Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our dog walking services in London

We provide services across North London, including Islington, Camden, Hackney, and surrounding areas. Our walkers operate within a 5-mile radius of our office on Liverpool Road. Each walker is assigned to specific neighbourhoods to ensure they know the local parks, safe routes, and can respond quickly if needed. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, contact us with your postcode and we'll confirm availability.

We offer three walk durations: 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes. The 30-minute option suits older dogs or those with limited mobility. Most active dogs benefit from 45-minute walks, which include time for exercise and exploration. The 60-minute walks are ideal for high-energy breeds that need extended activity. Walk time starts from when we leave your home and ends when we return, ensuring your dog gets the full duration outdoors.

We offer both options. Individual walks mean your dog receives one-on-one attention from the walker. Group walks include up to four dogs maximum, carefully matched by size, temperament, and energy level. Many dogs enjoy the social aspect of group walks, but we understand some prefer solitude or have specific needs. During the initial consultation, we discuss which option suits your dog best. You can switch between individual and group walks as your dog's needs change.

We walk in most weather conditions, including light rain. Our walkers carry waterproof gear and towels to dry your dog before returning home. In severe weather such as heavy storms, extreme heat, or icy conditions that pose safety risks, we may shorten walks or reschedule. We always prioritise your dog's wellbeing and will contact you if conditions require changes to the planned walk. Dogs are towel-dried before entering your home to minimise mess.

No, you don't need to be present. Many of our clients work during the day, which is why they use our service. We can collect keys during the initial meeting and store them securely in our office safe. Each key is labelled with a code rather than your address for security. Alternatively, you can provide a key safe code or arrange for a neighbour to grant access. We lock your door securely after collecting and returning your dog.

Yes, all our walkers hold public liability insurance covering up to £5 million and pet care insurance. Each team member completes training in canine first aid, behaviour recognition, and safe handling techniques before walking independently. We conduct DBS checks on all staff and require references from previous employers or clients. Our walkers attend quarterly training updates to maintain their skills and learn about new best practices in dog care.

Absolutely. We work with dogs of all ages and abilities, including puppies, senior dogs, and those with medical conditions. If your dog requires medication during walks, needs to avoid certain areas, or has mobility issues requiring shorter distances, we adapt our service accordingly. During the consultation, please inform us of any dietary restrictions, behavioural concerns, or health conditions. We maintain detailed notes for each dog to ensure consistency across all walks.

After the initial consultation, you can book walks through our online portal, by phone, or via email. We offer regular scheduled walks (same days and times each week) or flexible ad-hoc bookings. Regular clients receive priority scheduling. For one-off walks, we request at least 24 hours notice when possible, though we accommodate last-minute requests when walker availability allows. You can modify or cancel bookings up to 12 hours before the scheduled time without charge.

We aim to assign the same walker to your dog to build familiarity and trust. Consistency helps dogs feel comfortable and allows the walker to understand your pet's personality and preferences. However, during holidays or illness, a backup walker may step in. In such cases, the substitute walker receives a full briefing about your dog's routine and requirements. We introduce backup walkers during regular walks when possible, so your dog recognises them if they need to cover.

Dogs that prefer solitude or show reactivity towards other dogs receive individual walks. Our walkers are trained to manage encounters with other dogs during walks, maintaining safe distances and using positive reinforcement techniques. We choose quieter routes and times for reactive dogs to minimise stressful situations. If your dog is working on socialisation, we can gradually introduce controlled interactions with calm, friendly dogs to support their progress, but only with your explicit consent.

Yes, after each walk you receive a message with details about the route taken, duration, and any notable events. We include photos of your dog enjoying their walk when possible. If you prefer real-time updates, we can send a message when we collect your dog and another when we return them home. For any concerns during the walk, such as unusual behaviour or minor injuries, we contact you immediately. You can also message us anytime with questions or requests.

We use local parks, commons, and green spaces appropriate for your dog's needs. Popular locations include Highbury Fields, Clissold Park, and Regent's Canal towpath. Routes vary to provide mental stimulation through new scents and environments. For dogs that enjoy off-lead time, we use secure areas away from roads. If your dog prefers specific locations or you want certain areas avoided, we accommodate these preferences. Our walkers know which parks have water fountains, shaded areas, and good facilities.

Our walkers carry first aid kits and are trained in canine first aid. For minor issues like small cuts or thorns, they provide immediate care. In case of serious injury or sudden illness, we contact you immediately and take your dog to the nearest veterinary surgery if needed. We have your vet's details and your authorisation to seek emergency treatment on file. All incidents are documented and reported to you in detail. Our insurance covers veterinary costs resulting from incidents during our care.

We operate Monday to Saturday, with limited Sunday availability during peak periods. Our service continues through most bank holidays, though we may adjust schedules. During Christmas and New Year, we maintain a reduced service for regular clients who need support. Weekend walks are popular, so we recommend booking in advance. If you need care during our closed hours, we can recommend trusted partner services that operate outside our standard times.

Pricing depends on walk duration and whether you choose individual or group walks. A 30-minute group walk starts at £15, while individual walks begin at £20. We offer package deals for regular clients booking multiple walks per week, which reduce the per-walk cost. Payment is processed monthly via direct debit or can be paid per walk through our online system. There are no joining fees or long-term contracts required. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific requirements and schedule.

About Dikefe

Providing reliable dog walking services in London since 2015

Our Story

Dikefe began in 2015 when founder Sarah Mitchell noticed a gap in the market for dependable dog walking services in North London. After spending five years working at a veterinary clinic, she understood that dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day. Many pet owners in London work long hours and struggle to provide their dogs with adequate outdoor time.

Starting with just three clients in Islington, the business grew through recommendations from satisfied customers. Today, Dikefe employs a team of eight trained dog walkers who cover areas across North and Central London. Each walker has completed pet first aid training and holds enhanced DBS checks.

We work with dogs of all breeds and temperaments, from energetic Border Collies to elderly Labradors requiring gentle strolls. Our walkers maintain groups of no more than four dogs to ensure each animal receives proper attention and supervision during outings.

Professional dog walker with dogs in London park
Dog walking service team in London

Our Approach

We believe that every dog deserves consistent, safe outdoor exercise. Our walkers follow the same routes and schedules, which helps dogs feel secure and builds routine. Before accepting a new client, we conduct a home visit to meet the dog and discuss specific needs, such as lead training requirements or interactions with other animals.

Each walk lasts a minimum of 45 minutes, with routes planned to include varied terrain and opportunities for socialisation. We use GPS tracking on all walks, and owners receive a report after each outing, including photos and notes about their dog's behaviour and activity level.

Safety remains our primary concern. All dogs wear secure harnesses, and our walkers carry water, waste bags, and basic first aid supplies. We maintain comprehensive insurance coverage and keep detailed records for each dog in our care.

Reliability

We arrive on time for scheduled walks and maintain consistent communication with pet owners. Backup walkers are available to ensure your dog's routine continues uninterrupted.

Safety Standards

All team members hold pet first aid certificates and enhanced DBS checks. We maintain £5 million public liability insurance and follow strict protocols for dog handling.

Transparency

GPS tracking and detailed walk reports keep you informed about your dog's activities. We provide honest feedback about behaviour and any concerns that arise.

Personalised Care

We adapt our service to match each dog's energy level, age, and personality. Special requirements such as medication administration or specific route preferences are accommodated.

850+ Dogs Walked
8 Trained Walkers
9 Years Operating
15,000+ Walks Completed