Apply for a multiple dog walking licence
If you would like to walk more than four (and up to a maximum of eight) dogs in certain parks and open spaces in Wandsworth, you will need apply for a licence.
Summary of requirements
The Maximum Number of Dogs in Grounds bye-law, and associated Dog Control Orders, control the number of dogs that can be walked by an individual in parks and open spaces in Wandsworth and on the public spaces.
Where the bye-law is in place (see the list of open spaces covered), a licence is required for an individual to walk more than four dogs at any one time up to a maximum of eight dogs.
In the majority of other parks and open spaces and on the public highway, the number of dogs that can be walked by an individual is limited to a maximum of four.
There is a limit of 50 licences issued and if this number is reached the application will be placed on the waiting list, as stated in Committee paper 05-935.
Legislation
The Maximum Number of Dogs in Grounds bye-law was made under the following legislation:
- Public Health Act 1875
- Open Spaces Act 1906
- Metropolitan Commons Supplemental Act 1873
- Local Government Act 1972
The Dog Control Orders were made under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
Eligibility criteria
No provision in legislation.
Apply
To complete your application, you will need to provide us with:
- Your full name
- Your address
- Your home telephone number
- Your mobile telephone number (if applicable)
- Your fax number (if applicable)
- Your email address (if applicable)
- Details of your previous experience of multiple dog walking
- Details of any previous dog related convictions
- A list of parks/open spaces you would like to use and the times you would like to use them
- Your National Insurance number
- Two references, one of which must be from a vet
What happens next
Once your application has been received, you will be asked to attend a meeting with the Chief Parks Police Officer, where the following will be checked:
- Your contact details
- Your experience of multiple dog walking
- The parks and open spaces that you would like to use
- Your understanding of and preparedness to comply with the bye-laws and the Code of Conduct
- Your public liability insurance (minimum £2 million cover)
Please bring the following documents with you to the meeting:
- Copies of two utilities bills as proof of address
- A copy of your public liability insurance certificate
- Two passport photographs
If our Chief Parks Police Officer is satisfied that the you are a responsible dog walker, then they will issue you with a licence.
The Chief Parks Police Officer may also issue a licence but place certain restrictions. For example, if you have limited experience, then the numbers of dogs may be restricted to less than eight.
Application evaluation process
For information on the application and assessment process for obtaining a Multiple Dog Walking Licence and the Code of Conduct for Multiple Dog Walkers, contact the council's Parks Police Service on 020 8871 7532.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted.
If your application is refused or you have queries
If your application is refused or you have a question about a licence, please contact the Council's Parks Police Service:
- Telephone: 020 8871 7532
- Email: parkspolice@wandsworth.gov.uk