Northamptonshire has no dog-walker licensing scheme in either of its two unitary authorities, and on our first pass most market towns returned nothing independently verifiable, though a second look on Google Maps (below) found more. One genuine, long-running business in Northampton itself did clear our bar, alongside a useful (if negative) finding about the county’s own dog-control rules.
An independently verified business
Northampton Dog Walker, based in Northampton (covering Kingsthorpe, Abington, Dallington, Duston and Spinney Hill), is a genuine, long-running local business with its own site, live phone and email contact, and active social accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X. It carries a “Three Best Rated” award renewed yearly from 2017 through 2025, suggesting ongoing trading rather than a dormant listing, though we couldn’t pin down specific dated posts or reviews to confirm day-to-day current activity. On our first pass we found no comparable independently verifiable business in Kettering, Wellingborough, Corby, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley, Rushden or Oundle — only directory listings. A second look on Google Maps (below) did turn up Hound Treks Daventry, among others.
No licensing scheme, but a genuine rule worth knowing
Neither of Northamptonshire’s two unitary authorities — West Northamptonshire Council or North Northamptonshire Council — runs a dog-walker licensing or registration scheme. What West Northamptonshire does have is a Public Spaces Protection Order capping anyone walking dogs in public open spaces at 4 dogs at a time (6 for licensed boarders, breeders or day-care providers) — a genuinely useful rule to know if you’re hiring a walker, though it’s a dog-number control rather than a walker-vetting scheme. It proved controversial enough when introduced that the council paused enforcement to talk with professional walkers’ representatives.
If you’re relying on a dog walker during the working day, a settled routine matters more than most things. A calming bite can help take the edge off if your dog finds changes in company unsettling. If the anxiety persists beyond a new routine, that’s worth raising with your vet.
A second look on Google Maps
Our first pass found little beyond Northampton, but Google Maps shows more. These Northamptonshire businesses have a listing, their own website and at least 10 reviews, all rated 4.8 or better when we checked:
Muddy Paws
★★★★★ 4.9 · 46 Google reviews
Has its own website. The listing doesn’t make the town clear, so ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Abington Dog Walking
★★★★★ 4.8 · 29 Google reviews
Has its own website. The listing doesn’t make the town clear, so ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Hound Treks Daventry
★★★★★ 5.0 · 26 Google reviews
Has its own website. Daventry area; ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Dog Walk Northampton
★★★★★ 5.0 · 20 Google reviews
Has its own website. The listing doesn’t make the town clear, so ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Abz Pets
★★★★★ 4.9 · 18 Google reviews
Has its own website. The listing doesn’t make the town clear, so ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Premium Dog Walkers
★★★★★ 5.0 · 17 Google reviews
Has its own website. The listing doesn’t make the town clear, so ask where they operate.
View on Google Maps
Northampton Dog Walker
★★★★★ 5.0 · 31 Google reviews
Named in full above: Northampton, covering Kingsthorpe, Abington, Dallington, Duston and Spinney Hill, with its own website.
View on Google Maps
We haven’t tested any of them, Google ratings come from the public, and the listings rarely make the town clear, so ask where each walker operates.
Not every day needs a walker, so for somewhere to walk your dog yourself, see our best local dog walks in Northamptonshire, and for a break afterwards, our dog-friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in Northamptonshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a verified dog walker in Northampton?
Yes — Northampton Dog Walker is a genuine, long-running local business with its own site and active social accounts, covering several areas of the town.
How many dogs can a dog walker take out at once in Northamptonshire?
In West Northamptonshire, a PSPO caps it at 4 (6 for licensed boarders, breeders or day-care providers). North Northamptonshire sets no such cap.
Does any Northamptonshire council license dog walkers?
No. Neither West Northamptonshire Council nor North Northamptonshire Council runs a dog-walker licensing or registration scheme.
For everything else dog-related in Northamptonshire, see our Dog Services in Northamptonshire hub — and if your dog’s reactive or just prefers its own space, our guide to Northamptonshire’s secure dog fields covers the one we could verify.
Written by Georgiana & Figo, who is fiercely loyal to whoever is holding the lead at any given moment.
