Choosing a dog walker in the Vale of Glamorgan is mostly about asking the right questions. We’ve applied a strict standard: a walker is listed only if their own website shows they work in the Vale, and marketplace walkers need at least 50 reviews. Every insurance and DBS statement below is the walker’s own claim and we haven’t seen any certificates.
Walkers with their own websites
Friends for Pets is based in Penarth (07500 876397). Its site lists Penarth, Dinas Powys, Llandough, Sully, Rhoose, Wenvoe, Peterston-super-Ely, St Athan and other villages, with dog walking from £15. It says staff are insured and hold a basic disclosure, and that the manager holds a Pet First Aid Level 2 qualification. It also advertises licensed day care and home boarding under Vale of Glamorgan Council licences, which we couldn’t check against a register. Its nine testimonials are on its own page, so they aren’t independently verified. It is a multi-location brand, so check the Penarth branch is who you’re booking.
Wags And Walks is a family-run business in Dinas Powys (07951 874219, wagsandwalkswales@gmail.com), covering Dinas Powys and the surrounding area. Its site says it is fully insured, holds a current DBS certificate and has dog first aid training. We couldn’t find prices, and its seven testimonials are on its own page, so they’re unverified too.
Do dog walkers need a council licence?
We found no licence, permit or registration scheme for ordinary dog walking, and the council’s dog control order sets no limit on the number of dogs, but we couldn’t fully confirm this. Licences do apply to dog day care and boarding, which are handled through Shared Regulatory Services. Their conditions say off-site exercise for a licensed day care business needs dogs on leads and at least one staff member per three dogs. Those rules apply to licensed day care and boarding operators, not ordinary walkers.
Marketplaces, leads and gaps
On Pawshake, the Barry walkers we saw had 12 reviews or fewer, and none of the Vale-based marketplace walkers reached 50. Bark lists several local names but without enough detail to verify them. We found no walkers with their own sites in Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Rhoose or St Athan, which is a limit of our search rather than proof none exist.
Whoever you choose, ask about insurance, group sizes, lead and recall practice and emergencies, and do a meet-and-greet first. A calming bite can help take the edge off a nervous dog’s first few walks, and if anxiety is a regular issue, speak to your vet. For everything else, see our Vale of Glamorgan dog services hub, and for places to walk yourself, our best local dog walks in the Vale of Glamorgan.
A second look on Google Maps
Google Maps shows a few more walkers for Barry and the Vale than our first pass found. These have a listing, their own website and at least 10 reviews, all rated 4.8 or better when we checked.
Oh Doggo
★★★★★ 4.8 · 32 Google reviews
Barry and Vale walker with a Google Maps listing and their own website; ask which parts of the Vale they cover.
View on Google Maps
Wagging Mama
★★★★★ 5.0 · 24 Google reviews
Barry and Vale walker with a Google Maps listing and their own website; ask which parts of the Vale they cover.
View on Google Maps
Able Pet Care – Vale of Glamorgan
★★★★★ 5.0 · 12 Google reviews
Barry and Vale walker with a Google Maps listing and their own website; ask which parts of the Vale they cover.
View on Google Maps
Wiggles Pet Services
★★★★★ 5.0 · 10 Google reviews
Barry and Vale walker with a Google Maps listing and their own website; ask which parts of the Vale they cover.
View on Google Maps
We haven’t tested any of them and Google ratings come from the public, so ask each walker which parts of the Vale they cover, and ask to see proof of insurance before you book. Several listings show no clear address, and one other Barry result had no reviews, so we haven’t named it.
When you’re taking your dog out yourself, our secure dog fields in the Vale of Glamorgan and dog-friendly pubs, cafés and restaurants in the Vale of Glamorgan are good places to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dog walkers need a licence in the Vale of Glamorgan?
We found no licence scheme for ordinary dog walking, though we couldn’t fully confirm this. Day care and boarding businesses do need a council licence.
Are there dog walkers in Penarth and Dinas Powys?
Yes. Friends for Pets covers Penarth and nearby villages, and Wags And Walks is based in Dinas Powys. Both claim insurance on their own sites, so ask to see proof.
What should I ask a dog walker before booking?
Ask about insurance, group size, recall and emergencies, and arrange a meet-and-greet with your dog first.
Written by Georgiana & Figo, who always asks to meet the lead before the walker.
