Tails are wagging all over Berkhamsted after a local pet care business scored a hat trick with a national award.

For the third year in a row, Walk The Dog has received the Special Merit Award from the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARP).

The accolade is given to businesses in the pet industry in recognition of excellence in animal care and outstanding customer service.

In order to be considered for the award, Walk The Dog asked its clients in Berkhamsted and beyond to provide testimonials about the company's dog walking, dog training and pet sitting services.

Walk The Dog was launched in 2007 by Hanne Grice, a Berkhamsted-based canine behaviour specialist.

She said: "I believe it's our attention to detail that makes us stand out from the crowd. Every Walk The Dog pet has their own blog page with photographs so their owners can read what their pet's been up to while they're at work or on holiday.

"We also provide regular newsletters, hold fundraising events and competitions, and even bake cookies for all our pets as a thank you at Christmas."

Walk The Dog's recent events have included a fancy dress competition dubbed "Dressed To The K9s", judged by Walk The Dog client and James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.

The company also raised more than £2,500 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People this year after Hanne Grice organised a talk from "Dog Listener" Jan Fennell.

Photograph: Hanne Grice with a Walk The Dog companion