👋 Welcome from Becca – Founder, Animal Lover & Dog Welfare Advocate

Hi lovely readers,
Welcome back to our latest edition! I wanted to start this months newsletter by saying thank you for being part of our community. Whether you’re a pet owner, dog walker, sitter, or just a devoted animal lover, we’re all in this together, and it’s never been more important than right now.

As many of you will know, Bristol City Council has just announced a new commercial licensing fee for dog walkers. While we fully support regulation in our industry, the proposed model could have huge negative consequences for dogs, their owners, and small businesses alike.

Let me break it down for you…

Bristol City Council plans to introduce a £450 licence fee, per walker, per park. Yes, you read that right.

This means:

🐾 Prices for dog walking services will rise significantly.
🐾 Many small, local businesses will be forced to close.
🐾 Solo or low-volume walkers will no longer be able to operate.
🐾 Group sizes will grow, meaning fewer personalised walks and more stress for dogs.
🐾 Walks will be limited to fewer parks.
🐾 There’ll be no flexibility for illness or holidays, as each walker needs a separate license.
🐾 Dog welfare will suffer, and public spaces will become more crowded with large groups.
🐾 Ironically, unlicensed and unregulated boarders remain unchecked while responsible businesses are penalised.

📢 How You Can Help

Let’s make sure our parks remain accessible, safe, and supportive for all pet care professionals and owners.

🖊️ Sign the petition:
Reduce Parks Licensing Fees in Bristol

📧 Email the council:
[email protected]

📮 Write to your councillor:
Find them here

🏛️ Contact your MP:
Find your MP

🧑‍⚖️ Email the APDAWG team and Lords

📣 Pet professionals – join our FREE industry group:
Join the Pet Care Partnership

Thank you for your support with this!

🍁 Autumn Pet Care Tips

As the leaves turn and the evenings draw in, here are a few things to keep in mind:

🍂 Check for conkers & acorns toxic to dogs if swallowed!
🕯️ Watch out for candles & heaters: keep tails and whiskers safe.
🧤 Coats for short-haired or elderly pets – especially in chilly early mornings.
🐾 Wipe paws after walks – mud and grit can cause sore pads.

📅 Pet Owner’s Evening – 16th October

We’re hosting a relaxed, informative Owner’s Evening on 16 October at The Pet Academy.
Topics will include behaviour, enrichment ideas, and Q&A with our trainers.
All pet parents welcome! Go to the pet academy website or get in touch for more details https://thepetacademy.co.uk/pet-first-aid-courses/pet-first-aid-for-pet-owners/

📻 Becca on BBC Radio 5!

Earlier this summer, I was honoured to be invited to speak on BBC Radio 5 about dog safety in heatwaves, although the heat probably feels like a distant memory now! The tips still stand for hot days.

🎧 Catch the segment here; https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002h010 (right at the end of the show):
Listen on BBC

❤️ Thank You

Your support means everything — to us, and to the incredible animals we care for. Let’s continue to stand up for what’s right, and make sure our pets get the safe, happy, enriching lives they deserve.

With love (and paw prints),
Becca
Founder, Friends for Pets