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Yes, PHG Southampton is fully insured with pet business insurance and Ritchie and Amber are DBS checked. Both certificates are available to view at your free initial meeting before any services begin.
Last updated: 2026-04-29
Key facts
- Ritchie and Amber hold pet business insurance with public liability covering dog walking, cat visits, small animal boarding, and home pet visits
- DBS police check completed (formerly CRB check)
- Insurance and DBS certificates available to inspect at the free initial meeting
- Keys are coded with no identifying information linking to your property
- Pet First Aid Certificate and diplomas in Pet Sitting & Dog Walking, Canine Communication, and Pet Nutrition
- Member of Pet Industry Federation (PIF) with multiple Bark.com awards for customer service
Are Ritchie and Amber fully insured for pet care?
Yes. PHG Southampton carries pet business insurance covering all services offered by Ritchie and Amber, including professional dog walking, cat visits, small animal boarding, and home pet visits to small animals. The insurance documentation is available for you to see at the free initial meeting. Working with an insured provider matters because accidents, however rare, can happen. Insurance is what separates a professional operation from a well-intentioned amateur.
Is PHG Southampton DBS checked?
Yes. we have been police checked through the DBS system (formerly CRB). This matters most for all services, especially those which involve entering your home with keys, like cat visits, small animal home visits, and overnight house sits. The DBS certificate is available to inspect at the free initial meeting, along with our insurance documentation and pet care qualifications.
Can I see proof of insurance and DBS before I book?
Absolutely. Every new client gets a free initial meeting in their home before any services begin. At that meeting, we bring our insurance certificate, police checks, and pet care diplomas for you to review. No commitment is expected from the meeting. It’s the standard onboarding step. Ask questions, see the documents, introduce us to your beloved pets, then decide if Ritchie and Amber are right for you.
What should pet owners check for when hiring a pet carer?
Four essential things. Insurance specific to pet care, so cover actually applies to the service, as well as comprehensive public liability cover. A DBS or equivalent police check, especially for anyone given keys to your home. Relevant training, such as pet first aid and animal handling qualifications. Genuine client references or reviews, not just a polished website. We meet all four requirements, and we will happily show proof of each at the initial meeting.
What happens with my house keys when you hold them for cat visits or home safe checks?
Keys are coded with no identifying information connecting them to you or your property. They are locked away in a secured key box and treated with the utmost care and respect. If a coded key were ever lost or stolen, it could not be traced back to your property. During the initial meeting, we cover security processes in detail as well as the all important pet care arrangements.
Is asking to see certificates awkward or rude?
Many Southampton pet owners worry it seems distrustful to ask for proof of insurance and DBS checks. It’s actually the opposite. Any legitimate professional expects this question and has the documents ready to show. We bring our certificates to every initial meeting as standard practice. The pet carers who get defensive about showing proof are the ones to avoid. A professional takes it as a sign you’re being sensibly careful about who you trust with your pets and home.
Is PHG Southampton right for your security and safety needs?
Consider these signs. You want to see actual certificates before booking, not just take someone’s word for it. You need someone who can legally and safely hold keys to your home. You prefer a pet carer who follows professional standards rather than working casually. If these matter to you, PHG Southampton fits. The free initial meeting lets you inspect all documentation, ask security questions, and decide without pressure.
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.
Or call 07902 127835