Why do dog walkers need insurance?
Dog walking may sound like an ideal job, but it comes with big risks. If a dog bites someone or slips its leash, your business could face escalating costs. Business insurance for dog walkers helps pay for medical bills, legal fees, and property repairs. Some policies, like workers' comp, may be required by law.
Find affordable coverage
Dog walkers can save money on insurance by comparing quotes from top-rated providers.
Fill out Insureon's easy online application to get free quotes and advice from a licensed agent.
What types of business insurance do dog walkers need?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks of dog walking.
General liability insurance
This policy covers basic risks, such as accidental damage to a valuable item in a client’s home. Bundle it with commercial property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.
- Accidental pet injuries
- Customer injuries
- Customer property damage
Business owner's policy
A business owner’s policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for dog walkers to buy commercial property insurance and general liability coverage together.
- Accidental bodily injuries
- Damaged or stolen business property
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Errors and omissions insurance
E&O covers legal expenses related to work performance, such as alleged negligence that injures a client’s dog. It's sometimes referred to as professional liability insurance.
- Missed dog walking appointments
- Accusations of negligence
- Mistakes that cause a pet's injury
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for dog walking businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits over employee injuries
Cyber insurance
This policy helps dog walking businesses recover financially from data breaches and cyberattacks. It's recommended for any small business that stores customer information.
- Customer notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of an auto accident involving a vehicle owned by a dog walking business. Each state has its own auto liability insurance requirements.
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Auto accident injuries
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
How much does dog walking business insurance cost?
A dog walker who works independently will pay less for insurance than a larger company.
Factors that affect dog walker insurance premiums include:
- Pet services offered, such as pet sitting or dog walking services
- Business property and equipment, such as kennels
- Business income
- Business operations
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
How do I get dog walking insurance?
It's easy to get dog walking business insurance and bonding if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your small business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance coverage for professional dog walkers, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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