Three small dogs with pink rhododendrons in the background.

Professional Dog Walking Permit

Starting 31 March 2025, businesses engaged in commercial dog walking will be required to obtain a permit to operate in Windsor Great Park, Swinley Forest, and Buttersteep Forest (Windsor Great Park and Forest).

This new permit scheme aims to:

Manage and regulate the number of professional dog walkers who operate on the Estate
Ensure professional dog walkers have appropriate insurance. This protection benefits dog walkers, other Park and Forest users, and dog owners themselves, in the event of a negative incident
Align professional dog walking with Windsor Great Park Regulations and other licensed commercial businesses operating on the Estate
Helps to support the maintenance of the Windsor Estate

It is important to note that there is also a new dog walking code of conduct which will also apply to professional dog walking businesses.

Professional Dog Walkers’ Guidelines

Read the guide endorsed by, Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Pet Industry Federation and Canine & Feline Sector Group.

Expression of interest

If you wish to obtain a Professional Dog Walking Permit, please read the questions and answers below and, if you are happy to proceed, complete the form.

Enquiries will be responded to in the order they are received on a first come, first served basis no later than Friday 28 March 2025.

Professional dog walking permit questions

What is the closing date to express an interest to have a permit?

All expressions of interest must be submitted by close of business, Friday 28 February 2025.

When will I be told if I have been successful in obtaining a Professional Dog Walking Permit?

Successful applicants will be notified starting from Monday, 3 March 2025. Upon notification, you will need to provide the following documentation:

Evidence of Public Liability Insurance of £5 million
A signed and dated Risk Assessment and Method Statement to cover your sessions and a brief written policy on your emergency procedures for:
- First Aid
- Accident reporting
- Lone working
A Canine First Aid Certificate valid for each named permit holder
Evidence confirming that the dog walking business is registered with a veterinary practice

If you are not able to present us with all of these documents, you will not be eligible to purchase a Professional Dog Walking Permit.

What are the terms & conditions of the professional dog walking permit?

View the terms & conditions of the professional dog walking permit.

Where can I walk in Windsor Great Park?

Professional Dog Walking Businesses with a Windsor Great Park Permit can operate in the areas marked on this map.

Where can I walk in Swinley Forest?

Professional Dog Walking Businesses with a Swinley Park Permit can operate in the areas marked on this map.

What date does the permit scheme go live?

The permit scheme will go live on Monday 31 March 2025.

Is the permit scheme capacity controlled?

So that we can manage and regulate the number of professional dog walkers who operate in Windsor Great Park and Forest, the number of permits issued will be limited and, expressing a wish for a permit does not guarantee that one will be issued.

Does the permit cover Windsor Great Park and Forest?

Separate permits will be required for:

Windsor Great Park
Swinley Forest and Buttersteep Forest

Do I have to have a permit for each employee?

Yes. Each employee walking dogs in Windsor Great Park and/or Forest will need to have a permit.

Is car parking included with each permit?

If you buy a permit for Windsor Great Park, you will be able to park at these car parks:

The Savill Garden & Adventure Play
Cranbourne Gate
Rangers’ Gate
Virginia Water South

If you buy a permit for Swinley Forest and Buttersteep Forest, you will be able to park at these car parks:

Buttersteep Rise
Swinley Park

What is the cost of a permit?

A permit for Windsor Great Park will cost £500 per person
A permit for Swinley Forest and Buttersteep Forest will cost £600 per person. (Please note that parking is not included at the Bracknell Forest Council operated car park in Swinley Forest).

I’m already a Windsor Great Park Member, do I have to buy a professional dog walking permit?

A Professional Dog Walking Permit is separate to a Windsor Great Park membership. A Professional Dog Walking Permit is the only authorisation that permits holders to operate their business within Windsor Great Park.

If you are successful in purchasing a dog walking permit, we are able to refund your remaining months from your membership. However, please note that you will lose all the other benefits you might have enjoyed with your Windsor Great Park membership.

I’m already a Forest car park Member, do I have to buy a professional dog walking permit?

A Professional Dog Walking Permit is separate to a Forest car park membership. A Professional Dog Walking Permit is the only authorisation that permits holders to operate their business within Swinley Forest and Buttersteep Forest.

If you are successful in purchasing a dog walking permit, we are able to refund your remaining months from your membership.

Will my business be promoted as an approved Professional Dog Walking business?

As a professional dog walker with a permit, your business will be listed on our website. Not only does this promote your business but also gives dog owners peace of mind that you can safely operate your business within Windsor Great Park and/or Forest.

Will I be guaranteed a permit?

What happens if I am unsuccessful in getting a permit?

If you are unsuccessful in getting a permit, we will add you to a waitlist in the date order that you expressed your interest to have one. As soon as a permit becomes available, we will contact you.

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