About PawPrints North East
Nearly nine years. Still out there every day.
PawPrints North East was built on a simple belief – that dogs deserve a proper outdoor experience during the day. That belief hasn’t changed. Everything else has grown around it.
The story
Hi, I’m Russ.
I’ve always had a love for the outdoors. Beavers and scouts as a kid, helping out on farms, studying Sports Management with a focus on outdoor pursuits at Plymouth University. Being outside all day has never felt like work to me.
My dog Darwin and I would regularly disappear into the Northumberland countryside or the Welsh hills for day-long adventures. Together we scaled Snowdon, Scafell Pike, most of the Brecon Beacons, and there wasn’t a forest in fifty miles of us we hadn’t thoroughly explored.
People noticed. For a Beagle, Darwin was supremely fit and remarkably well-behaved. People would ask what I did, and inevitably mention they had a dog who would love that kind of adventure. So I started taking out friends’ and family members’ dogs. I loved it, the owners loved it, and the dogs loved it most of all.
After relocating from South Wales to the North East, I decided to make it a business. And that’s when PawPrints North East was born.
Our standard
The Darwin Standard.
From the very beginning, every decision I made about PawPrints came back to one question: if someone was looking after Darwin for me, what would I expect?
Where would the walks be? How would the dogs be transported? In what condition would they come home? What would I demand from someone I was trusting with my dog and my home? Darwin set that bar. Everything we do is measured against it.
Darwin passed away four years ago, aged twelve. But the standard he set hasn’t changed. Every dog that comes into our care gets the Darwin Standard – treated as family, like one of our own, every single time.
Darwin. The standard every dog in our care is measured against.
Where we are now
What started with one dog and one walker has grown into something much bigger.
PawPrints North East is now a team operation. We run multiple group walks every weekday across North Tyneside, with a small team of trusted walkers delivering the service on the ground. The routes cover beaches, woodland, open fields and parks across Whitley Bay, North Shields, Backworth, Killingworth, Forest Hall, West Moor and the surrounding areas.
I oversee the business, manage the scheduling, handle new clients, and make sure the Darwin Standard is being upheld across every walk we run. The team that delivers the walks has been carefully chosen for the same reason – people who genuinely love dogs and take the responsibility seriously. Dogs come home properly tired and properly cared for. That’s the only metric that matters.
The team
The people who walk your dog.
We know that handing over your house key and trusting someone with your dog is a big deal. These are the people you’re trusting.
Founder
Russ
Started PawPrints nearly nine years ago. Manages the business, handles new client enquiries, schedules the walks, and makes sure the Darwin Standard is maintained across everything we do.
Co-owner
Nat
Loves the puppy visits and plays a key role behind the scenes keeping everything organised and running smoothly. The real brains behind the business.
Dog walker
Nick
Dog walker
Anne
Enjoys getting out in the fresh air and spending time with the dogs, especially as a way to get a regular “dog fix.” A fan of Basset Hounds and also works as a swim teacher.
Dog walker
Kim
Loves the excitement dogs bring to every walk, from the moment they’re picked up to the last throw of the ball. A big fan of Labradors and Golden Retrievers for their clever, loving nature, and enjoys making the most of long walks, especially in the sun.
Dog walker
Jasmine
Loves the excitement dogs show on every walk, especially when they recognise you and get genuinely happy to see you. A fan of German Shepherds and Rottweilers, and has three German Shepherds, five ferrets, and two cats.
Dog walker
Sophie
Loves the energy and excitement dogs bring to every walk, especially the big, slobbery, fun-loving breeds like Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. Fun fact, every dog’s nose print is completely unique.
What owners say
Don’t take our word for it.
Absolutely fantastic dog walking company. So reliable, flexible and we have a very happy dog and owners. Trust is a big part of handing over a loved pet and I 100% trust and recommend PawPrints North East.
Have been with PawPrints for years, like a second family for Princess Murphy. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
The absolute best. Ernest sits by the door waiting for the bell to ring for his meet and greet with his pals. Comes back and crashes out. Great time had by all.
Ready to join the pack?
The first walk is free. Get in touch and tell us about your dog.