Business Details
20 Years
experience
Award-Winning Pet Care Services in Yorkshire
Founded in 2006 by Richie Barlow, The Dog Walker is Yorkshire's largest pet care and wellbeing specialist. We provide fully insured and registered care for pets in their own homes, offering services including dog walking, home boarding, cat care, and pet taxi services. With over 19 years of experience, we have expanded through franchisees across northern England, maintaining rigorous standards through personal training and professional licensing. Recognised with awards such as Best Small Business 2015 and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013, our commitment to quality has set industry benchmarks.Our services cater to diverse needs, from daily walks to emergency vet transportation, ensuring pets receive compassionate care. We prioritise transparency, flexibility, and reliability, as evidenced by client testimonials praising our professionalism and dedication. Our franchise network continues to grow, reflecting our reputation as a trusted leader in pet care.
Services
Dog Walking
Home Boarding
Cat Care
Pet Taxi
Small Animal Care
Day Care
House Sitting
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have 19 years of experience in professional pet care since 2006
- All franchisees are personally trained, fully insured, and licensed
- Award-winning service with industry recognition including Best Small Business 2015
- Offer home boarding to reduce pet stress in familiar environments
- Flexible scheduling accommodating last-minute changes
What people say
Best dog walker
Reliable and trustworthy
Safe hands
Flexible with dates
Loves dogs
Services
Dog Walking
Daily walks tailored to your dog's needs, ranging from short riverside strolls to extended countryside adventures. Our trained professionals ensure safe, traffic-free routes with playtime included. Clients appreciate our reliability, with walks conducted in all weather conditions.
Home Boarding
Alternative to kennels where dogs stay in a family home environment. Includes round-the-clock care, feeding, and companionship. Ideal for pets requiring a stress-free option during owner absences, with flexible day-based pricing.
Cat Care
Specialised care for cats including feeding, litter management, and medication administration. Designed to reduce stress by maintaining routines in the pet's home environment. Services cover daily visits with experienced carers.
Pet Taxi
Dedicated transport service for pets to vet appointments, groomers, or special events. Vehicles equipped with safety features and bedding. Available for short-notice bookings with experienced drivers handling animal welfare.
Small Animal Care
Care for rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and fish including feeding, habitat cleaning, and health monitoring. Staff trained in handling various small animals with tailored visit schedules to meet specific care requirements.
People
Richie Barlow
Founder
Established The Dog Walker in 2006 after working in kennels. Recognised with Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2013, he pioneered home-based pet care services now franchised nationally.
Ian Clayton
Franchisee
Operates Harrogate district services since 2010, transitioning from the water industry to pet care. Brings professional expertise and a passion for animal welfare to daily operations.
Benjamin Barlow
Assistant Director
Manages Garforth/Sherburn services with diverse experience in welfare sectors. Combines administrative skills with hands-on pet care knowledge as a lifelong animal owner.
Richard Winston
Franchisee
Leads North Leeds operations after a career in food industry management. Owns a rescue dog, bringing practical understanding of pet needs to service delivery.
Lisa Stubbs
Franchisee
Transitioned from supermarket bakery work to pet care in Castleford. Focuses on outdoor activities and building relationships with local animal owners through dedicated service.
Questions
What services do you offer for dogs?
We provide daily walks, home boarding, day care, house sitting, and pet taxi services for dogs.
Do you care for cats and small animals?
Yes, we offer cat care, including feeding and litter changes, and care for rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish.
Are your services insured and licensed?
All services are fully insured, registered, and franchisees undergo personal training and licensing.
How are holiday visits charged?
Holiday visits on Sundays, bank holidays, and festive days incur double the normal rate.
Can you accommodate special pet requirements?
Our team administers medication and adapts care for pets with specific dietary or medical needs.
