BCC to license Professional Dog Walkers
November 2024
Banstead Commons Conservators are implementing a professional dog walking licence scheme on Banstead Commons from 1 April, 2025.
From this date, all professional dog walkers operating their business on any of our four sites (Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs, Park Downs and Burgh Heath) must be licensed to walk on them.
Dog walking companies who have not registered their operations once this is in effect, will be in breach of our bye laws and may risk prosecution.
For further information and how to register, please contact enquiries@bansteadcommons.org.uk
The licensing scheme is being implemented in accordance with the Metropolitan Commons (Banstead) Supplemental Act which gives the Conservators powers to regulate activities on Banstead Commons.
Under the Act, the Conservators have a responsibility to safeguard the Commons, its users and wildlife for the enjoyment of visitors and to protect and enhance biodiversity. That is why from 1 April, 2025 licensed professional dog walkers will be required to sign up to a Licence Agreement giving reassurance that companies using Banstead Commons are doing so safely, they are insured, and wildlife and habitats are preserved. A set annual Licence Fee of £365 is payable to the BCC by each professional dog walker who uses the Commons to exercise dogs.
A joint statement issued by the Conservators:
“Banstead Commons are wonderful open spaces enjoyed by many residents and visitors from further afield.
Under our Act commercial activity is controlled in order to protect the integrity of the Commons and the welfare of its users. With the increasing volume of professional dog walkers, including displacement from other areas that have already implemented restrictions, it has become necessary to take the responsible step of licensing this activity.
This scheme will help regulate the numbers of dogs being walked commercially on our sites and ensure that companies are operating safely and treating Banstead Commons, its users and wildlife with respect and consideration.”
Ends
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. Under 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 is being 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 licensed to operate on the Commons.
For further information and how to apply, please email: enquiries@bansteadcommons.org.uk