Dog Walking Service – Wigan, Greater Manchester
This risk assessment identifies potential hazards associated with dog walking and outlines control measures implemented by Pet Getaway to minimise risk to:
Dogs in our care
The public
The dog walker
Other animals
The aim is to ensure safe, responsible, and professional dog walking practices.
| Hazard | Risk | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic and roads | Dog or walker injury | Dogs kept on lead near roads. Crossings used where possible. High awareness maintained in traffic areas. |
| Dog escape | Dog lost or injured | Secure lead attachments used. Equipment checked before walks. Recall assessed before off-lead walking. |
| Aggressive dogs (unknown dogs) | Dog fight or injury | Avoid approaching unknown dogs. Maintain safe distance. Dogs kept under control at all times. |
| Livestock in rural areas | Injury to livestock or dog | Dogs kept on lead near livestock. Livestock areas avoided where possible. |
| Weather conditions | Heatstroke, cold exposure, slips | Walks adjusted during extreme weather. Shortened during heat. Cancelled if unsafe. |
| Uneven terrain | Trips or falls | Appropriate footwear worn. Care taken on uneven surfaces. |
| Dog behavioural issues | Injury or escape | Behaviour assessed during registration and meet & greet. Reactive dogs managed appropriately. |
| Dog illness during walk | Welfare risk | Dogs monitored throughout walk. Emergency vet procedure in place if required. |
| Public interaction | Dog bite risk | Dogs kept under control at all times. Avoid interaction where behaviour is uncertain. |
| Equipment failure | Dog escape | Leads, collars and harnesses checked before each walk. Spare lead carried. |
Pet Getaway follows safe handling procedures:
Dogs are always secured before leaving property
Gates and doors checked before releasing dogs
Dogs walked using appropriate leads or harnesses
Group compatibility assessed before group walks
Dogs that present safety risks may be walked individually.
The number of dogs walked at one time will be limited to a manageable number to ensure safe control and supervision.
Group sizes are kept within safe handling limits.
Where dogs are transported:
Dogs are secured using crate or restraint
Vehicle ventilated and temperature controlled
Dogs never left unattended in vehicles during unsafe conditions
As dog walking may involve working alone:
Mobile phone carried at all times
Emergency contact available
Routes chosen in safe areas
Personal safety awareness maintained
In the event of an emergency:
Dog secured immediately
Owner contacted
Veterinary care sought if required
Incident recorded
Pet Getaway maintains an Emergency Veterinary Procedure.
Standard equipment may include:
Secure dog leads
Harnesses where required
Spare lead
Waste bags
Mobile phone
Basic first aid supplies
Equipment is checked regularly.
Walk locations are chosen carefully to avoid:
High traffic areas
Dangerous terrain
Areas with known hazards
Risk levels are assessed before each walk.
This risk assessment is reviewed periodically or if operational changes occur.