Read the scope, outcomes and full checklist guidance
The outcome:Dogs are securely collected, transported, loaded, unloaded and returned in vehicles and systems suited to the dogs, numbers, journey and conditions.
EW7.1: Secure collection, property access and handover
Keys, codes and client-property access must be controlled. Doors, gates and barriers must be managed to prevent escape, unauthorised access or accidental release of resident animals. Collection and return must include reliable identity and welfare checks, and material concerns must be communicated promptly.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Keys, codes and client-property access must be controlled. Doors, gates and barriers must be managed to prevent escape, unauthorised access or accidental release of resident animals. Collection and return must include reliable identity and welfare checks, and material concerns must be communicated promptly.
What the Assessor Checks
Observe or use scenarios for entering a property, collecting multiple dogs and handover.
Review key control, lost-key response and escape prevention.
Evidence
Key register, access procedures, authorised-person records, observation 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
Reckless property access or releasing a dog to an unauthorised person may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW7.2: Loading, unloading and headcounts
Loading and unloading must occur under controlled conditions that prevent escape, conflict, road exposure and dogs being left behind. A reliable headcount and identity system must operate at every transfer point. Dogs must not be tethered unattended in public while other dogs are collected or loaded unless a specific safe arrangement has been assessed and continuous effective supervision is maintained.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Loading and unloading must occur under controlled conditions that prevent escape, conflict, road exposure and dogs being left behind. A reliable headcount and identity system must operate at every transfer point. Dogs must not be tethered unattended in public while other dogs are collected or loaded unless a specific safe arrangement has been assessed and continuous effective supervision is maintained.
What the Assessor Checks
Observe loading or use a practical demonstration.
Test headcounts at collection, vehicle, route, return and change of walker.
Evidence
Transfer checklist, dog list, identity system, observation 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
A systemic failure creating serious escape, traffic or missing-dog risk may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW7.3: Vehicle capacity, ventilation and restraint
Vehicles must be roadworthy, clean and configured so dogs cannot interfere with driving, fall or escape. Capacity must allow adequate ventilation, temperature control, stable footing and sufficient space for the dogs and journey. Dogs must be restrained or contained lawfully and safely, with individual containment or separation where compatibility, health, size, arousal or loading risk requires it.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Vehicles must be roadworthy, clean and configured so dogs cannot interfere with driving, fall or escape. Capacity must allow adequate ventilation, temperature control, stable footing and sufficient space for the dogs and journey. Dogs must be restrained or contained lawfully and safely, with individual containment or separation where compatibility, health, size, arousal or loading risk requires it.
What the Assessor Checks
Inspect every vehicle in scope, including ventilation, doors, barriers, crates, restraints and emergency access.
Compare capacity and separation options with actual bookings.
Evidence
Warrant and maintenance evidence, vehicle inspection, restraint plan, cleaning and bookings.
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
Dangerous overcrowding, gross heat risk or transport allowing a dog to fall or escape may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW7.4: Journey conditions, unattended vehicles and breakdowns
Transport duration, route and collection sequence must be reasonable for the dogs. Temperature and ventilation must be actively managed, including when stationary. A dog must not be left in a vehicle where temperature, ventilation, distress, theft, escape or delay cannot be reliably controlled. Any brief absence must be risk-assessed and monitored. A breakdown and evacuation plan must cover every dog.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Transport duration, route and collection sequence must be reasonable for the dogs. Temperature and ventilation must be actively managed, including when stationary. A dog must not be left in a vehicle where temperature, ventilation, distress, theft, escape or delay cannot be reliably controlled. Any brief absence must be risk-assessed and monitored. A breakdown and evacuation plan must cover every dog.
What the Assessor Checks
Review actual collection-to-return times and temperature controls.
Use scenarios for delay, vehicle failure, accident, heat and emergency evacuation.
Evidence
Journey logs, temperature monitoring, vehicle procedure, breakdown cover and equipment.
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 in conditions creating serious heat, respiratory or other imminent risk is Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance ☐ N/A
Notes: ____________________________________________________________