What to Take on a Dog Walk: The Essentials Checklist

The essentials for any dog walk are a secure lead and a collar with ID, poo bags, water for longer or warmer walks, treats, and your phone and keys. For bigger walks, add a towel, a basic first aid kit and weather-appropriate kit for both of you. Keeping everything in one hands-free bag means you are ready to go in seconds.

Below is a practical checklist you can adapt to your own routine, from the quick morning loop to a long weekend ramble.

The everyday essentials

These are the things worth taking on every single walk, however short.

• Collar with ID. The Control of Dogs Order 1992 requires most dogs in public places to wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it or on an attached tag. A phone number is not legally required but is strongly advisable. In England, dogs over eight weeks old must also be microchipped and registered.
• A secure lead. Check the clasp and stitching regularly. Our dog lead length guide helps you choose the right length.
• Poo bags, and more than you think you need. Always pick up after your dog. A dispenser clipped to the lead means you are never caught short.
• Treats. For rewarding good behaviour, recall and calm greetings.
• Your phone and keys. Obvious, but easy to forget when the dog is excitedly waiting at the door.

For longer walks

• Water and a way to drink it. Not every park or route has somewhere for your dog to drink. A bottle with a built-in bowl makes it simple.
• A towel. Leave one in the car or by the front door for muddy paws.
• A spare lead or slip lead. Useful if a clasp breaks or if you find a lost dog.
• A small first aid kit. Your vet can advise on what to include for your dog, and save your vet's number and the nearest out-of-hours practice in your phone.
• A favourite toy. A ball or tug toy for open spaces, if your dog enjoys play.

Seasonal extras

Winter and dark evenings

• A torch or head torch.
• Reflective or light-coloured clothing for you, and something reflective for your dog.
• A coat for dogs who feel the cold. See our guide on whether dogs need coats in the UK.

Our guide to walking your dog on dark winter evenings covers visibility and route planning in detail.

Summer

• Extra water, and walk in the cooler parts of the day.
• Shade on your route where possible.
• A check of the pavement temperature with the back of your hand before setting off.

The quick checklist

Item	Short walk	Long walk	Dark evening
Collar with ID tag	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lead	Yes	Yes	Yes
Poo bags	Yes	Yes	Yes
Treats	Yes	Yes	Yes
Phone and keys	Yes	Yes	Yes
Water and bowl	If warm	Yes	If long
Towel	If muddy	Yes	If wet
First aid kit	Optional	Yes	Optional
Torch and reflective kit	No	If late	Yes

How to carry it all

The simplest way to make sure you have everything is to keep a walking bag packed and ready by the door, then restock it as soon as you get home. A few pieces make this easier.

A hands-free bag

A crossbody bag keeps phone, keys, treats and bags together while leaving both hands free for the lead. The Cocopup Crossbody is a hands-free walking bag with a built-in poop bag dispenser, washable at 30°C.

A water bottle with a bowl

The Companion water bottle is leakproof and single-handed with a built-in bowl, in 300ml, 350ml and 550ml sizes, so you can choose one to match the length of your walks and the size of your dog.

A treat pouch

If you are working on training, a dedicated pouch keeps rewards within instant reach. The Holland Park Treat Pouch is silicone with a zip, lanyard and hook, which also makes it easy to wipe clean.

A bag dispenser on the lead

A dispenser kept with the lead means bags go wherever the lead goes, so you never set off without them. If you prefer a separate dispenser to a bag with one built in, take a look at The Primrose Bag Dispenser.

You can browse everything for walks in The Walk Collection, and our guide to the best dog walking accessories for London has more ideas.

Before you leave the house

1. Check the collar fits and the tag is secure and readable.
2. Check the lead clasp closes properly.
3. Restock poo bags and treats.
4. Check the weather and pick coats accordingly.
5. Know your route, especially after dark or in unfamiliar areas.

For more on routes, etiquette and training, visit our complete dog walking guide, and read up on dog walking etiquette in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

What should I always take on a dog walk?

A lead, a collar with an ID tag, poo bags, treats, and your phone and keys. Add water, a towel and a first aid kit for longer walks.

Does my dog legally need an ID tag on walks?

Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, most dogs in public places must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it or on an attached tag. Some working dogs are exempt.

How much water should I take for my dog?

It depends on your dog's size, the weather and the length of the walk. Take more on warm days and longer walks, and offer it regularly rather than all at once.

What is the easiest way to carry dog walking essentials?

A hands-free crossbody bag kept packed by the door, with a bag dispenser clipped to the lead, means everything goes with you without filling your pockets.