Considering opening a private dog walking field.

[LangyThorpey]

Anyone know the ins and outs of opening a dog walking field? Would I need insurance for example?

Yes you would need insurance. Speak to your council as you'd likely need various things from them as well.

Insurance and probably change of use of the field. (good luck with that one!)

You would need insurance and lots of it.

I own a field near my house and have been approached by two different dog walkers for permission to walk and exercise dogs in it. They both made a big deal about the “no mess, no liability” that it would cause and obviously they would pay.

I was strongly to advised to say no due to insurance and liability issues - as well as that yes, over a certain number of days it could constitute a change of use - and had already decided to refuse anyway, on account of the wildlife in it (it’s a semi-rewilded meadow with mature trees). I can’t imagine the hassle of actually doing it formally although there is clearly a market for it.

You'd need insurance and planning permission/change of use from the council at an absolute minimum.

It's not cheap. You'd also need a way of keeping it secure/private and a way of making sure the people who've booked are the only ones who are able to get in.

You'd also need to pay for properly secure fencing which isn't cheap. It would need to be at least 6ft high and properly secure so dogs couldn't squeeze under or between gaps.

How much would you charge? How would you stop people trespassing? What happens if someone trespasses, leaves something dangerous in there (picnic rubbish, for example) and one of the dogs gets sick or injured?

It's your land and would be your responsibility.

If the field is near your house, do you really want people coming and going, slamming car doors/boots. Picking up poo, because whatever the rules, you'll always get people who won't pick up or who genuinely can't find it.

We have a field 20 mins away. Booking online. Always fully booked!! Must make some cash!!
Picnic table, hose and bowls. Agility equipment. Poo bags and bins. High metal railings all round. Small car park.
They have 2 fields...