Read the scope, outcomes and full checklist guidance
The outcome:Each walk provides a safe and meaningful service adapted to the dog's condition, preferences and changing needs rather than a fixed routine applied to every dog.
EW8.1: Meaningful and honestly recorded service
The service delivered must reasonably match what was agreed. Active walking, rest, structured activity and transport must be recorded or communicated honestly enough that the client can understand what their dog received. Stops for welfare, safety or training may form part of a legitimate walk; time must not be padded or misrepresented.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
The service delivered must reasonably match what was agreed. Active walking, rest, structured activity and transport must be recorded or communicated honestly enough that the client can understand what their dog received. Stops for welfare, safety or training may form part of a legitimate walk; time must not be padded or misrepresented.
What the Assessor Checks
Compare bookings, route or time records and client updates.
Check whether delays, shortened walks and substituted activities are disclosed.
Evidence
Booking and walk records, route or time data where used, updates and complaints.
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
Systematic falsification of services or records may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW8.2: Pace, distance, terrain, rest and water
Pace, distance, terrain and activity must be adjusted for the individual dog's age, fitness, conformation, health, behaviour, acclimatisation and weather. Dogs must have reasonable opportunities for toileting, recovery and water when duration, exertion, temperature, health or conditions require it. Water provision must avoid unsafe competition or contamination.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Pace, distance, terrain and activity must be adjusted for the individual dog's age, fitness, conformation, health, behaviour, acclimatisation and weather. Dogs must have reasonable opportunities for toileting, recovery and water when duration, exertion, temperature, health or conditions require it. Water provision must avoid unsafe competition or contamination.
What the Assessor Checks
Observe differences in how dogs are paced and monitored.
Review water, rest and route decisions for demanding conditions.
Evidence
Individual plans, supplies, route records, weather decisions 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
Forcing continued exertion despite obvious collapse, heat or serious respiratory risk may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW8.3: Dogs needing additional care
Puppies, elderly dogs, brachycephalic dogs, dogs with disability or medical conditions, pregnant or recently whelped dogs and dogs returning from illness or surgery require specific assessment and any veterinary restrictions must be followed. Where safe group service cannot meet those needs, a modified, solo or alternative service must be used or the walk declined.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Puppies, elderly dogs, brachycephalic dogs, dogs with disability or medical conditions, pregnant or recently whelped dogs and dogs returning from illness or surgery require specific assessment and any veterinary restrictions must be followed. Where safe group service cannot meet those needs, a modified, solo or alternative service must be used or the walk declined.
What the Assessor Checks
Sample higher-risk plans and compare them with veterinary or owner instructions.
Ask when a dog is rested, referred or moved out of a group.
Evidence
Veterinary information, individual plan, modifications, communications 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 breaching a material veterinary restriction where serious harm is foreseeable may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________
EW8.4: Observation, choice and stopping criteria
Dogs must be observed throughout the service for changes in gait, breathing, temperature, energy, fear, pain, arousal, conflict and willingness to continue. Social interaction and play must not be forced. The walker must use clear stopping or modification criteria and must not wait for collapse, fighting or complete refusal before acting.
Assessor checklist
Requirement
Dogs must be observed throughout the service for changes in gait, breathing, temperature, energy, fear, pain, arousal, conflict and willingness to continue. Social interaction and play must not be forced. The walker must use clear stopping or modification criteria and must not wait for collapse, fighting or complete refusal before acting.
What the Assessor Checks
Observe scanning and response to subtle changes in individual dogs.
Review where a dog was rested, leashed, separated, returned or referred.
Evidence
Observation, walker explanation, individual plan, walk and incident records.
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
Ignoring obvious serious distress, pain or deterioration may be Critical Non-Compliance.
Result:☐ Meets Standard ☐ Action Required ☐ Critical Non-Compliance
Notes: ____________________________________________________________