Our Story
We're a very friendly bunch
In 2014, Naomi made a significant life decision when she left her position as a retail manager to establish Lakeland Dog Walker. At the time, professional dog walking was a relatively new concept in the area, and her decision was met with some skepticism. However, having grown up with entrepreneurial influences—her parents owned the Quince and Medlar Restaurant, and her husband runs two mountain activity companies (Lakeland Mountain Guides and LMG Treks and Expeditions)—she understood the dedication required to be self-employed.
With her passion for dogs and the knowledge gained through achieving a First-Class Honours degree in Adventure Tourism Management, Naomi was well equipped to start her own business. The venture quickly gained momentum, and within a year of operating as a sole trader based in Keswick, her sister-in-law Hannah joined the team. Hannah began providing dog walking services in the Cockermouth area, and due to their effective working partnership, the business rapidly expanded, soon requiring additional support.
As the company continued to grow, Naomi increasingly found herself focused on business management rather than hands-on work which she dearly enjoyed. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she made the strategic decision to significantly downsize the business by giving some existing team members the opportunity to establish their own dog walking companies. One member of staff took over the Keswick pack, one took over the Dearham/Maryport pack and one set up her own Workington based pet care bsuiness. Naomi takes great pride in having supported her team in becoming business owners while ensuring continuity of care for existing clients.
Today, the Lakeland Dog Walker team consists of Naomi, Hannah, Mattias, and Niamh, with the service area now focused on Cockermouth. The team is committed to delivering a five-star service, offering dogs the opportunity to socialise with other friendly dogs in a safe and caring environment.
Every two years, we complete a practical canine first aid course.
The training covers a range of topics, including hemorrhaging, insect stings and bites, poisoning, shock, unconsciousness, CPR, epilepsy, choking, fractures, hypothermia and hyperthermia, bloat, and bandaging.
Although we hope never to encounter these situations, it is essential that we have the knowledge to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency.
We carry a compact first aid kit on all of our dog walks, and maintain larger, more comprehensive kits in each of our dog vans and at our secure field.
Meet the Lakeland Dog Walkers
Get to Know Us
Naomi Le Voi
Owner / Pack Leader
Naomi is the owner of Lakeland Dog Walker and manages all enquiries and bookings personally. After starting her family in 2017, she was unable to continue dog walking full-time while balancing life with her two young children, Isabelle (8) and Finnley (6). Now that both are in school, Naomi has returned to full-time dog walking and is delighted to be back doing what she loves.
She particularly enjoys woodland walks, where the likelihood of encountering others is low, allowing well-behaved dogs the freedom to run and play off lead in a safe environment.
Naomi also has a passion for photography and often captures fun group photos of the dogs during their walks.
She is the proud owner of two dogs: Bindi, a Goldendoodle, and Noodle, a Bernedoodle.
Hannah Le Voi
Pack Leader
Hannah serves as second in command and has been a full-time dog walker in Cockermouth since early 2016. She has developed strong bonds with the dogs in her care, and owners often remark on how excited their pets become when they hear her arriving. Her connection with the dogs is so meaningful that her partner included several of them in his marriage proposal on Latrigg. She happily accepted, and they are now married.
Hannah’s favourite walking route is in Harris Park, where she is frequently praised for her excellent control and handling of the dogs.
She is the proud owner of two Springer Spaniels—mother and daughter—named Burleigh and Sunny, as well as two cats, Sapphire and Socks.
Mattias Norendal
Pack Leader
Mattias joined the Lakeland Dog Walker team in early 2021. Having previously worked for Naomi’s parents at their restaurant, Quince & Medlar, for several years, he was already considered part of the family.
Unlike Naomi and Hannah, who use dog transport vehicles, Mattias travels entirely on foot, resulting in an impressive daily step count.
He covers the Slate Fell, Strawberry Grange, Dale View, and Castlegate areas of town and is highly knowledgeable about the local shortcuts and pathways. Mattias walks all the dogs directly from their homes and enjoys finding quiet fields where he can safely allow them off lead for a good run.
He lives with his mum and husband and is the proud owner of Tansy, a rough-haired Collie, and Sky, a Siamese cat.
Niamh Martin
Pack Leader
Niamh joined the team in 2022. She primarily carries out her dog pick-ups on foot, though she is also insured to transport dogs by car when required, particularly for out-of-town adventures.
With a lifelong passion for working with animals and a Level 3 qualification in Animal Management from college, Niamh combines both knowledge and dedication, making her an excellent dog walker.
She works with Lakeland Dog Walker during standard operating hours and runs Golden Pets Pet Sitting Service in the evenings and at weekends. We highly recommend Niamh if you require any overnight pet care.
Niamh lives in Cockermouth with her family dog, Molly.
The Dog Walker's Dogs
Being a dog walker's dog is like hitting the jackpot!
