliance with local regulations (this might include awareness of areas where dog walking is permitted on/off lead)

• Research possible areas for walking the dogs, use familiar areas to the dog walker.
• Consent forms from Client for dog to be off lead, get to know the dog before doing so.

Relevant insurance to cover any adverse incidents

• Public liability insurance
• Van Insurance
• Renewed yearly.

Ensure any records/owner details are GDPR compliant

• Store information in locked cabinet, and password protected devices.
• No sharing of information with any third parties.
• Fixed cabinet and locked in office. Several passwords on devices.

PREPARATION

Meet dog and owner before taking on clients

• Visit the client’s home and meet the dog, go through questionnaire to understand the dog more.
• Proper paperwork covering as much information as possible.

Keep record of dog’s requirements, specific behaviors etc

• Detailed information sheet during meet and greet.
• Keep up to date with information
• Keep a paper file as well as digital file.
• Store paper copy in filing cabinet and on computer password protected.

If walking more than one dog, introduce dogs to each other first to ensure they are content together

• Pair up dog’s similar sizes, temperament, age and breed were possible.
• At least 2 walks with new dog, before thinking of group walks.
• Talk with clients before meeting new dogs. Discuss triggers and behaviors.
• Complete relevant paperwork

Securing of owners’ premises if dog is collected and returned

• Have a key to secure property and enter.
• Keys kept in locked cabinet, no details attached to the key, only a number system.
• Never post keys through letterbox or leave on counter.
• Always hand keys back to the client
• Relevant paperwork to be filled

Ensure equipped for a walk with correct leads, poo bags etc

• Van stocked with all supplies
• backpack available while away from van walking.
• Over stocked on supplies and replenish weekly or when needed.
• Company to use own leads
• Leads to cover different temperments of dogs for example Nervous lead

Ensure areas where dog(s) to be walked are suitable and free from hazards

• Use woods, Paddocks and fields Street walking if okay with client
• Scout out different areas before taking clients dogs for possible hazards.
• Maps and knowledge of the local area, also different routes.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS IN PRACTICE
TRANSPORT

Ensure dog(s) are transported in suitable vehicle

• In a van with crates and harnesses for safety.
• Ventilation fitted
• Water available

Dog(s) unattended in a vehicle

• Never leave dogs in the van unless picking up other dogs.
• Max time would be 5 minutes, while collecting another dog.
• Van fitted with 2x ventilation spinners, 4 electric fans. Half opening side windows with locks.
• Re asses on extreme hot days

Breakdown

• Have breakdown cover and courtesy vehicle on insurance
• Another vehicle available for safe return of clients dogs

Fire in Van

• Two fire extinguishers fitted in the van
• Evacuate any animals immediately and go to safe space at least 10 metres away

WELFARE

Ensure your behaviour does not cause adverse reactions in the dog(s)

• Be professional and calm at all times.
• Continue training and development.
• No shouting at the dogs
• No harsh actions on the lead
• No hurting the dog for example hitting

Ensure weather conditions are suitable (not too hot/too cold)

• Check the weather throughout the day and plan the week ahead following guidance from weather reports.
• Notify clients of any changes due to weather. Extreme hot weather will still visit the dog, to let out and make sure clean water and comfortable.
• Ventilation system fitted in van for hot weather.
• Heating system fitted for cold weather in the van.
• If Weather is too hot or cold other arrangements would be made with client.

Awareness of any signs of physical or mental distress for the breed of dog(s)

• Monitor the dogs while in our care, keep records and notify owner any concerns or the VET if owner is not available.
• Keep an up to date record of the dog for example vaccines, VETS.
• Research new breeds and their care requirements,
• ongoing training for all staff.

Remain aware of welfare of dog(s) throughout walk

• Check hydration, breathing and potential parasites.
• Keep close eye on the dogs at all times, take note of any change in behavior.
• Carry first aid kit at all times in van and on person.
• Carry water at all times in van and on person.
• Carry tick remover.

Ability to administer first aid

• All main staff to be trained in First Aid and kept up to date.
• Member a staff has to be present all the time with first aid training.
• First aid bag in van and on person while walking.
• Keep up to date on all new first aid methods or treatment.

Recognition of when a vet should be called

• Observe the dogs at all times while in our care.
• Contact Client and the vets.
• On going training with staff to identify any problems.

HYGIENE

Removal of any faeces deposited and hygienic disposal

• Pick up any Faeces while out walking in a bag, then put in relevant bin.
• Always have a supply of bags in van and on person.

Proper cleaning of vehicle used for transport

• If the cage in the van is soiled clean with disinfectant.
• No dog to go into the area until clean Always have disinfectant in van.
• Compartments sealed to stop contamination into other parts of the van.
• Van to be cleaned at the end of each day with friendly disinfectant.