Author: Tegan

09:40:41 GMT • 11 November 2024

8 Tools and Resources for Mental Health Therapists

By Bee Ingram

10 January 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

Get therapist insurance from Protectivity

As a mental health therapist, you’re sure to want the best resources at hand to support your clients on their mental health journey. If you’re looking for tools to improve your day-to-day work as a therapist, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of valuable resources to support both your work and those who are receiving value from your services.

Here are some of the best tools for therapists to help support your day-to-day work as a mental health professional.

Recommended books for mental health therapists

Learning and developing doesn’t need to stop once you’ve graduated from university. While there are several books aimed at psychology students, licensed professional therapists should aim to continue learning and developing their knowledge throughout their careers.

Here are some of the best reading materials to help develop your expertise and refresh your knowledge.

1. Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ – Daniel Goleman

First published in 1995, Goleman’s bestseller argues that emotional intelligence is actually a stronger indicator for success than your IQ. The book covers topics such as self-awareness, impulse control, empathy and social deftness, which Goleman explains are all integral to the workplace. This famous work is an insightful exploration into the role of emotional intelligence at work – a great perspective for therapists looking to help their clients.

2. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy – Carl R. Rogers

First published in 1961, Carl R. Rogers’ renowned book offers a therapist’s perspective on psychotherapy – making it a must-read for those interested in clinical psychology. Rogers was the founder of the humanistic psychology movement – a movement in psychology that supported the belief that humans are unique beings and should be treated as such by psychologists and psychiatrists. Rogers’ influence spanned decades and became an influential part of mainstream psychology. While the book was written several decades ago, Rogers’ work remains topical and relevant in today’s world.

3. The Makings of a Therapist: A Practical Guide for the Inner Journey – Louis Cozolino

Starting out as a newly qualified therapist can feel daunting. If you’re looking for some words of wisdom by a veteran therapist, Louis Cozolino’s classic text is a must-read. This book works as a go-to guide for new therapists seeing clients for the first time, with all the things Cozolino wishes someone had told him in his first few months of clinical training. The book includes guidance about working with your clients, from handling direct questions to encouraging them to talk more. It’s an honest and thoughtful text that should give you some reassurance if you’re just starting out in your career and are in need of some guidance.

Recommended blogs for mental health therapists

Following blogs can help you keep up-to-date with the latest trends in therapy, have resources on hand for career development and be aware of any challenges faced within the practice. Each of the blogs below offer unique perspectives to therapy that you can resonate with.

1. Kim Rosenthal – kimrosenthalmd.com

Kim Rosenthal is a practicing psychiatrist who has spent most of her career as a travelling doctor. Her blog covers a range of topics from addiction to marriage and relationships, and she has also produced two workbooks on addiction to support both those in recovery, and clinicians. Each of her articles are filled with information, passion and intellect making her blog one not to be missed.

2. Psychotherapy.net

Pyschotherapy.net believes that great therapists never stop learning. Their blog is home to a variety of articles, spanning across several areas of psychology from trauma to couples therapy. Each article is written by a professional in psychotherapy, from therapists to counsellors. If you’re looking to keep in touch with the latest news surrounding the therapist field, Psychotherapy.net’s blog is the place to go. You’ll find in-depth articles written by like-minded professionals, sure to leave you inspired.

3. The British Psychological Society’s The Psychologist

The Psychologist is an official publication of the British Psychological Society. Their well-established blog includes articles, interviews, reviews and career opportunities. It’s a great way to keep in the know with all areas of the psychology discipline. The team all have qualifications in psychology and related subjects, so are well-versed to guide and inspire therapists like yourself.

Useful worksheets and downloads for mental health therapists

1. Get Self Help worksheets

Get Self Help offers free, downloadable worksheets suitable for CBT sessions with your clients.

2. Therapist Aid

Therapist Aid offers free, downloadable worksheets for mental health professionals, to help support them with their clients’ therapy sessions. They offer a variety of worksheets and information booklets on several topics to help support your clients.

Recommended social media groups for mental health therapists

Social media is a great way to get your name out there, advertise your therapy services and meet like-minded professionals.

Facebook is a valuable resource for therapists looking to connect with one another. Groups such as Online Therapist Group are a space for licensed therapists and other mental health professionals who are looking to create an online psychotherapy practice or expand their in-person private practice.

Instagram is also a great place to connect with like-minded individuals. If you’re a therapist looking to grow your online profile, advertise your services and share your thoughts – Instagram is the answer. Take a look at Dr. Nicole LePera (the.holistic.psychologist) for example – with over five million followers, her Instagram profile has become a hub of knowledge and community, allowing her to connect with others and share her expertise.

What are the benefits of using tools for day-to-day work?

As a therapist, using tools such as worksheets and books can greatly benefit your day to day work, and improve the therapy sessions you conduct with patients.

Using worksheets can help you document sessions your clients have with you, and offer you new approaches to explore in therapy sessions. They also complement the behavioural therapy you may be running with a client by allowing them to dig deeper into their emotions and meet their mental health goals.

Get your mental health therapist insurance with Protectivity

As a therapist, you’ll want to go to work each day with the confidence that should the unexpected happen, you have the support to put wrong to right. Our therapist insurance will cover you for compensation claims should you accidentally injure a client or damage their property while conducting your therapy service. You’ll also be covered for Professional Indemnity should you ever be sued for any negligent advice given to your clients. Get a quote for therapy insurance today and get the peace of mind that you deserve.

Get Therapist Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

11:59:56 GMT • 14 November 2024

How To Start A Dog Walking Business

By Steffi Cavaliere

3 June 2021

•

10 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Get dog walking insurance from Protectivity

How to become a dog walker

Britain is a nation of dog lovers, and everyone wants to make sure that their treasured terrier or cherished cockapoo stays fit and healthy.

The only problem is that with people living such busy lives, because of work, family and other commitments, it can be hard for them to find the time to give their dog proper exercise.

But their challenge could be your opportunity. All over the UK, many people are setting up their own dog walking businesses, taking people’s four-pawed friends out on a stroll for a pre-arranged fee.

It can be great fun and an excellent way to keep yourself fit – but it isn’t quite as simple as knocking on your neighbour’s door and grabbing hold of a lead.

Like any business, there are lots of things that need to be addressed to ensure that a dog walking business runs successfully. In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the steps you need to take to develop a successful dog walking business:

Experience is key!

Dogs can be challenging, especially if they’re not familiar with you, and that’s before considering that the temperament of dogs can vary substantially from one breed to another.

That’s why it’s vital that you have good experience of walking different types of dog (and not just your own if you have one!) before you start.

You’ve also got to be prepared for the weather. If pet owners have enlisted your services to walk their dog, they’ll be expecting you to provide that service even if the weather is bad.

Ensuring you have not only the right equipment and clothing, but also the right mentality for all-weather dog walking, is therefore very important.

Once you’re properly up and running, you should find yourself walking multiple dogs simultaneously. While you may feel confident and experienced enough to handle a large number of dogs, it’s worth considering what your realistic and practical limit would be.

Additionally, you may find that a limitation is placed on you by your insurer (read more about insurance below) – many insurers insist on a maximum of between four and six dogs at any one time.

Dog walking laws and regulations

It might seem like walking a dog is a very simple exercise, but when operating as a walking service, there are lots of rules and regulations that you may have to comply with. These include (but are not necessarily limited to)

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

PSPOs are put in place by local councils in particular areas to restrict the number of dogs in that space. These are typically local parks or areas where large numbers of dogs may congregate.

Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

Offences such as failing to clear up dog poo properly or not keeping a dog on a lead fall under this legislation, in places where Dog Control Orders apply. Penalties can reach up to a maximum of a £1000 fine.

Control of Dogs Order 1992

All dogs in public places are required by law to wear a collar that includes the name and address of the dog’s owner. This can be written or engraved, but as a dog walker, you should ensure this information is present before you start each walk.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

If a dog is considered to be ‘dangerously out of control’, then a criminal offence is being committed by the person deemed to be responsible for its control at the time.

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953

If walking dogs around farmland or other rural areas, you should always keep them on leads and well away from any livestock. In the case of farmland, dogs must not chase or attack any kind of livestock; in this scenario, farmers are legally entitled to take measures to protect their animals, potentially up to the point of shooting the dog in question.

The Countryside Code

Although not necessarily legally binding, the UK Government’s Countryside Code provides helpful advice for walking dogs in rural areas responsibly. In particular, it advises to always keep a dog in sight or on a lead, ensure that a dog will return when commanded to do so, and to make sure a dog doesn’t stray into an area where right of way doesn’t apply.

Dog walking qualifications – do you need one?

There is no legal requirement to possess any specific qualifications to run a dog walking business. But getting some dog walking qualifications can be helpful: it can give you additional expertise and experience, and can give you some extra credibility when marketing to potential customers. Potential qualifications to explore include:

Animal care qualifications

Credentials that show an aptitude for taking good care of animals – such as animal behaviour or animal first aid – look good on any CV or website.

City & Guilds

There are a range of City & Guilds Technical Competence Certificates available that relate to dog walking. Of particular relevance are the Level 2 certificates in Dog Walking; Pet Sitting; and Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling; and the Level 3 certificate in Animal Nutrition.

Dog-specific qualifications

A variety of different bodies offer their own courses and certifications aimed at improving the standards of dog walking and animal care, including those at the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers, and Think Dog.

Cost and finance considerations

There are plenty of things to take into account on the business side of things when starting out as a dog walker.

Formulating a good business plan should form part of your initial work, helping you establish how you’re going to attract and retain customers, how you can stand out from your competitors, and how you’ll operate day-to-day.

The business plan should also consider any costs you may incur in your operations, in particular around transport.

In bigger cities, it may be possible to use public transport to travel from one client to another (as long as the dog walking market isn’t already saturated).

However, in most cases, your own vehicle will be needed to get yourself around – and your dogs if you want to travel for walks further afield.

You will also need to make a decision about your business status. Initially, it may make more sense to operate as a sole trader, but if your business grows (especially to the point you start to employ other people) it may be beneficial to register as a limited company with Companies House instead.

Dog walking business administration

There are several other business-related duties that you’ll need to fulfil, both as part of the set-up process, and on an ongoing basis once you’re up and running. These include:

Checks

You will need to undergo and pass a criminal record check if you are to enter the houses of any of your customers, or hold their house keys at any point. This means applying to the Disclosure and Barring Service if you’re in England or Wales, Disclosure Scotland, or AccessNI if you’re in Northern Ireland.

Contracts

A solid contract, along with terms and conditions, are vital for clearly defining what you’ll do in return for payment, and to ensure you get paid. It also gives you valuable legal protection in the event of a dispute.

Accounting

Whether you’re a sole trader or limited company, you’ll still be expected to keep and file accounts for tax purposes. You should set up a small business bank account in order to keep business and personal money separate.

Marketing your dog walking business

Getting your dog walking business noticed is one of the most important parts of the job, and it can be one of the trickiest.

There are lots of different ideas you can pursue, but ideally you need to think of ways that stand you out from the crowd, whether that be through different services you offer, attractive pricing, good qualifications (as mentioned above), or through offers, referrals and incentives.

Then you can put these ideas into practice across a range of platforms and mediums. Don’t neglect the more traditional ways of marketing such as leaflets, placing adverts in the local paper or good old word of mouth – these marketing materials may be low-tech but they can still be very effective.

Then of course there’s social media (especially including videos), which should have a clear focus on driving interest towards people making bookings or enquiries, ideally through your website.

A website is essential but it doesn’t have to be overly complex: a few pages explaining who you are, what you do and what stands you out as the best choice gives customers all the information they need to know.

To take your marketing to the next level, consider the ways you can join the dots of all your marketing methods together and build a brand.

In the same way that big businesses have logos, imagery, colour schemes and a tone of voice that makes them instantly recognisable, you can apply many of the same principles on a smaller scale. If you can get these key communication skills right, then your business will be the first one that people think of when they decide to find a dog walker.

Obtain dog walking insurance

Like the qualifications, dog walking insurance is not a legal requirement, but we strongly recommend you take out a policy for a host of reasons.

Firstly, you never know what may happen to you or the dogs that you walk when you’re out and about. Dogs can jump out in front of people, cyclists or cars; they can attack other dogs or cats; their leads can trip up other people (or yourself if you aren’t careful!) – and that’s just three of the things that can happen.

Ensuring that you’re protected if you’re unable to work for whatever reason, and that you can cover any claims arising from injuries or accident damage, including any vet bills incurred.

Exploring public liability insurance and ‘Care, Custody and Control’ cover can ensure that both you and your business are protected, whatever the future may hold.

At Protectivity, we provide a host of dog walking insurance policies so that you can start your new business with confidence. Take a closer look at dog walking business insurance today, and find a wide-ranging policy at a price that suits you.

Get Dog Walking Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

11:33:28 GMT • 14 January 2025

What is the Average Cost of a Personal Trainer?

10 December 2020

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Get personal trainer insurance from Protectivity

Working with a Personal Trainer can be a great way to get the best out of your workout. They can work with you to design a fitness programme and reach a target. You might be looking to lose some weight, get in shape for a holiday or big event or might be training for a sports event such as a marathon. Whatever your goal, a Personal Trainer can build a programme tailored specifically for you.

But how much can you expect to pay for a Personal Trainer? The average cost of a Personal Trainer is between £40 and £60 per hour but the cost that you will pay will be influenced by a few factors such as location, experience and specialist skills.

Does the cost vary by location?

The amount that a Personal Trainer charges will be influenced by the cost of living in that area. So, you will probably find that a Personal Trainer in London will charge more than one in Yorkshire as costs such as rent are higher in London.

The location of your sessions will also have an impact on the amount that a Personal Trainer charges. For example, one who runs their sessions in the park might have a lower hourly rate than someone based in a gym as their overheads will be lower. Someone gym based needs to consider and cover the costs that the gym will charge them to hold the sessions there.

Does a higher cost mean a more experienced trainer?

All Personal Trainers must complete a series of qualifications before they can start working with clients so all trainers will hold the required certification but some might have a lower number of years working with clients and so might not be able to charge the same premium that those who have years of experience behind them can.

Are there any other factors which impact the hourly rate?

Other factors to consider might include any specialist training or experience that a Personal Trainer has. For example, someone who has gained a qualification in marathon training, sports massage or obesity and diabetes might charge a higher fee due to their specialist experience. If you are keen to employ the services of a trainer who has worked with celebrity personalities, then you might find that their hourly rate is higher as they attract a premium client base.

Are packages or block bookings possible?

You might just need a one-off training session to help to get you on the right path to reaching your goal and this will always be possible to book. However, if you are looking to attend more than just a solo session, for example on a weekly basis, then you might find block booking a regular slot the most cost-effective solution. With offers available when you book a certain number of sessions, when you attend a group session or a couples discount received when you book together, there are a range of ways of securing the best possible price for the programme that you are looking to follow.

So, although there is an expected range of rates that you are likely to be charged when employing the services of a Personal Trainer, you might find that there is some variety in the hourly rate impacting the cost of each session depending on your location, your requirements and the skills and experience that your chosen Personal Trainer holds. Do some research and consider a trainers style and experience, any specialist skills they have and session times that they have available to find the right Personal Trainer for you who is within your budget.

About Us

As well as Personal Trainer Insurance and Gym Insurance we offer insurance to other leisure section entities such as Sports Clubs. Get your quote today by visiting our Sports Club Insurance page.

Get Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:53:10 GMT • 14 January 2025

What Clients Look For in a Personal Trainer

29 September 2018

•

5 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Finding a personal trainer who makes you feel comfortable is priority number one. In order to achieve your goals, whether that’s getting fitter, stronger, or losing weight, you need to be comfortable enough to expose your biggest flaws. It is only this that can ensure future success. The clue is in the title, and they’re called ‘personal’ trainers for a reason. You are investing in the privilege of one to one contact, to have someone there to customise your personal goals and tailor your workouts.

Don’t be fooled by the influence of a trainer’s persuasive personality, bulging biceps, and extensive use of jargon! As an average gym-goer, fitness and training is not your field of education or occupation, so seek advice and help if you need to. With the growth of the PT industry, you are now spoilt for choice, so have a think about your priorities and never forget these when choosing your trainer.

Here are our top qualities that we believe you should look for in a personal trainer:

1. Check for certification

Don’t risk assuming that because a PT is working at a gym that they are certified and check their certification is from a legitimate body. Beyond this, you want to check that the PT is keeping their certification current. The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead of the pack, a trainer should be attending classes, seminars, and continuing their learning. A trainer should also be certified in first-aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator for medical emergencies.

2. They should ask you questions, LOTS of questions

Before conversations about programs, schedules, and pricing, a PT should simply listen. They need to gather as much info as possible about you, about your medical status, your fitness history, your background, body image, your job, dietary habits, etc. To put together a program that will guarantee success, a trainer must ensure it is tailored to their client’s habits, and they will only come to know those if they keep asking WHY!

3. They don’t promise results too fast

We’re inundated with fitness ‘success’ stories that condition us to believe that results can be achieved at a much faster rate than is actually possible. Losing 70 pounds in a 10-week programme going by the name of something like ‘AbSculpt’ sounds too good to be true – and it probably is, especially if it’s promoted as part of an advertisement for a new product on the market! Similarly, in the ‘reality’ of a gym environment, any drastic weight loss in a short time can likely be attributed to an elixir of supplements and an unsustainable dietary plan. While this may seem great at the time, the rebound effect is just around the corner…

4. They can explain exactly why you’re doing an exercise

You can quickly tell the PTs with genuine know-how apart from those who don’t really know what they’re doing. At any stage during a workout, your PT should be able to tell you about that exercise, in more detail than ‘it works the….’. A dedicated PT will welcome your questions as it gives them a chance to educate you and show how much thought they have put into your programme.

5. They know, love, and use the simple basics

‘Innovative’ new equipment such as wobble boards, Bosu balls, slosh pipes, valslides certainly look good, and do a great job of bringing attention to a PT session. However, trainers using unorthodox, ‘flashier’ methods won’t be on track to achieving faster results, and a lot can be said for simple methods. This signals a sound knowledge base, without trying to disguise any knowledge gaps or trainer deficiencies with ‘cool’ equipment. Particularly if you are in your beginning stages, less is more, and performing complex movements using ‘new’ equipment can be risky.

6. They know when to progress you

You should always leave a PT session having been pushed and challenged…but not injured! To make progress towards your goals, it is important not to stagnate, and a good trainer will know how and when to change up your program. As you get stronger, your workouts need to get harder, and if your trainer does not keep challenging you, your investment is wasted.

7. Are you achieving your goals?

Though aesthetic results may take more time, you should notice changes fairly quickly when training with a PT. You should feel fitter, have more energy, be sleeping better, and generally be feeling good about yourself. A good PT will take responsibility for your goals – it is their job – and if they are unable to meet your goals, they are not doing their job properly and may not be the trainer for you.

Being insured is another important factor to consider when trying to attract clients. Get a quick quote and instant cover today by visiting our Personal Trainer Insurance page.

Last updated by

09:29:03 GMT • 14 January 2025

Fit Britain: The top places to become a personal trainer

29 May 2018

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

The West Midlands and the City of Bristol have been named as two of Britain’s best places to become a personal trainer.

The number of personal trainers in Britain is growing, and according to Ibisworld, there are now over 23,000 registered PTs in the UK, but the local spread of these trainers, and the demand for their help, varies massively.

Our recent research shows that the two regions have some of the highest demand for fitness professionals in the country, but lack the competition of a large number of other PTs.

Figures show that in approximately one in 180 of Bristol’s residents will perform a Google search, looking for a personal trainer each year. This figure is usurped only by Greater London, where one in 135 people will seek out the help of a fitness pro in a 12 month period.

However, while the capital’s county is home to nearly 4,000 personal trainers, Bristol is only the 43rd most PT populous of the 106 counties and regions researched.

The West Midlands meanwhile has fewer personal trainers per capita than all but six English counties. Therefore anyone looking to become a personal trainer in Birmingham, Coventry or Wolverhampton and take advantage of the 1,000 people in the region looking for a PT each month, won’t have a huge amount of competition to contend with.

Where’s best to find a PT?

The highest build-up of fitness professionals is generally clustered towards the south-west of England, with Dorset and Somerset home to the highest population of PTs relative to total residents.

With over 300 personal trainers shared between it’s population of 422,900, Dorset boasts an impressive one personal trainer to every 1,337 residents.

However, not only is it already home to a large number of personal trainers, according to Google searches there isn’t much of a demand for their services, relatively speaking. The county came 99th of 106 regions in terms of number of searches each month, potentially making it one of the most tricky places to start a personal training career.

Another area that doesn’t appear to be on the look out for PT tutelage is Nottinghamshire. With a similar number of searches a month per head to Dorset, it’s worth noting that the county is the 15th most densely populated region of Britain for fitness professionals.

For those looking to start a career in the leisure industry in Wales, there’s some good news and some bad news. Seven of the 23 council areas sit in the bottom 10 when it comes to the areas that Britain’s PTs call home.

That being said, the search volume for personal trainers in the country sits in mid-table of our research, meaning while the competition may not be there, it may be that neither is the demand.

Market analysis is key

When considering a career in the fitness industry it’s wise to think about whether there is a) a demand for more fitness professionals in your area and b) room for another competitior on the market.

By looking at the number of Google searches and number of personal trainers already operating in your region, potential PTs can get a good idea whether this is the right career move for them. Of course, if you have a niche or are offering something that allows you to stand out ahead of the crowd, you could disprove the statistics.

By nailing your business plan and marketing your business wisely, life as a PT can be rewarding and a wise career move. It may not be for everyone, but by our numbers, fitness lovers in Bristol and the West Midlands, could be in the perfect spot to become a personal trainer.

Last updated by

09:25:38 GMT • 14 January 2025

Your Guide To Dog Boarding Licences

By Steffi Cavaliere

18 April 2018

•

5 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

As a pet business insurance provider, Protectivity receive a large number of queries about the rules surrounding the need for a dog boarding licence.

The rules about what licence you require and how you operate can vary slightly between different local authorities. However, the overriding statements regarding licensing of this type of business are covered in the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 and Animal Activity Licensing Regulations 2018.

Who needs a dog boarding licence?

According to the act, anyone running “an establishment, whether a private dwelling or not, where a business is conducted for the provision of accommodation for other people’s cats and dogs” needs a licence.

Therefore, anyone running a commercial enterprise whereby they are looking after a third-party’s animal needs to closely pay attention to the licensing regulations.

How do you apply for a licence?

Licenses are handled by local councils, as opposed to being managed by centralised government. Depending on your location, it may be possible to apply online, while other councils will require you to post your application form.

Another varying aspect of the process is the cost. The price of an application is set by the authority and can start from as little as £70 a year for a dog only licence, to over £300 for a joint cat and dog licence with some councils.

The whole application process, on average, takes three to four weeks to complete before you will receive your licence. Some authorities apply ‘tacit consent’ to applications. This means that if you haven’t had your application explicitly rejected within a set time-frame of applying, you are able to start boarding. This is something to check with your local authority when applying for your licence.

What will you need to prove?

The requirements that councils will have before approving a licence are fairly self explanatory.

You will likely be subject to an inspection of your premises by a council official. During this visit your suitability to accommodate animals, through your provisions to provide clean and safe boarding, your skills and knowledge of what is required of boarders.

The health of the animals that you will be looking after is likely to be seen as paramount. Therefore, it will be a requirement under your licence that you keep a record of every animal that you take in, as well as any specific needs or health issues that they may have. You may need to provide a copy of this documentation if a council official or vet were to visit your premises while you are in operation.

Another prerequisite of obtaining a licence is insurance. Local councils will request that they see a copy of an insurance certificate that covers you for Public Liability (as a minimum) before granting you a licence. Having this cover in place gives you protection against legal costs that might ensue if a dog in your care was to injure a third-party or cause damage to their property.

Things to remember if home-boarding

As well as speaking to your local council, reading the full the specific section of the Animal Welfare England Regulations 2018 on home boarding will give you an in-depth understanding of animal boarding licences.

Much in the act may not be relevant to you, but here are five other key things you need to remember when running a boarding business from your own home:

If you have your own dog, or will be boarding dogs from multiple households, written consent must be gained from your clients stating they agree to their dog being kept on the same premises
Dogs must be accommodated within the home and have direct access to a private, non-communal, secure and hazard-free external area
Each dog must have it’s own safe, clean and warm designated room where it can be kept separate from other dogs if necessary
No dog registered under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 can be accepted
Puppies that have not completed their inoculations must not be boarded

If you are operating without a licence, the punishments are clearly set out. You can be prosecuted and sentenced to up to three months in prison and fined up to £500.

For anyone already operating, that does not hold a licence, it is advised that you contact your local authority immediately. Doing so doesn’t instantly mean you will be prosecuted. It is possible that the council will require you to stop boarding animals while they process any application from you for a licence. However frustrating it may be to curtail income from boarding clients may be, it is important to ensure you are fully licensed to avoid further punishment.

About Us

We’re one of the leading providers of insurance for pet businesses, and we offer a variety of tailored products such as Dog Walking, Pet Sitting business insurance and Dog Grooming Insurance policies.

Last updated by

09:25:18 GMT • 14 January 2025

5 Legal Things To Remember Before Becoming A Dog Walker

By Steffi Cavaliere

24 January 2018

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Setting up a business as a dog walker is, on the face of it, a fairly straightforward enterprise. Minimal equipment is needed, there is no requirement to have multiple qualifications (though this helps), and the financial outlay is reasonably small.

However, for everyone starting a dog walking business there are a few legal things to consider. While you may be chomping at the bit to get out there and work with your canine clients straightaway, make sure you know how to become a dog walker properly by following these legal requirements.

Here, we cover the legal dog walker requirements, as well as the importance of dog walkers’ insurance, so you know you’ve got everything covered.

Register with HMRC

If you are setting up your own business and becoming a professional dog walker it is important that you register with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It may be that you are going it alone, known as being a ‘Sole Trader’ or setting up a wider business with employees and (potentially) higher turnover, in which you could be registered as a ‘Limited Company’.

By becoming your own boss you become responsible for things such as paying tax and National Insurance. After registering as a self-employed dog walker you will be expected to complete a self assessment tax return each year. Through this you will be required to pay income tax on any business profits over £11,500 a year.

National Insurance will also be due if you pass that threshold. Starting off at around £2.85 a week, the outgoings are relatively small, but important to remember. If your business is particularly successful you will end up paying a higher rate, as well as being liable for VAT if your profits exceed £85,000 in a year.

Obtain a DBS check

While paying for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check isn’t a legal requirement, being able to show your potential clients that you are a trustworthy person is well worth doing. An outlay of around £25 for a basic background check gives you extra kudos when it comes with comparisons with the competition.

Keep a record of all that you do

Not only are you legally required to keep a record of your incomings and outgoings for tax purposes, it can also help you run your professional dog walker business more economically.

When completing your tax return it is important to include every instance of income to the business in order to correctly calculate the amount of tax you should be paying. By also including your business outgoings you also avoid paying too much tax.

‘Allowable expendables’ include things such as dog leads, bowls, commercial vehicles and marketing your business and are taken into account when calculating the tax you pay. Keeping a record of such expenditures will ensure your business doesn’t overpay.

Records are not only good for financial reassurance, but also to help your business run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. Keeping track of whose dog you are walking and when, and ensuring all clients have signed some form of business contract with you (recommended), helps you maintain a professional dog walker set-up for your business.

Make sure you know the laws

There are a number of laws and acts that relate closely to canines. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is probably the most well-known, but do you know exactly what it says? Having a basic knowledge of the rules and regulations regarding dogs and the law can only be useful when it comes to running your business.

If you intend to walk dogs in a rural area, be aware that under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, landowners and farmers may hold the power to shoot dogs that come onto their land if they feel their livestock is under threat, for example. Although the likelihood of this happening is extremely minimal, with the knowledge in hand, those offering dog walking services will know not to put their clients’ pets into potentially dangerous situations. You can find a handy round-up of the various laws involving dogs on the Kennel Club website.

It’s not just national laws that you should research either. An increasing number of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are popping up around the country. These rules stipulated by local councils may ban dogs from being walked in certain locations or may restrict the number of dogs you can walk at one time. Always check the rules in your area before becoming a professional dog walker.

Get the best dog walker insurance

It may be least exciting of these aspects, but getting full public liability insurance for dog walkers is important. Having cover in place will protect you if a client’s dog is injured, lost or attacks another dog or person. If you are blamed for any of these instances, you risk facing legal action from the third party. The costs associated with compensation claims can soon rack up into the thousands of pounds.

With pet business insurance in place, you can cover yourself and your business for such claims. Some insurance providers will also cover you for handling your clients keys as well as damage to your business equipment.

Get the best dog walker insurance

If you’re looking for dog walking insurance, look no further than Protectivity. We can offer you expert cover to protect you against any unexpected incidents when you’re out dog walking, including £100,000 of Care, Custody and Control cover should an animal get injured, lost or killed. With the right cover, you can do your best job with full peace of mind that you’ll be covered if something goes wrong.

Once you have all of these things in place, you know how to become a dog walker and you are ready to go. Starting your own business is a big step and while a career working with dogs sounds like a dream job to many, there are a plenty of legal requirements and considerations to mull over.

Last updated by

09:24:57 GMT • 14 January 2025

Strava: A personal trainer’s friend or foe?

10 January 2018

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

The ever-developing world of fitness wearables and apps may appear to make the role of a traditional personal trainer becoming obsolete. However, there’s no reason to say that fitness professionals can’t harness the power of this software to develop the coaching programme they offer clients.

Strava, the app many regular cyclists and runners will undoubtedly be au fait with is one example. Embracing the simple, yet effective capabilities of Strava is something that more PTs should, arguably, be doing.

The benefits are such that the app, rather than completely intrude on the personal trainer’s purpose, can aid the motivation, and ultimately satisfaction, of their clients.

The ability to track runs, be it marathons or a gentle jog, and bike rides is Strava’s main offering. This, therefore provides trainer and client alike with the simple solution of how to monitor progress. Whether it is speed of a completed run, or distance managed in one exercise session, all this can be accounted for.

Figures recently released by Strava claimed that there were 136 million runs uploaded to the system in 2017, over four runs a second. This is before you take into account the millions of cyclists sharing their rides with the world.

With so many users, those looking to get fit have a huge go-to community to share, compare and compete against. Whether they are looking to beat the time recorded on a run by a friend, stranger, or themselves, having a competitive target on the self-styled ‘social network for athletes’ is always good.

Fellow Strava users don’t have to be seen as just competitors though. By pushing clients to use Strava, they introduce them to a community of encouragement and organised events.

For example, the Strava Mile saw 35,789 users share their 1.6km runs with the hashtag #MyMile. Although it wasn’t a single run or single day, the sheer number of those sharing their story and competitive nature saw 47% of users set a new personal best time in the month of June 2017.

What’s more, the sense of community and encouragement coming directly from other users is sure to spur clients to push themselves further. A total of 2.3 billion ‘Kudos’ were given from one athlete to another over the course of 2017 – that’s a lot of encouragement!

The role of the personal trainer doesn’t have to end with the sign up of the app though. By tracing their clients’ steps, PTs can think up new challenges, routes and targets to set their fitness-focused customer.

One element of the app that may step on the toes of personal trainers is Strava Premium. For less than £50 a year, users can access workout plans as part of their subscription. The costs involved in a subscription to this service are far cheaper than hiring a PT. The quality of the plans offered aren’t sacrificed though.

Each routine is provided by Carmichael Training Systems and McMillan Running, two leading players in the fitness planning sector. Therefore some people looking to improve their fitness may decide that shelling out for a personal trainer is a cost they can do without.

However, what Premium does lack is a personal touch. Having a dedicated fitness professional shape a programme around an individual’s needs and circumstances can far surpass the capabilities of a piece of software.

For those that find their clients tempted to go it alone with Strava Premium, it is a case of convincing customers that a personal trainer is the way to go.

Ultimately, there is a fine line between personal trainers being able to take advantage of the apps’ capabilities and the software negating the need to hire a PT. Indeed, with newer and better apps and software released each week, fitness professional may be fighting somewhat of a losing battle. But for for now at least, it’s certainly worth coaches investigating how Strava can work for them.

Is your Personal Trainer Insurance up for renewal soon? Get a quote and switch to Protectivity today and you could save.

All Strava information from: https://blog.strava.com/2017-in-stats

Last updated by

09:24:25 GMT • 14 January 2025

12 Days of Fitness: The Ultimate Christmas Workout

27 November 2017

•

2 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Amongst other things, Christmas is often a time of feasting. Endless turkey, treats and maybe a tipple or two can lead to a slip-up in our daily fitness routine.

That’s why we’ve put together this handy workout to ensure that in the build up to the big day on December 25th, our body is all set for a ‘cheat day’ or three.

So as Christmas day gets nearer we urge you to give our 12 Days of Fitness a go. Each day, just add the next drill onto your exercise plan, until you have the full 12 item schedule down to a tee for your ultimate Christmas workout.

There’s no need to stop when we pass into the new year either; this great circuit is fun to try at any time!

If you’re one of many people that will start 2018 with the New Year’s Resolution to get fit, remember to take all precautions to avoid injury. That includes a good warm-up and stretch, as well as warming down once your work-out is over.

Furthermore, having good Sports Accident Insurance in place will mean that should you suffer a serious gym injury, you could be entitled to claim. Get a quote today and see how you can get protected.

Last updated by