My standard emergency protocols for the Barking Mad dog walking business focus on immediate safety, clear communication, and pre-authorised medical care. Below are the standard stages taken should your dog (s) in my care require such action.
🐾 Medical Emergency (Injury or Sudden Illness)
I Secure the Scene: I move the dog away from traffic or other hazards.
I administer Immediate First Aid: I use a portable mini animal first-aid kit to stabilise the dog (e.g., pressure on wounds).
I transport to a local Vet: I use the nearest emergency vet hospital - currently Wicston Veterinary group, or the owner's preferred vet if reachable.
I will notify Owner: I will call immediately; if unreachable, refer to the pre-signed medical authorisation in your contract.
I document: Recording the time, location, symptoms, and actions taken for insurance and transparency.
Dog Lost or Bolted
Immediate Search: I will check the immediate area for 10–15 minutes while securing any other dogs.
Contact Authorities: I may notify the local dog warden, other local dog walking professionals/community, and the police non-emergency line immediately.
Alert Owner: I will be honest and provide the dog's last known location and direction.
Use of Microchip/ID: Provide the microchip number and a recent photo to rescue groups and social media.
🌩️ Extreme Weather (Heat, Storms, or Flooding)
Heat: I use the "5-second rule" (touch pavement with the back of your hand). If it's too hot, move to the grass or cut the walk short.
Thunderstorms: I seek immediate shelter; avoid open fields or trees.
Protocol: I will notify owners that walks may be swapped for home-based enrichment/pee breaks for safety.
⚠️ Altercations (Dog Fights)
Safety First: I would never put my hands near the dogs' mouths. I use a slip lead or a whistle to make a loud noise to break the focus.
Separate: I immediately distance the dogs and check for puncture wounds.
Exchange Info: If a third-party dog is involved, I collect the owner's contact details and insurance info.
Reporting: I inform you even if no visible injury occurred.
💡 Essential Preparedness
⚡ Phone & GPS: I keep a fully charged phone with emergency numbers on speed dial.
🎒 Go-Bag: I always carry extra leads, muzzles, water, and waste bags.
📜 Contracts: I ensure your client service agreement includes vet care consent and cost caps.
When I manage groups and vehicle transport, although first-aid trained, my emergency protocols are more technical. My focus is now on containment, multi-dog safety, and vehicle security.
🚑 Group-Specific Medical Protocols
When one dog in a pack is injured:
I Freeze the Pack: I use a "settle" or "wait" command for the rest of the group. If possible, I tether the uninjured dogs to a secure, stationary object (like a heavy fence or tree) using their leads to keep them away from the scene.
I triage the dog: I assess the injured dog using my IMDT training. I focus on stopping heavy bleeding or clearing an airway first.
Secondary Safety: I ensure the other dogs are not becoming stressed or aggressive due to the injured dog’s vocalisation or blood scent.
Reference Your Guide: I keep a professional MDWA manual in my vehicle for quick look-ups of toxin charts or step-by-step CPR.
🚐 Vehicle Safety & Emergency Extraction
Protocols for road accidents or breakdowns:
Secure Restraint: Every dog in my care will be in a crash-tested harness or a fixed crate.
Sequential Unloading: In a breakdown, I would never let the whole pack out at once. I would move them one by one to a safe area away from traffic, using a "slip lead" to speed up the process.
Climate Control: If the vehicle overheats and breaks down, I immediately move the dogs to shade.
🎒 Essential Pro Gear
For high-level management, my kit includes:
Multi-Dog Controls: I carry Slip Leads for fast, collar-free captures during emergencies.
Professional First Aid Kit: I carry a dedicated kit that is compact enough for group walks but includes essentials like saline and cohesive bandages.
Dog whistle: I carry one to break up potential scuffles to avoid using direct handling in case of injury.