Welcome to Take the Lead
Hi everyone!
We’re Liv and Ruby, proud parents to seven wonderful fur-babies: Noah, Albie, Minnie, Murphy, Marnie, Manny, and Monty. (Yes, we’re absolutely obsessed with dogs!)
After years of attending dog meet-ups, training classes, swimming lessons, and agility sessions with our pack, we realised our true passion lies in all things dog-related. So, we decided to leave behind our careers as chefs and dive into something we genuinely love—caring for and working with dogs!
We are fully insured, hold a diploma in pet sitting and dog walking, and are CPD-certified in canine first aid. Your pet’s well-being is always our top priority!
We’re continually expanding our skills and qualifications to offer even more services beyond dog walking. So, stay tuned—exciting things are coming!
We’re now open for dog walking bookings! Feel free to contact us at 07359 840370 or through our Instagram page @taketheleadessex.
We’re based in Little Waltham, Chelmsford, Essex, and offer services within a 10-mile radius. For areas beyond this, an additional fee may apply.
Our meet-and-greet sessions are completely free, giving us the chance to get to know you and your beloved pups before we start working together.
Look forward to hearing from you all.
Our Services
Group Walks
Our group walks are a wonderful way for your dog to socialise and enjoy the companionship of other friendly pups.
Each walk is carefully supervised by our experienced handlers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all canine participants. We tailor the walk to suit the energy levels and play styles of the dogs, making sure everyone has a fantastic time.
Whether your dog loves to explore trails or just enjoys a leisurely stroll, our group walks offer the perfect balance of activity and fun.
Solo Walks
Our solo walks for dogs are the perfect solution for pets who need individual attention or prefer a quieter, more personal experience. Whether your dog is shy, reactive, recovering from an injury, or simply thrives in a one-on-one setting, solo walks provide tailored care to suit their unique needs. These walks focus entirely on your dog's comfort, allowing them to explore, exercise, and enjoy a stress-free outing without the distraction of other animals. With solo walks, you can ensure your furry friend gets the time, space, and dedicated attention they deserve, fostering their happiness and overall well-being.
Tailored walks for personalised attention. Exercise and mental stimulation for your dog.
Pop-ins
Life can get hectic, and we know how important it is to ensure your beloved dog is cared for, even when you're not around. That’s where our convenient pop-in service comes in! Whether you’re tied up at work, running errands, or enjoying a well-deserved day out, our dependable team is here to provide your dog with the love and attention they need. Each visit is tailored to your pup’s unique needs, including fresh water, feeding, playtime, toilet breaks, and, of course, plenty of cuddles. Ideal for puppies, senior dogs, or any furry friend in need of a little extra companionship during the day. Let us keep your dog happy and cared for while you take care of your day – wagging tails are our specialty!
Puppy Walks & Pop-ins
Our puppy walks and pop-in visits are designed to keep your pup happy, healthy, and full of joy. Whether your pup needs a quick pop-in or an energising walk to release all that playful energy, we’re here to help. Each service is customised to meet your puppies unique needs, ensuring they receive the love, attention, and care they deserve. Rest easy knowing your puppy is in trustworthy hands.
In addition to our walks and visits, we also provide valuable socialisation opportunities for your pup. Introducing puppies to new environments, sights, and other friendly faces helping to build their confidence and improve their behavior over time. We believe in creating positive experiences that encourage your puppy to thrive, ensuring a well-rounded and happy companion for years to come.
Dog Sitting
Looking for trusted care for your beloved dog while you're away? We provide professional dog sitting services exclusively in your own home, ensuring your pet stays comfortable in their familiar surroundings. Offering both 12 hour day care and 24 hour overnight stays, we cater to your specific needs. Whether you're at work or planning an overnight trip, your dog's well-being and happiness are our top priorities. Rest assured, with our experienced and compassionate care, your dog will feel loved, safe, and stress free until your return.
In addition to attentive care, we also provide regular updates to pet owners while you're away. Whether it’s through text messages, photos, or videos, you’ll always be in the loop about your dog’s daily activities, meals, and playtime. This way, you can relax knowing your pet is in capable hands and enjoying their routine without interruption. Clear communication and transparency are part of our commitment to giving you full peace of mind.
Our operational hours are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through to Sunday, to ensure consistent availability and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some reviews from our lovely customers
'If you are after passionate dog loving dog walkers - Liv and Ruby are your girls! They are the best walkers that we’ve come across in Essex, and we feel confident leaving our 2 in their hands.
So glad we found you!
R&P 🐾🐾'
-Poppy Carter-Cornell
'I can't recommend Liv & Ruby enough! They're so reliable, super friendly, and you can tell they really love dogs. My Border Collie is always in safe hands with them, and since spending time with their awesome pack, she's so much more social now. It's such a relief knowing she's having a brilliant time and getting lots of care when I can't be there on my office days. You're the best Take the Lead!🐶💛'
-Sarah Eastwood
'Liv and Ruby have been walking our dog for the last few months. We started with solo walks but now she enjoys their fabulous group walks. They are alway reliable and communicating with them is easy. We get regular pupdates and love following their socials!'
-Rebecca Johnston
Location
Take The Lead Essex Ltd
Little Waltham
Chelmsford, United Kingdom