How to Choose a Dog Walker in Sydney: 10 Questions to Ask

What NSW law says about dog walkers

Four dogs, maximum. Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (s 13), a dog isn't under effective control if the person has more than 4 dogs, and the off-leash exemption only applies with 4 or fewer. Centennial Parklands applies the same limit: one person may lead a maximum of 4 dogs.
The walker is responsible. When the owner isn't there, the person in charge of the dog is liable for breaking these rules, with on-the-spot fines of $330.
Where dogs can't go. Dogs aren't allowed within 10 m of children's play equipment or eating areas, or on most Eastern Suburbs beaches. See our off-leash parks guide.
No licence required. NSW has no state-wide licence or mandatory qualification for dog walkers. Nationally recognised units do exist, such as "Walk and exercise dogs" (ACMGEN308) and "Provide basic animal first aid" (ACMGEN309).

10 questions to ask a dog walker

How many dogs do you walk at once? In NSW the answer should never be more than 4 per walker.
How do you decide which dogs walk together? Good walkers assess each dog and match by size, energy and temperament. Not every dog suits a group.
Can we do a meet & greet first? A good walker will want to meet your dog before the first walk.
Where do you walk, and for how long? Ask about the parks, time out of the car versus in it, and on- or off-lead time.
How do the dogs travel? RSPCA NSW recommends a properly fitted, vehicle-rated harness attached to an anchor point or seatbelt, or a crate secured in the vehicle. Ask about ventilation and air-conditioning too.
What do you do in hot weather? Look for a clear plan: water on every walk, cooler times of day, and cancelling in extreme heat. Our heat safety guide explains why it matters.
What happens in an emergency? Ask for their plan if a dog is injured, unwell or lost, and how they'll reach you and your vet.
What training methods do you use? Veterinary behaviour experts recommend reward-based methods only. Avoid walkers who rely on corrections, pain or intimidation.
How will I hear how it went? Photos, videos and a heads-up at pick-up and drop-off are good signs.
How do you keep my keys and home secure? And what's the backup plan if the walker is sick or away?

Also ask whether other dogs in the group are vaccinated and up to date with flea and worm treatment, and read recent reviews.

Red flags

More than 4 dogs per walker, or big, mixed groups with no matching.
No meet & greet, or no questions about your dog's health and behaviour.
Dogs loose in the back of a car or ute, or left in a parked car.
Walking through the heat of the day in summer.
Talk of "corrections", prong collars or "showing them who's boss".
Vague answers about where your dog goes and what happens in an emergency.

How we answer these questions

At My Dog Walker

No more than 4 dogs per walker, matched by size and temperament. We specialise in small and medium-sized dogs.
Every pup starts with a free, no-commitment meet & greet.
A whole hour in the park on a Group Adventure, plus the ride there and back with their best friends. Pick-up and drop-off are included.
Positive reinforcement on every walk, with gentle support for anxious or reactive pups.
Fresh water on every walk, and no walks in extreme heat. You're never charged for a walk we cancel.
Regular photo and video updates.
Mireya founded My Dog Walker in 2022 and leads a small team of trusted walkers. Rated 5.0 from 18 Google reviews.

Frequently asked questions

How many dogs can a dog walker walk at once in NSW?

Four. Under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998, a dog isn't under effective control if the person has more than 4 dogs, and the off-leash exemption only applies with 4 or fewer.

Do dog walkers need a licence in NSW?

No. There's no state-wide licence or mandatory qualification, although some councils and park authorities have rules for commercial activity. Nationally recognised training units exist for walking dogs and animal first aid.

Should I meet a dog walker before booking?

Yes. A meet and greet lets the walker assess your dog's health, behaviour and fit for a group, and lets you ask your questions and see how they handle your dog.

Is a group walk or a solo walk better?

It depends on your dog. Social, friendly dogs often love a small, well-matched group, while some dogs are better walked alone. A good walker will be honest about which suits your dog.

How should a dog walker transport dogs?

RSPCA NSW recommends a properly fitted, vehicle-rated harness attached to an anchor point or seatbelt, or a crate secured in the vehicle, never loose and never in the driver's lap.

Sources

This guide is general information, not veterinary or legal advice. Rules can change, so check signage and your council's website, and speak to your vet about your own dog.

Mireya GonzalezFounder of My Dog Walker. Mireya has run small-group walks, adventure days and dog sitting for small and medium-sized dogs in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs since 2022. Meet Mireya →

How to choose a dog walker in Sydney