Dog Walking HR Handbook Generator

Pawprint Adventures is trusted with animals that families consider members of their household. Owners hand over leads expecting their dogs to be exercised safely, returned happy, and cared for with the same attention they would provide themselves. Meeting that expectation, walk after walk, in all weather, is what this business is built on.

This handbook outlines the workplace policies and procedures that apply to all Pawprint employees. Dog walkers, pet sitters, administrative and booking staff, and team leads are all covered. The handbook is a reference guide and does not form part of your employment contract. Where any conflict arises between the two, the contract prevails.

Dog walking is outdoor, physical work performed largely alone and often in remote or semi-rural locations. The policies in this handbook address those specific conditions. They cover lone worker safety protocols, maximum dog-to-walker ratios, incident and bite reporting procedures, adverse weather decision-making, vehicle and transport requirements, and the insurance obligations that apply to anyone caring for animals belonging to the public. Pawprint reviews this handbook regularly. The current version is available from the operations manager or on the team app.

Pawprint Adventures employs permanent full-time and part-time dog walkers, casual walkers for holiday cover and demand spikes, and administrative staff who manage bookings, client onboarding, and scheduling. Your offer letter confirms your engagement type, contracted hours, walking territory, and whether you are expected to use your own vehicle.

New employees complete a three-month probationary period. Dog walkers are assessed on animal handling confidence, lead management with multiple dogs, recall and behavioural observation skills, route planning, punctuality for collection and drop-off times, and compliance with the company's lone worker check-in procedures. Administrative staff are evaluated on scheduling accuracy, client communication, and new dog assessment coordination. Reviews take place at weeks four and ten, with a formal confirmation meeting before the end of probation.

Roles at Pawprint are straightforward but carry real responsibility. A dog walker collects, exercises, and returns dogs according to the agreed schedule and route, maintaining group sizes within the company's insured ratios. A pet sitter provides in-home care for dogs whose owners are travelling. A team lead manages walker schedules, conducts new dog assessments, and handles escalated client issues. An administrator manages the booking system, processes payments, and coordinates client onboarding paperwork including vaccination and insurance checks. Role changes are discussed and agreed with the operations manager.