How to Choose A Dog Walker

Dog Walker, Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Dog Home Boarding, Dog Sitting,

Ask friends for recommendations

Ask your friends/colleagues if they use a dog walker and ask whether they are happy with them and get their contact details.

Use Instagram/Facebook

Instagram and Facebook are great places to see what kind of experience your dog will be getting. Most dog walking companies will have their own Facebook & Instagram accounts.   Instead of taking the dog walking company’s word for it, you’ll be able to scroll through their pages and see where your dog goes, what kinds of dogs your dog is playing with and how dirty your dog is getting.

You should also be upfront with your potential dog walker if your dog has any particular quirks. Does your dog not get along with certain breeds? Is your dog scared by loud noises? It’s important for you to be honest with the potential walker to ensure the best care for your dog.

Are you insured?

There are a number of Insurance companies who deal specifically with pet care related businesses and offer cover that includes Public Liability, Key Cover, Care, Custody and Control and Employers Liability (if the company has staff members). Do not be afraid to ask to see their insurance certificate.

Do you have a pet contract, terms and conditions and references?

You should be asked to sign a contract to clarify the walker’s responsibilities as well as your own.  Ask to see references/reviews.

Are they DBS checked?   The dog walker will most likely hold a key to your home so trust is essential.

Will the same person walk my dog every day? Consistency is good for your dog and will enable your dog to build a relationship with the same person.

Do you arrange cover for when my usual dog walker is on holiday or sick?

How many dogs do you walk at a time? It’s common for walkers to take more than one dog out at a time, and that can help keep the costs down for you. But the more dogs, the less attention given to your dog. This can be an issue for dogs with special needs or more timid dogs.

How much time do you guarantee on the walk?

Make sure the time quoted e.g. a 60 minute walk should be 60 minutes out having fun.   The journey time shouldn’t be included.

Will you come out to meet me and my dog beforehand?

Most professional Dog Walkers will arrange to meet you and your dog beforehand to discuss all your requirements. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and for your dog and the walker to start building a relationship.

If you would like any more information on our services, or on Dog Walking in general, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0161 612 3811.

To check availability or to book Scamps and Champs Dog Walking Services in your local area simply complete our online form.

Cat Sitting High Maintenance or Low Maintenance?

People often decide to get a cat as they don’t have time for a dog and they are out all day, but is this hypothesis correct? People often think that cats don’t need much attention or care and that they simply need a meal providing twice a day, however this couldn’t be further from the truth. Whilst it’s true that cats don’t need walking daily and they are able to go to the toilet inside using a litter tray, this does not subsequently mean that cats are ‘low maintenance.’

Often cat owners will go away for a night or two, or even on holiday and leave there cats alone with a large bowl of food and water and assume that their feline friend will be alright. Cat sitting in this instance seems pretty straight forward! However, this assumption neglects to identify the sensitive creatures that cats are and how much they crave fuss and attention.

Whilst it is true that cats are extremely territorial and prefer to be at home, it is fair to say the ultimate cat combination, is to be at home with company. If this company can’t be you and you are away then you need a cat sitter. A cat sitter can come into the comfort of your own home and ensure your cat is fed at regular intervals, has fresh water and cat litter, let outside for fresh air if required and best of all have a thorough friendly fussing.

Scamps and Champs cat sitters are all DBS checked providing you with reassurance in allowing them into your home to cat sit for you. They all have experience in animal care and most of them have pets (often multiple) of their own, so they know exactly how you feel going away and leaving your cat at home with a sitter. All of our staff are really friendly and caring and thoroughly enjoy looking after your pets for you.

Hiring one of our cat sitters means you have the peace of mind of having your cat and your home checked on simultaneously and most importantly your loving high-maintenance kitty will have everything they could possibly need, whilst remaining the king of their own castle, whilst their humans are on holiday!

To check availability of our cat sitting services in your local area, to ask us a question or make a booking please complete our online form.

Dog Home Boarding Holidays – The Latest Trend to Rival Traditional Dog Kennels

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As summer approaches it is time to start planning our family holidays and whilst we always endeavour to take our precious pooches with us, this is not always possible. Particularly when we chose to holiday abroad. Until now we have had to either rely on a family member to take care of our furry-friends or place them into the local dog kennels for a week or two.

However, there is a new canine camp in town ready to rival the traditional set up of dog kennels! Dog home boarding holidays’ offer a fresh new perspective on dog care and place your pet best friend at the centre of its notion. It is now not merely suggested that you are taking off on your jolly holidays and having to find a ‘space’ for your dogs to go whilst you are away, completely fitting in around your plans! Now it is suggested that in fact your dog can go on their own holiday break, leaving your plans rendered almost insignificant!

Your dog is likely to be at the centre of your family life, in fact many of us admit to preferring dogs to humans! So it feels only right that your dog gets to go on their very own home boarding holiday and that it’s as big an event as our own planned break! Dog home boarding offers many benefits to that of traditional kennels such as:

  • You select exactly which home boarding family you would like your dog to home board with.
  • You and your dog get to meet your home boarding host family to ensure that everyone gets along and that you are all happy.
  • You dog will be staying in a family home whilst you are away, providing a home-from-home environment.
  • Dog home boarding allows your dog to remain in their usual routine, including walks and meal times.
  • Your dog will always have company with a home boarding family.

Scamps and Champs offer Dog Home Boarding Holiday’s within their services. The best bit is if you send your Dog on Holiday with us you are in complete control of who they stay with and where they stay. It’s just like selecting their very own holiday destination!

For your peace of mind all of our dog home boarding families are DBS checked. In addition, unless your dog is crate trained and you wish them to sleep in a crate, Scamps and Champs will NEVER use crates or cages for our dog home boarding holidays.

So if you love your dog and you would love to book them their very own Dog Home Boarding Holiday get in touch with Scamps and Champs via our online enquiry form.

Chichester and West Sussex is Full of Dog Friendly Places to go Dog Walking!

West Sussex is a county with lots of natural beauty and if you looking for spectacular views over the South Downs National Park, while out dog walking then you’re in the right place. Whether you want a short or long walk its worth going into the Sussex country side just for the views.  

The choice for you and your pets is endless and walkies has never been so enjoyable.  From the South Downs to some great National Trust gardens – there’s plenty of choice. So let’s start with some super dog friendly walks that your best friends will love.

Whether you’re walking your own family pet or own a dog walking and pet sitting business in Chichester or the surrounding area then you’re in luck. Why not visit:

West Wittering

  • Beautiful beach
  • Long or short work with a swim and some fish and chips.
  • Parking is £6 for all day.

Petworth Park

  • Lovely walk with beautiful views.
  • You can do short walk or longer walks.
  • Great for families too.
  • Parking £3 unless you’re a national trust member.

Midhurst Way at Cowdray Park

  • Woolbeding Estate is a hidden countryside gem, situated in the South Downs National Park near historic Midhurst.
  • The walk starts in the heart of Midhurst and takes in the beauty of Woolbeding Parkland. Follow the River Rother, edged with ancient trees. Pass a plantation of whispering poplars and hear the sounds of the weir before returning to Midhurst’s main street.
  • The walk may be started at either Benbow Pond or The Cowdray Farm Shop & Café.

The Duke of Cumberland Pub Walk at Henley

  • This is a charming woodland circular walk from an absolutely delightful

Hamlet hidden in the woods.

  • The pub is tiny and full of character with old framed deeds on the walls and other icons

from a line of tenant publicans with fishing and other country interests.

  • There are no nettles on this walk but you need stout sensible shoes or

boots.

  • Your dog will love this walk too.
  • The walk begins at the car park beside the Duke of Cumberland pub in

Henley W.Sussex, off the A286 between Haslemere and Midhurst,

Postcode GU27 3HQ.

Benbow Pond

  • Benbow Pond is a circular walk of approximately one mile and starts at the pond,
  • The Queen Elizabeth Oak, and the Cowdray QE2 Jubilee Lime Avenue before returning to the start point.

The Folly, Slindon

  • Great walk, beautiful in spring and summer when the bluebells are in full bloom.
  • Mostly uphill but some lovely circular routes. Beautiful views all year round of the local area.
  • Park in the layby at the bottom and then use the bridleway to access a network of paths to explore.

Bersted Brooks

  • Bested Brooks is a 19 hectare site comprising 3 fields alongside the north-east bank of the Aldingbourne Rife, between the road bridges in Rowan Way & Shripney Lane in North Bersted, Bognor Regis, West Sussex.

If that isn’t enough then why not try these:

Dog Friendly places to rest and eat

We at Scamps and Champs now assume that you and your fully exercised dog are now ready for some refreshment and a sit down.  Walkies is fun but the pub at the end of the line is a welcome break.  Why not try these:

  • Highdown Tea Rooms allow dogs and even stocks doggy ice cream!
  • The Black Rabbit in Arundel. Why don’t you relax before undertaking a thirty minute walk with your dog from the train station to the pub to grab a drink before heading off to explore the beauty of this historic market town.
  • Berties of Arundel is the one stop for a slice of cake and a bowl of water after a lengthy walk.
  • The Worlds End and The Swallows Return pub & restaurants both welcome dog
  • The Bluebird café in Ferring is right on the beach front and is the perfect place for group or solo walking with your pets. 

We hope that you enjoy the walk, pubs and pet friendly places across the West Sussex countryside.  Please share your photo’s here and if you think that Chichester Scamps and Champs could offer their many dog-walking and pet-sitting service please do get in touch.

NEW Dog Walking and Pet Care Services Available in Chichester

We have some really exciting news here at Scamps and Champs! Not only have we recently opened a new branch in Halifax but now we have a brand new Scamps and Champs branch opening in Chichester! That’s two new pet care service locations in one month!

Pet care services in Chichester will include; dog sitting, dog walking, cat sitting, dog home boarding and a wedding pet chaperone service.

Scamps and Champs Chichester will be managed by Sarah, who is extremely passionate about animals and keen to work hard to provide you with an excellent service. She owns two gorgeous pets of her own and therefore completely understands how important it is, to have pet care services that you can rely on and trust.

My name is Sarah and I am passionate about bringing you and your pet a personal high-quality pet service.

I have owned and rescued dogs, cats and small animals all my adult life and right now have a German Shepherd called Shaka and British Shorthair cat called Hero.


You want your pet to be cared for, relaxed and comfortable within your own home or with one of our selected pet carers and we do to!


Our personal approach and real love of animals will make your Scamp or Champs feel safe and secure in our care.  Whether that’s in your own home, with one of our home boarders, going for daily walks, being visited for a cuddle or one of our many other services.

We are fully insured, DBS checked and completely committed to your animals’ welfare. We will come and introduce ourselves to you and most importantly your pets.  We know that every pet is an individual and we can tailor our service to meet your needs.

Please do give me or one of our enthusiastic team a call or drop us an email.  Our number is a national number and there is always someone ready to answer your call. All messages are passed onto me personally and I will get back to you as soon as possible.


Best of luck Sarah! – Welcome to the Scamps and Champs family!

It’s not too early to enquire and book pet care services in Chichester. For details of how to book; dog sitting, dog walking, cat sitting, dog home boarding and a wedding pet chaperone service, see below.

To ask Scamps and Champs Chichester a question, check pet care service availability or to get in touch, simply complete our online form.

To enquire about joining the Chichester team as a dog walker, pet sitter or dog home boarder simply complete our online application.

Check Out Scamps and Champs Chichester Webpage for More Information on Pet Care Services

Sheep Worrying Awareness – Dog Walking Do’s and Don’ts!

With lambing season coming into fruition, it’s that time of year again when we have to take extra care on our dog walks! Particularly in rural areas where the scenery attracts walkers and dog owners, footpaths can pass through farmers’ fields and subsequently sheep fields. As dog owners we can often see open rolling fields and let our dogs off the lead, not realising that just around the next corner or over the tip of the next hill, there are sheep.

It is in a dog’s nature however obedient they are to want to chase other animals, therefore they will naturally want to chase sheep if they are off the lead. No matter how small your dog is sheep will be extremely frightened by being chased and this will cause the sheep to flee in panic. This can subsequently cause the sheep to become injured and in some cases this can be fatal.

If the sheep are carrying lambs then the act of them being chased can cause them to miscarry their young, so although you may not see the harm in sheep running across a field away from your dog, this act can in fact cause significant damage to the sheep and their unborn young.

Sheep worrying is in fact a serious crime as it not only endangers the well-being and in some cases life, of the sheep and their unborn lambs, it can also be an extremely costly act of negligence for the farmers! Some dogs even bite and maul sheep and lambs, as part of a natural hunting instinct, this can cause farmers significant financial burdens in vet bills and medical care.

In addition, if a sheep is chased away by a dog, they can become separated from their lambs and this can then cause the lambs to contract hypothermia and in some cases die from starvation. It is absolutely vital that you keep your dogs on a lead around any livestock and that you follow the basic legislation with regards to walking your dog near sheep. Please find a summary of the legislation below:

“The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, if a dog worries sheep on agricultural land, the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence. The Act considers sheep worrying to include attacking sheep, chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering, abortion or loss of produce or being at large (not on a lead or otherwise under close control) in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep.” (National Sheep Association, 2019).

Link to the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 1953 Government Legislation Documentation.

If the legislation is not followed, in some cases farmers have the right to shoot dogs on their land. This is only in extreme cases, but it is simply not a risk that is worth taking, for any dog owner. In short, if there is any risk on your walks of their being sheep, even if they weren’t in the field the previous week, they could be there now! Look out for signs on gates and fences as you enter fields and always keep a look out well ahead of where you are walking. Most importantly, keep your dogs on a lead at all times, no matter how well behaved they are! Or another option is to opt for a different dog walking route through lambing season, somewhere with low risk of their being sheep, such as a beach or forest walk.

Keep both you and your dog safe around any livestock and don’t forget – sheep worrying is a crime!

To enquire about Scamps and Champs pet care services, to check availability or make an enquiry simply contact us via our online form.

Reigate March 2019 News

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to your Reigate Scamps and Champs March 2019 Newsletter. This month it’s all about introducing you to our new dog walkers and two new pawsome pet clients! 

We are thoroughly enjoying looking after your pets and ensuring they get out for many walks in the fresh air! 

It appears our dog walkers enjoy the experience just as much as your dogs do! 

Introducing Cintia and Dan!

Hi all, I introduced you all to the lovely Dan the other day and I now have the pleasure of introducing Cintia who by the looks of this picture is a match made in heaven! Welcome to the Scamps and Champs Reigate team Cintia its great to have you on board!

“Hello! I am Cintia and I am passionate about animals. My love for them defines who I am today, I am also a local artist, a ceramicist. I come from Argentina, where I grew up surrounded by animals, mainly  dogs and  cats, but I also had hamsters, ducks,  rabbits, tortoises, even a fox I had! Stray dogs followed me everywhere, as I couldn’t resist cuddling, stroking and feeding them whenever possible!

Today I am the lucky owner of Willow, a Jack Russell crossed with Shih Tzu who I love dearly and on a regular basis I look after Bunji, rescued from the streets of Spain, my sister’s dog. I have also come forward for fostering dogs saved from the Asian meat trade! 

I am really loving being part of Scamps & Champs through whom I had the opportunity to meet and look after ‘Danny’! I can’t wait to see what the future brings with this new adventure…Thank you Simon!”

Meet Kim!

“I’m Kim & I’m part of the Scamps and Champs team in Reigate. I have years of experience in the animal industry working in places such as Last Chance Rescue Centre & Orchard Farm Kennels, I am also currently volunteering for the RSPCA Godstone & have grown up with various pets. I have completed courses in Animal Care & Pet Obedience which means I am able to help with some aspects of training such as lead and recall work. I am also currently studying Animal Welfare​.”

We are so pleased to have you on board Kim it is clear how experienced you are and how passionate you are about animals!

Wedding Pet Chaperone Service 2019

Did you know that you can now have your pet present on your wedding day?

Using Scamps and Champs Wedding Chaperone Service, we will ensure you pet is looked after for the entirety of the day!

We tailor each service to suit your individual requirements and we can even ensure that your pet is dressed for the occasion! 

New Pet Client Gallery!

We have two super cute miniture dachshund pups Ruby and Saphie who have started walking with the lovely Kim at Scamps and Champs Reigate! – How gorgeous are they!

Ruby and Saphie

So now we have introduced you to everyone don’t forget to check our service availability or ask us any questions above! 

We look forward to hearing from you soon and to our dedicated team caring for your pets in the future!

All the best

Simon Ellis – Scamps & Champs Reigate

Check out our availability or get in touch to ask us a question via our simple online form and one of the team will get back to you shortly!

Top 3 Dog-Friendly UK Holiday Destinations

Let’s face it, as dog owners we are barking mad about our canine friends, with most of us viewing them firmly as one of the family. Therefore, with the February half-term holidays approaching you are likely to be seeking a well deserved break, with the entire family included. However, searching for accommodation and restaurants where your fur baby, and human children, are welcome in all areas can turn into a ruff ordeal! It will therefore come as no great surprise that some of the most dog welcoming destinations in the United Kingdom fall within our beautiful national parks, offering rolling countryside, stunning scenery and ample dog walking opportunities. Within these leash-worthy locations they don’t shy away from dog walkers, muddy paws or excited children, they embrace the outdoors and invite you inside with open arms. Here are our top three pawsome friendly holiday destinations and why we know they will be perfect for the whole family, fur sure!

1.    The Lake District

The stunning Lake District welcomes your four-legged friend with open arms, offering endless outdoor opportunities and dining options for the whole family! The Lake District is renowned for being one of the most welcoming holiday destinations for our dogs, not only due to the endless Wainwrights that can be explored up on the fells, but within the tourist attractions too. From the Windermere Lake Cruises, the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, the Ullswater Steamers and the Ravenglass Railway in Eskdale, you are not short of thrilling day trips where your pup-pal can be fully involved in your adventures. In addition, you are spoilt for choice with dog friendly restaurants and bars, that won’t blink an eye at your muddy walking boots or mucky mutt. Fancy a fabulous forest walk? Then look no further than the gorgeous deep green forests of Whinlatter and Grizedale where the trees appear to reach the sky. There are ample adventure playground opportunities for children and most importantly your dog can run freely around the forest footpaths.

For more information see Lake District dog friendly; accommodation, places to eat, pet etiquette and a dogs in Cumbria guide.

2.    The Yorkshire Dales

Every year millions of canine visitors flock to the Yorkshire Dales with their owners in the hope of finding hound friendly hotels, pup-tastic pubs and glorious countryside walks. Dogs in the Dales are embraced and greeted by many shops and pubs, who have bowls of water outside their establishments ready for your thirsty pals. Indeed some restaurants go even further in their attempt to satisfy the needs of your furry friend by offering a delicious doggy menu in addition to their standard menu, meaning you can all eat together at the end of a long days walking. You are also spoilt for choice with dog friendly attractions around the Dales including; Richmond Castle, Parcevall Gardens, Markenfield Hall, Ingleborough Cave, Harrogate Paintball Centre, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Skipton Boat Trips, to name just a few!   

For further essential information take a look at dogs in the Dales.

3.    The Peak District

Dog friendly Derbyshire is packed full of places to stay and things to do with your pawsome pups. Dogs are well and truly welcome in the Peak District with numerous café’s, bars and restaurants classifying themselves as dog friendly. You can’t walk far without noticing the array of signs above shop doors proudly informing you that ‘dogs are welcome.’ Ensuring there are no awkward moments where you stand outside with the dog, whilst the rest of the family enter the shop for a browse. You can explore the Monsal Trail or perhaps Monsal Head and walk down into Mondal Dale, with the whole family, letting your dog run freely in the beautiful countryside. Grinlow Woods and Bakewell also offer numerous outdoor opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the beauty of the Peak District. You can end the day perfectly in one of the many dog friendly hotels where you can all enjoy relaxing together, at the end of a wonderful day in one of the most beautiful national parks in England, with your dog by your side.

Check out this useful overview of dog friendly accommodation in the pet friendly Peak District.

Are we fur’ real? Well, yes we are! Our dogs are part of our family and therefore finding the perfect accommodation, eating establishments and attractions, where everyone can enjoy the entire holiday together is pawsible. It is all down to location and all available on our doorstep, if you just know where to look. You and your precious pups never need to be separated again and you can look forward to many hound-friendly holidays together in the future. Happy February Half-Term!

Unable to take your dog away this time? View Scamps and Champs full range of pet care services, availability and booking details.

Caring for Pets in Cold Weather

With snow on the way, some tips for looking after our fur babies this winter

Dogs cold weather advice

  • Put a dog coat or jumper on them when you go out for a walk, especially if you have a fine coated dog, such as a Greyhound or a Staffie
  • Check their paws and defrost snow – and dry them thoroughly after they’ve been outside as long haired dogs are prone to snow compacting between their toes
  • Clean their paws at the end of your walk as salt and grit from roads and pavements can get between your dog’s paws
  • Dry off wet and muddy dogs after walks
  • Provide them with lots of toys for them to play with indoors and do not force your dog out in the cold weather
  • Make sure your dog has good recall if you’re letting them off the lead when out dog walking so they do not get lost when visibility is reduced in foggy or snowy weather conditions
  • Attach a small light to your dog’s collar so other pedestrians can see them when out on walks in weather which reduces visibility
  • Keep contact details on your pet’s collar and microchip up to date in case they should stray.

Cats cold weather advice

  • Avoid using antifreeze and products containing products. Cats are attracted to the taste of the chemical which is severely dangerous causing many cats to die every year. If this does occur, seek veterinary advice immediately
  • Provide a litter tray for your cat so they do not have to go outside if they choose not to
  • Provide lots of interesting toys for your cat to play with if they are spending more time indoors
  • Dry off your cat if they get wet outside
  • Check their paws and dry them thoroughly after they’ve been outside as long haired cats are prone to snow compacting between their toes
  • Leave somewhere warm and snuggly for them to curl up in if your cat is home alone during the day, especially for older cats
  • Keep your cat indoors in the colder evenings so they are safe from the traffic in conditions with reduced visibility
  • Keep contact details on your cat’s collar and microchip up to date in case they should stray
  • Tap the hood of your car before starting the engine to disturb any sleeping stowaways – cats have a habit of crawling under car bonnets to soak up the warmth from the engine

         Outdoor pets cold weather advice

  • Check your pets water in cold weather the water can freeze leaving your pet with no water to drink
  • Top up bedding extra bedding will help keep your outdoor pet warm
  • Popping a cover over the front of cages through the night, will help to keep some heat in the cage as the temperature drops.
  • Outdoors pets may need more calories in the cold weather to generate energy and keep warm.
  • Consider moving inside in extremely cold weather you may want to move your pets indoors. Perhaps in shed or garage. Or for field kept pets like horses or donkeys, providing a shelter or stable.