Dog walking business insurance covers common claims that crop up for dog walkers. From injured paws to lost house keys, this coverage can pay for those unexpected expenses that could take a big bite out of your bank account.
Becoming a dog walker is a great way to earn a little extra income, get some exercise, and (most importantly) hang out with dogs all day! But, even the best jobs come with risks. Dog walking insurance provides a safety net so you can focus on the fun instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
We’re here to help you understand the ins and outs of business insurance for dog walkers, answering all of your questions — and maybe some you hadn’t thought of!
What is Dog Walking Insurance?
Whether you work solo or partner with a service like Wag! or Rover, dog walking insurance is essential coverage for pet care professionals. It can pay for business-related claims, including third-party bodily injury, property damage, veterinary bills, and legal fees.
As these pet walking claims examples show, a single claim can cost thousands of dollars, a devastating expense for any small business. If an accident occurs on your watch, you could be responsible for paying out of pocket.
In addition to the cost, we also need to think about the dogs! If you’re in the pet care industry, it’s safe to say that you love animals. Their health and welfare is probably already one of your top priorities.
So, what do you do if an animal in your care gets injured or sick? After all, a visit to the vet can be a major expense.
Nobody wants to make decisions for a pet’s health based on money. Luckily, you don’t have to think twice when you have dog walking business insurance. Your coverage ensures you can get medical care for your clients’ pets without worrying about the bill.
Safeguarding your business with liability insurance is the best way to protect yourself, your clients, and the pets in your care.
Dog Walking Claims That’ll Stop You in Your Tracks
A huge benefit of working with animals is how much they can surprise us.
Unfortunately, not all surprises are good. Check out some of our customers’ real-world dog walking claims.
Claim #1: A Trip to the Dog Park Gone Wrong
A dog walker took her client’s two German Shepherds to the dog park so they could run and burn off some energy. The pups got a little too excited and ran into each other at full speed, resulting in the younger dog breaking her right front leg. She required emergency surgery and a lengthy stay at the vet.
Final Claim Amount: $10,684
Claim #2: An Unexpected Dog Meet-Up
Our policyholder was out for a walk with Twilight, a Husky mix. Without asking, a man approached Twilight with his Jack Russel Terrier, allowing him to sniff her. The dogs began to fight before they could be separated.
The man claimed Twilight injured his dog’s eye and required medical attention.
Final Claim Amount: $910
Claim #3: Fence-Breaking Boxer
While walking his client’s overly-friendly Boxer, Brutus, the dog walker lost his grip on the leash. In his excitement, Brutus broke a wooden fence to reach his favorite neighbor for pets and treats. While the neighbor was happy to see Brutus, she was less pleased about her broken fence.
Final Claim Amount: $1500
In each of these cases, dog walking business insurance saved the policyholders from paying expensive vet bills, property damage, and legal fees.
Types of Coverage
PCI’s basic dog walker policy offers essential general liability coverage for the most common claims pet pros face, including:
- Third-party bodily injury
- Property damage
- Personal and advertising injury
- Medical expenses
- Lost key liability coverage
Because pets are number one in our book, we also include two essential coverages to protect the animals in your care:
- Most general liability policies exclude animals, but we offer Pet Protection (Animal Bailee), which extends your coverage to the pets in your care.
- If a pet has a medical emergency on your watch, Veterinarian Reimbursement helps cover the bill so they can get treatment.
You can also customize your policy with additional coverage options to ensure you have exactly the protection you need. Choose from add-ons like:
- Equipment and Inventory Coverage (Inland Marine): covers business-essential gear, like kennels, leashes, and harnesses if they’re broken or stolen
- Broadened Property Damage Coverage: extends your protection to property damage caused by the pets in your care
- Employee Dishonesty Coverage: protects against financial losses caused by employees who steal from clients
- Data Theft Protection (Cyber Liability): safeguards your digital assets against cybercrime, like ransomware and data breaches
Ready to get started? Get your instant quote and get covered in 10 minutes or less!
How Much Is Insurance for a Dog Walking Business?
Dog walking business insurance costs $13.33 per month or $139 per year. Your final premium can vary depending on where you operate, how much you make, and what coverage options you select.
Benefits of Having Insurance for Your Dog Walking Business
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, insurance comes with plenty of benefits. If you’re still on the fence, consider these six reasons to cover your dog walking business:
- Peace of mind. You have enough to worry about when looking after your clients’ pets. Insurance lets you focus on providing premium care rather than worrying about what you’ll do if something goes wrong.
- Financial protection. Claims can be costly, but when insurance absorbs the expense, you don’t have to drain your bank account if a customer’s property is damaged or a pet needs a vet visit.
- Professional credibility. Carrying insurance shows customers that you are a trustworthy business owner who values the well-being of your clients and their pets.
- Emergency preparedness. When an accident happens, the last thing you want to think about is how you’ll pay for medical costs, vet bills, or repairs. With insurance, you’re prepared to handle an emergency.
- Meet job requirements. If you work for a veterinarian or kennel, you may be required to have insurance. This protects both you and your employer from liability claims.
- An extra cushion of protection. Dog walker apps don’t insure their contractors. PCI’s Rover Insurance provides comprehensive coverage that fills the gaps when you partner with booking sites.
For less than the cost of a single trip to the vet, you can protect your business with a small investment that offers a whole lot of security.
FAQs About Dog Walking Business Insurance
Yes! Dog walkers — whether new or experienced — need insurance to protect them against common claims, including third-party bodily injury and property damage.
You could be held financially responsible if a pet in your care is injured or you accidentally break something in a client’s house. Insurance can pay some or all of the cost.
Dog walkers face a variety of risks, including:
- Broken or damaged property
- Injured or sick pets
- Runaway pets
- Lost house keys
- Dog bites (to people and other pets)
- Cyberattacks
Dog walker insurance can cover expenses like medical bills, legal fees, judgments, and repair costs if you experience one of these incidents.
