Pet Care Perfection
Passionate about dogs’ health and their wellbeing, animal-lover Abi Swan launched her
successful dog walking business, giving peace of mind and an invaluable service to pet
owners.
Growing up with Border collie cross Glen as her constant companion, Abi Swan’s passion for
animals fuelled a career working outdoors with them before starting her own dog walking
and pet sitting business in 2014. With over 11 years’ experience of working with animals of
all shapes and sizes including dogs, cats, horses, various birds and reptiles, Abi sought
funding from PNE Enterprise to buy a van to launch her business Dogs’ Day Walking and
has never looked back!
Passionate about dogs’ health and wellbeing, Abi is fully insured, trained in canine first aid
and walks a maximum group size of four dogs for plenty of one-on-one attention and safety.
Areas she covers range from Jesmond, Sandyford and Heaton to Gosforth, Longbenton and
Killingworth. Abi also offers vet visits and pet sitting (during the day and overnight) as part of
a plethora of services at Dogs’ Day Walking. Giving invaluable peace of mind to animal
owners who worry about leaving their dogs or need extra support, Dogs’ Day Walking has
grown to become an integral part of the local walking community. One heart-warming
example is Shea, a rescue dog Abi began walking shortly after starting her business last
year. During this time Shea had to have her hind leg removed because of an old injury and
Abi proved a constant source of advice and inspiration, putting together an aftercare
programme for Shea after her amputation alongside regularly visits and walk to help Shea
learn to walk on just three legs. Shea and Abi have formed a strong bond and her owner is
always kept up to date with Shea’s day with texts and photos from their walks.
“I love being outdoors whatever the weather, so dog walking suits me perfectly” explains Abi,
“I’ll be out with dogs giving them the exercise and attention they deserve, and making sure
they have the best possible time.” Future ambitions for Abi’s thriving business include
helping owners further understand of the needs of their pets with regular exercise sessions
that allow the dog to explore new environments and socialise with other dogs under
professional supervision, as well as behavioural training. From potty training puppies to
easing rescue dogs into a routine and helping them become accustomed to their new
surroundings, Abi’s day starts around 8am and involve 30 or 60 minute walks to nearby
parks and favourite spots, including Jesmond Dene and Longsands beach, as well as
popping in to check on dogs, cats and other small animals when required. Prices start from
just £7 for a 30 minute group walk and Abi’s flexibility means she works outside the typical 9-
5 working day and often walks dogs until 8pm before their owners get home.
Abi’s own dogs Yoshi, a mixed breed, and boisterous Border collie puppy Roh clearly benefit
from their mum being a dog walker and Abi gets to enjoy the best of both worlds too
spending precious time with her own dogs whilst at work. Outdoor cat Rufus completes the
trio and all three animals give Abi the opportunity to observe their behaviour and apply her
experience to the business and her furry clients. For Abi, whose natural confidence and
ability with animals has seen her welcome new clients through a multitude of word of mouth
recommendations, future plans for the business include developing her own dog retreat one
day. For now, she can often be found with her camera in hand, umpteen poo bags in her
pocket and a pack of happy pups following her closely behind.
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
- For more information on Dogs’ Day Walking and prices please visit dogsdaywalking.co.uk
- Dogs’ Day Walking is owned and operated exclusively by Abi Swan
- 30/60 minute dog sessions can include group sessions with other dogs or one-to-one
sessions
- Abi is fully insured for pets, property and even house keys. All keys are kept in a locked
safe when not in use and do not have identifiers that would link them to clients’ properties.
- Abi is trained and certified in pet first aid and is also DBS checked (formally known as CRB
checks).
- Dogs’ Day Walking fully adheres to all data protection and do not pass details on to any
third party.