Have your say on a potential Renfrewshire Voluntary Dog Walkers scheme

Dog lovers in Renfrewshire are being invited to have their say on the introduction of a voluntary dog walking scheme which would ask professional dog walkers to register and commit to providing a high-quality service as set out by the council.

Dog walking companies that subscribe to the scheme would be given branded materials to show they have signed up and added to the list of trusted partners on the council website.

It is anticipated that a register would improve public perception of dog walking companies, reassure owners that their pets are being treated well and demonstrate the council’s commitment to raising standards – including tackling the issue of dog fouling in Renfrewshire.

The survey will consider issues such as the maximum acceptable number of dogs to walk at any one time, necessity of appropriate insurance requirements and using appropriate areas to exercise dogs.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We want dog owners in Renfrewshire to feel comfortable when leaving their pets so this new register would give people peace of mind that their chosen dog walker has committed to providing a high quality service.

“It’s important that we hear the views of both dog walkers and pet owners as the scheme would need to work for everyone to make it a success.

“Please let us know your views as we look to shape how a potential scheme would work.”

The survey will run until 8 March 2020.

For more information and to submit your views, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay.