We want the Government to introduce a Pet Care Regulations Bill to mandate licensing for all commercial pet care services, including pet sitters and dog walkers, groomers & trainers, and require welfare training, enhanced DBS checks, public liability insurance and an animal cruelty public register.

We believe unregulated pet care puts animals and owners at risk. Anyone can offer pet care or dog walking without stringent checks, training or insurance, which can leave animals at risk and homeowners exposed. Unregulated platforms and no ID checks can allow unsafe, even underage, operators. We are calling on the Government to introduce mandatory licensing for commercial pet sitters and dog walkers, requiring welfare training, enhanced DBS checks, public liability insurance and a central public register, similar to the sex offenders register, for anyone convicted of animal cruelty, to protect pets and reassure owners.