BCC Licensing scheme for Professional Dog Walkers is launched!
April 2025
Banstead Commons Conservators launched their Professional Dog Walking Licence Scheme this month. From the 1 April, all commercial dog walkers who are paid and insured animal care workers are required to be licenced if they take dogs in their care onto Banstead Commons.
The scheme has been introduced in response to an unprecedented increase in commercial dog walking activities on the Commons putting visitors and wildlife at risk.
Our licence scheme will ensure proper levels of use on our sites and reassurance to other visitors that dog walking businesses operating on the Commons are insured, compliant and are working with us to preserve Banstead Commons.
Licenced Professional Dog Walkers must always wear a visible branded arm band and lanyard when operating on our sites.
Statement from the Conservators:
“It is fantastic to see so many businesses sign up to our scheme in advance of the regulation being launched. Banstead Commons Conservators welcome responsible dog walking on the Commons. We are looking forward to working with licensed organisations to protect our visitors and wildlife.
We are asking dog owners who use a commercial dog walker to check their walker is licensed if they operate on our sites. Further information on the scheme and a list of licensed dog walkers can be found on our website [click here].”
About Banstead Commons
Banstead Commons consist of 1350 acres (550 hectares) of open green spaces and comprise four separate areas; Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs, Park Downs and Burgh Heath.
Banstead Commons are owned by Reigate and Banstead Council. As a result of the Metropolitan Commons (Banstead) Supplemental Act of 1893, the Commons are managed by the Banstead Commons Conservators. The Act conferred upon the Conservators a statutory duty to ensure safe and free access for the public and to protect the Commons from damage and trespass.
About the Professional Dog Walking Licence Scheme
All commercial businesses operating on Banstead Commons require a licence. The Professional Dog Walking Licence Scheme was introduced on 1 April, 2025. From this date, in line with other commercial activity on the Commons, it will be a requirement for all professional dog walkers to be licenced to operate.
Further information on our Professional Dog Licensing Scheme can be found on the Banstead Commons Conservators website: www.bansteadcommons.org.uk
or email: enquiries@bansteadcommons.org.uk