What happens if my dog is injured, overheats, or there’s an emergency on a walk in Southampton?

Key facts

• Ritchie and Amber hold a Pet First Aid Certificate and carry advanced pet first aid equipment on every walk
• Emergency contact details and vet information are recorded during the free initial meeting for every dog
• In genuine emergencies, dogs are taken directly to their registered vet or nearest emergency clinic
• Walk times are adjusted on hot days to prevent overheating, with water always carried
• The fully kitted out van has two flettner fans and an electric fan for year-round comfort during collection and drop-off
• Pet business insurance covers all services with proof available at the initial meeting

What is it Ritchie and Amber do if a dog is injured on a walk?

We stop the walk immediately and assess the injury. With our Pet First Aid training, we can provide immediate care where appropriate. We will contact you straight away to explain what’s happened. For serious injuries, we drive your dog directly to your registered vet or the nearest emergency clinic without delay. Your vet details and emergency contacts are recorded during our initial meeting specifically so this can happen quickly. Your dog’s welfare comes first, not completing the scheduled walk.

How is overheating prevented on walks in warm weather?

Prevention starts before the walk. In warmer months, we adjust group walk times to early morning to avoid peak heat. We check pavement temperatures before letting dogs walk on them. Water is always carried on every walk and during transport. On very hot days, walks may be shortened or moved to shaded areas. The van used for group walks has two flettner fans and an electric fan to keep dogs comfortable during transport. Overheating prevention is about planning ahead, not reacting during the walk.

What counts as a genuine emergency, and how do Ritchie and Amber handle it?

A genuine emergency is anything where your dog cannot safely continue or needs veterinary attention. This includes wounds, severe limping, choking, suspected heatstroke, collapse, seizures, or aggressive encounters with other animals. In these situations, we stop the walk immediately, provide any necessary first aid, and phone you straight away. If veterinary care is needed, we drive your dog to the vet without waiting. You are kept informed at every stage. The priority is always your dog’s safety and wellbeing.

Is there a written emergency plan for each dog?

Yes. During our free initial meeting, Ritchie and Amber record detailed information for every dog including your vet’s contact details, any medical conditions, current medications, known allergies, and your preferred contact method for emergencies. This information stays with us on every walk so there’s no delay if something happens. If anything changes, such as a new vet, different phone number, or new medical condition, just send us a quick message to update the records.

What if I can’t be reached during an emergency?

We will still act immediately to protect your dog. For anything serious or life-threatening, we will take your dog to the vet using the details you provided during onboarding, without waiting to reach you first. We’ll keep trying to contact you throughout. During our initial meeting, you can also provide a secondary emergency contact such as a partner, family member, or trusted neighbour. Having clear instructions from the start means no hesitation when speed matters most for your dog’s safety.

Should I worry that my dog walker isn’t qualified to handle emergencies?

Some dog owners assume that dog walkers have no medical training and would panic in an emergency. The reality is that professional dog walkers like Ritchie and Amber invest in proper qualifications. We hold a Pet First Aid Certificate specifically for situations like these. We also have pet business insurance with public liability cover and detailed emergency protocols for every dog. During our initial meeting, we show you our certificates and explain exactly how emergencies are handled. The key is choosing a qualified, insured professional rather than an amateur, and making sure they have all your dog’s details recorded properly from day one.

Is PHG’s emergency approach right for your dog?

PHG fits well if you want a dog walker who takes safety seriously and has the qualifications to back it up. Look for these signs it’s a good match: your dog has specific medical needs or conditions that require careful monitoring, you want detailed emergency planning rather than hoping nothing goes wrong, or you prefer someone with formal first aid training over an untrained neighbour. If you’re comfortable with basic emergency planning and your dog has no special health concerns, you might be happy with a less formal approach. The free initial meeting lets you see our certificates and discuss your dog’s specific needs without commitment.

Related questions

• Are you insured and DBS checked for dog walking, cat visits, and house sitting in Southampton, and can you show proof?
• Do you offer solo walks for reactive or nervous dogs in Southampton, and how do introductions work?
• Do you transport dogs to walks, and how is transport kept safe around Southampton?

Have a question about your pet?

Ritchie replies personally, usually within the hour. Every new client starts with a free meet and greet at no commitment, so you can decide with confidence.

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Or call 07902 127835