Our first pass found no Essex dog walker we could verify. Google Maps shows plenty: fourteen businesses that appeared for Essex have a listing, their own website and at least 10 reviews, all rated 4.8 or better when we checked. We haven’t tested any of them, so treat this as a shortlist to meet, and check each one covers your town.
Walkers with a Google Maps listing, a website and 10+ reviews
Sarah’s Dog Walks
★★★★★ 5.0 · 64 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Elite Walks
★★★★★ 5.0 · 61 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Woofers n Walkers
★★★★★ 5.0 · 52 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Golden Paws Essex
★★★★★ 5.0 · 47 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
We Love Pets Colchester
★★★★★ 4.8 · 42 Google reviews
Dog walker, pet sitter and home boarder. Lists a website. Colchester area.
View on Google Maps
Hair of the Dog
★★★★★ 5.0 · 31 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
We Love Pets Chelmsford
★★★★★ 5.0 · 29 Google reviews
Lists a website. Chelmsford area.
View on Google Maps
Nicola’s Dog Walking & Boarding
★★★★★ 5.0 · 26 Google reviews
Lists a website. Offers boarding. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
West Essex Dog Walking Service
★★★★★ 5.0 · 19 Google reviews
Lists a website. West Essex; ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Precious Pawz
★★★★★ 5.0 · 17 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
KC cares
★★★★★ 4.8 · 26 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Happy Paws Essex
★★★★★ 4.8 · 14 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Paws in the Park
★★★★★ 5.0 · 12 Google reviews
Lists a website. Ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
For Paws Brentwood
★★★★★ 5.0 · 10 Google reviews
Lists a website. Brentwood area.
View on Google Maps
Most listings give no clear town beyond the names above, so ask where each walker operates. Google ratings come from the public and we haven’t checked them independently.
Other listings we left out
Paws & Pads Colchester (5.0 from 27 reviews), Paws-on-Sea (5.0 from 16) and Pawfect Pals Essex (4.6 from 14) have good review counts but no website on Google, so they miss our bar; they may still be fine. Walkers who offer boarding or home boarding, such as We Love Pets and Nicola’s, should hold a council licence, and you can ask to see it.
What to ask before you book
We found no Essex-wide scheme that licenses dog walkers alone, though councils differ, so ask yours. Ask to see proof of public liability insurance, whether the walker is DBS checked, and what first-aid training they hold. Ask how many dogs they walk at once, where they walk, and whether your dog travels in a vehicle. A meet-and-greet with your dog is worth the time. Forest and coast rules vary, so see our Essex dog walks guide.
A new walker can be a big change for a sensitive dog. A calming bite may help take the edge off, and if your dog is anxious about being handed over, speak to your vet or a qualified trainer. For more, see our Essex dog services hub.
Choosing a walker is a good moment to plan the rest of your dog’s outings. For off-lead time in a secure space, see our secure dog fields in Essex, and for a post-walk stop, our dog-friendly pubs, cafés and restaurants in Essex.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you choose these Essex dog walkers?
Each has a Google Maps listing with its own website and at least 10 reviews. We haven’t tested them, so meet any walker first and ask for proof of insurance.
Do dog walkers need a licence in Essex?
We found no licence scheme for walking alone. Home boarding and day care are licensed activities, so ask to see the licence if a walker offers either.
What should I ask a dog walker before booking?
Ask about insurance, DBS checks, first-aid training, how many dogs they walk at once and whether dogs travel in a vehicle.
Written by Georgiana & Figo, who is very particular about who holds the lead.
