Dog owners in England face new £63 Christmas 'surcharge'

Dog owners have been warned they face a surcharge this Christmas. Pooch owners are likely to pay a surcharge over bank holidays for dog walking, dog sitting and other services, it has been warned by a leading national newspaper.

The Guardian reports Tails and Trails Pet Services in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, charges £18 for two daily visits with a 50% surcharge on bank holidays - meaning somebody paying for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day could pay £63. It reports The Dog Walker, also in Yorkshire, charges double on some days, too, ahead of Christmas.

Livi Parkins, who runs Wirral Whiskers, says: “I recommend looking for public reviews rather than relying on the sitter’s own site, as business owners can’t control what is posted there. Personal recommendations are also valuable, as one bad review could impact my reputation and income as a sole trader.”

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Julie Maxted, from The Pets Homes & Gardens Company, says: “Any person who is thinking of employing a pet-sitter should check they have public liability insurance, and also ask for a DBS [Disclosure and Barring Service] certificate.” Lisa Ravenscroft, who runs the dog boarding business Woofington House, says: “Public liability insurance is a must for a dog sitter, along with a local council licence if they’re providing dog boarding or daycare in their home.”

“If you’re planning to have a pet sitter staying at your property while you’re away, you should always check your insurance policy to confirm your cover before making any plans,” says Alicia Hempsted, an insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket.

Parkins says: “Be open and honest with your pet-sitter. I am happy to do what you need for your pet to your liking, but please tell me all your requirements and routines. No request is too strange – I’m happy to help. From feeding wild birds so the pets could watch from inside, to hand feeding a wild squirrel, to a glass of water for the cats, I’ve been asked for all sorts.”