Annual £365 License Fee Introduced for Professional Dog Walkers

A group of conservators has announced that professional dog walkers will soon be required to pay an annual fee of £365 to operate on Banstead Commons. The Banstead Commons Conservators (BCC) will introduce a professional dog walking licence program across Banstead Heath, Banstead Downs, Park Downs, and Burgh Heath, effective from April 1, 2025. In a joint statement, the BCC explained its decision, stating: “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.” The conservators assert that this initiative aims to manage the quantity of dogs walked for commercial purposes on their properties and to guarantee that businesses conduct their operations safely, showing respect for Banstead Commons, its visitors, and its wildlife. The BCC indicates that the licensing framework is being established under the authority of the Metropolitan Commons (Banstead) Supplemental Act, an act that grants the conservators the power to oversee activities within Banstead Commons. The group further noted that dog walking businesses failing to register their operations once the scheme is active will violate BCC’s bye-laws and could face prosecution. The BCC stated that licenses can be revoked “with immediate effect” via a written notice if an individual violates the agreement or fails to rectify a breach within 21 days. Additionally, professional dog walkers are required to carry identification issued by the BCC at all times and must permit staff to scan a dog’s microchip to ascertain the owner’s information, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.