Apply for a professional dog walking licence

You can apply for a licence to walk up to six dogs on one of six sites around the borough. All licences will be granted for two years from the date of issue.

We are re-opening the application process for all 18 licences.

Before you start

Ensure you have read the:

• Code of conduct
• Terms and conditions

Available licences

Licences are available in the following locations:

• East Sheen Common - 3
• Ham Lands - 3
• Palewell Common - 3
• Hampton Common - 3
• Crane Park - 3
• Barnes Common - 3 

Fee

The licence fee per professional walker is £141.67, excluding VAT. The Licence will be issued for 2 years from the 1 October 2025 until 30 September 2027.

The replacement charge for a lost identification card is £21.80.

You will need

Along with your application form, you must provide:

• Copies of business accounts for the last three years
• Two passport photographs of each applicant
• Evidence of valid Public Liability Insurance for a minimum of £2 million, and the number of dogs you are covered to walk at any one time, if applicable
• Animal welfare statement
• Operational method statement
• A signed and dated risk assessment and a written policy on your emergency procedures (First Aid, Accident Reporting) B. For more information about how to complete a risk assessment please visit the HSE website
• A registered trade reference, e.g. Kennel Club, or a reference from a qualified vet
• Details about your experience of multiple dog walking, including the number of year's experience you have, any training you have completed and any related qualifications you hold

How to apply

Download and complete the application form.

Return the form by:

• Email: parks@richmond.gov.uk
• Post: Parks and Open Spaces, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

It is your responsibility to ensure your application reaches us. If you are emailing your application, ensure the total size of attachments does not exceed 8MB. For postal applications we would suggest sending recorded delivery.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 24 September 2025.

What happens next

All applications received by the closing date will be assessed against the categories detailed on the application form. If there are more successful applications than licences available for each site, the names will be pulled from a hat by an independent person until all licences are granted.

We will contact you with the outcome of your application, and to arrange payment of the fee.