Read the scope, outcomes and full checklist guidance
The outcome:Group and pack services use dog numbers and combinations that remain lawful and safely manageable for the particular walkers, dogs, route, conditions and transport available.
EW5.1: Lawful and evidence-based operating maxima
These Standards do not set one nationwide maximum number of dogs per walker. The business must comply with every applicable council, permit, land-access and approval limit and must document lower operating maxima whenever competence, dogs, route, public use, weather, on- or off-lead status, transport or emergency capacity requires it. A legal maximum is a ceiling, not a target. Numbers must reduce whenever all dogs cannot be observed, secured, separated, transported, evacuated and controlled reliably.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
These Standards do not set one nationwide maximum number of dogs per walker. The business must comply with every applicable council, permit, land-access and approval limit and must document lower operating maxima whenever competence, dogs, route, public use, weather, on- or off-lead status, transport or emergency capacity requires it. A legal maximum is a ceiling, not a target. Numbers must reduce whenever all dogs cannot be observed, secured, separated, transported, evacuated and controlled reliably.
What the Assessor Checks
Compare documented maxima with local rules, approvals and actual bookings.
Test how numbers change for new walkers, complex dogs, busy locations, adverse weather and vehicle failure.
Evidence
Local requirements, approvals, risk assessments, walker scopes, rosters and observation.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Knowingly exceeding a legal limit or operating a group that cannot be reliably controlled may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW5.2: Individual suitability and compatibility
Every dog in a group must be individually suitable for that service on that day. Suitability includes health, age, fitness, temperament, play style, prey interest, recall, reproductive status, size where relevant and response to the intended environment and equipment. Compatibility must be monitored continuously; prior successful walks do not remove the need to respond to change.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Every dog in a group must be individually suitable for that service on that day. Suitability includes health, age, fitness, temperament, play style, prey interest, recall, reproductive status, size where relevant and response to the intended environment and equipment. Compatibility must be monitored continuously; prior successful walks do not remove the need to respond to change.
What the Assessor Checks
Review how groups are formed and why particular dogs walk together.
Observe whether fear, fatigue, guarding or escalating arousal changes the plan.
Evidence
Dog profiles, group records, daily checks, incidents and observation.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Repeatedly grouping dogs with known serious incompatibility may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW5.3: Introductions, separation and conflict prevention
New or returning dogs must be introduced in a controlled manner proportionate to risk. The walker must have a practical plan and sufficient equipment or assistance to interrupt, separate and safely conclude the service if tension develops. Dogs must not be forced to interact or remain in play, and separation must not create another unsafe supervision or transport situation.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
New or returning dogs must be introduced in a controlled manner proportionate to risk. The walker must have a practical plan and sufficient equipment or assistance to interrupt, separate and safely conclude the service if tension develops. Dogs must not be forced to interact or remain in play, and separation must not create another unsafe supervision or transport situation.
What the Assessor Checks
Observe or discuss introductions and early signs that trigger intervention.
Test separation of two dogs while retaining control of the remainder.
Evidence
Introduction notes, group plans, equipment, scenario response and incidents.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Continuing unmanaged conflict or arranging a confrontation as a test may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW5.4: Defined responsibility and active supervision
Responsibility for each dog must be clear at all times. Multiple walkers may work together, but dog numbers must not be justified by including an assistant who is not competent, equipped and actually available to control assigned dogs. Supervision must be active; phone use, photography, conversations and other distractions must not materially reduce observation or control.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Responsibility for each dog must be clear at all times. Multiple walkers may work together, but dog numbers must not be justified by including an assistant who is not competent, equipped and actually available to control assigned dogs. Supervision must be active; phone use, photography, conversations and other distractions must not materially reduce observation or control.
What the Assessor Checks
Observe role allocation, position, scanning, headcounts and transitions.
Review how responsibility changes during loading, first aid, conflict or a missing-dog event.
Evidence
Roster, walker scope, dog allocation, observation, procedures and incidents.
Meets Standard
There is reasonable evidence that the requirement is met consistently in practice and achieves the required welfare, control and integrity outcome.
Action Required
The requirement is not yet demonstrated consistently in practice, or the available evidence is incomplete and requires a proportionate corrective action.
Critical Non-Compliance
Leaving dogs materially unsupervised or inflating capacity with unavailable staff may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________