Dog Walkers Insurance
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As more people rely on pet professionals across the UK for their pets’ care, dog walkers are facing higher risks, both financially and legally. Insurance for dog walkers has become a requirement, especially in light of public liability scandals.
In December 2018, a serious incident occurred on a public bridleway in Surrey involving a professional equestrian athlete and a group of uncontrolled dogs. A pet walker had four dogs off the lead, two of which failed to return when called. One of the dogs ran into the path of a horse, causing it to rear up and fall backwards. The rider was trapped beneath the horse, resulting in severe injuries.
Sadly, this isn’t a one-off case. Therefore, it’s necessary to understand that pet sitting insurance is not just a business formality; it’s your safety net. It protects professional dog handlers from financial loss if something goes wrong while caring for someone else’s dog.
What Is Dog Walkers Insurance?
Dog walkers insurance is a type of business coverage designed to protect professional dog handlers from risks they face during their daily work. It offers financial protection if a dog in your care causes injury, damages property, or gets hurt while they are in your custody or care. Around 1000 hospital admissions occur due to dog bites yearly, which is an alarming 50% increase from previous years.
- Let’s say you’re walking a dog in the park and it suddenly runs off and causes trouble, maybe knocking over a passerby or getting into a scuffle with another pet. That could lead to a costly claim.
- You’re walking three pets, and one suddenly bolts after a squirrel. In the chaos, a nearby child falls off their scooter. Or maybe one of the dogs twists a paw on uneven ground. Now, not only is the pet owner upset, but you’re also facing questions, blame, and possibly a bill.
Why Do I Need Dog Walkers Insurance?
Accidents can happen at any time, and insurance offers mental peace when you or someone else’s dog gets injured while in your care or attacks someone else. Having pet sitters insurance can have numerous long-term benefits for your small business.
- Protection Against Accidents and Injuries: If a dog in your care injures someone or causes property damage, public liability insurance for dog walkers covers the legal costs and compensation claims. It’s the core of pet walkers’ insurance and often a legal or client requirement.
- Covers Vet Bills If a Dog Gets Hurt: Even with the best care, dogs can get injured. Care, custody, and control insurance helps cover veterinary fees if a pet is accidentally harmed while under your supervision.
- Defends Your Reputation: Having insurance shows clients that you’re professional, trustworthy, and responsible. It can be a dealbreaker when pet owners are choosing between two walkers.
- Income Support If You’re Injured: Personal accident cover helps replace lost income if you’re hurt and can’t work due to a dog-related injury (e.g., a fall or dog pull).
- Encourages Long-Term Business Growth: Being insured helps you gain more trust, attract clients faster, and grow your business confidently without worrying about hidden risks.
- Helps With Boarding and Transport Risks: If you also offer pet transport or dog boarding, some policies cover risks related to driving pets or housing them temporarily.
What Professions Are Covered Under Pet Walkers Insurance?
- Dog Handlers
- Pet Sitters
- Dog Trainers
- Dog Groomers
- Pet Taxi Services
- Pet Boarders
- Kennel Operators
- Cattery Operators
- Pet Behaviourists
- Pet Photographers
- Animal Reiki or Massage Therapists
- Small Pet Carers (e.g. rabbits, hamsters)
- Dog Daycare Providers
- Mobile Pet Cleaners
- House Sitters with Pet Duties
- Freelance Veterinary Assistants
- Pet Waste Removal Services
- Equine Walkers (Horse Care Professionals)
- Pet Feeding Services
- Exotic Pet Carers (e.g., reptiles, birds)
- Pet Microchippers
Main Types Of Covers Under Dog Walkers Insurance
Public Liability
Let’s say you’re walking a dog in the park and it suddenly pulls away and knocks over someone jogging past. The person gets injured and their phone breaks. They decide to claim money from you. That’s where public liability dog walker insurance in the UK helps; it covers the cost of compensation and legal fees.
Employer’s Liability
Professional Indemnity
Care, Custody, and Control
Death of an Animal (Non-Negligent Cover)
Veterinary fees
Loss by theft or Straying
Animals in Transit
Optional Add-Ons
Loss of Keys
If you lose a client’s house keys while out walking their dog, it can become a serious and expensive issue. Many pet walkers hold spare keys for regular clients. This add-on helps cover the cost of changing the locks, replacing keys, and even hiring a locksmith if needed.
Loss of Boarding Fees
Let’s say a dog in your care becomes sick, injured, or has to be picked up early for any reason. If the client has already paid for the full service, they might expect a refund. It’s especially useful if you offer dog boarding or daycare. Some insurance companies will even offer Travel Expense Reimbursement if pet owners have to cut their trip short because their pet was stolen or went missing for more than 48 hours while in your care.
Financial Loss
This cover protects you if a client claims they've lost money because of something you did, like cancelling a booking last minute or not showing up as agreed. It’s an important safety net for small dog walking businesses dealing with regular bookings and tight schedules.
Product Liability
If you give or sell items like treats, collars, or toys during your service, product liability coverage is worth having. For example, if a dog has an allergic reaction to a treat you provided, or a lead you gave out breaks and causes injury, you could be held responsible.
Advertising and Rewards
If a dog in your care goes missing, this add-on helps pay for local advertising and reward offers. For example, you can recover costs for printing “lost dog” posters, boosting social media posts, or placing ads in your local paper. It also covers the reward you promise to anyone who finds the dog.
Equipment Insurance
This covers the cost of replacing your dog-walking gear if it gets damaged, lost, or stolen. Think of items like leads, harnesses, treat bags, or even pet carriers. If your walking kit is stolen from a locked car or damaged during a walk, you can claim the cost back.
Legal Expenses
Legal trouble can come out of nowhere, like if a client refuses to pay, blames you for an injury, or accuses you of negligence. This add-on helps cover solicitor fees and court costs if you need legal support. Many insurers even include a 24/7 legal advice line, so you can speak to a professional before things escalate.
Short-term Income Protection
If you injure yourself or fall ill and can’t walk dogs for a few weeks, this add-on helps replace your lost income. For example, if you break your ankle and need 4–6 weeks to recover, this policy can pay you weekly so you can cover rent, bills, and other expenses. It’s especially helpful if you’re self-employed and don’t qualify for Statutory Sick Pay.
Caring For Dogs
With Pre-Existing Conditions
When a dog under your care has pre-existing health issues like arthritis, allergies, old
injuries, or chronic illnesses, you’ll need cover that specifically recognises and addresses this.
A.What Counts As A Pre-Existing Condition?
Any health issue a dog had before your insurance policy started can be seen as a pre-existing condition. This includes things like symptoms, vet visits, treatments, medication, or even advice from a vet.
- Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy): These are long-term health problems that usually need regular treatment or medication for life.
- Historical issues (e.g., a healed ligament injury): If the dog had a health problem in the past but has fully recovered, it might be covered again, but only if a certain amount of time has passed without any symptoms.
- Bilateral conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia in both limbs): Some illnesses can affect both sides of the body. For example, if one hip had an issue, the other might be at risk too. Insurers often handle each side separately.
B.How UK Insurers Handle Them
- Some past health problems (like kennel cough) might be covered again if the dog has had no symptoms for a certain time. But long-term conditions (like arthritis) are usually never covered once diagnosed.
- There are special “pre-existing condition” policies that offer some help. For example, if a dog has been symptom-free for 3 months, many conditions might be covered again.
- For issues that affect both sides of the body (like hip problems), the wait is often 12 months. Full coverage may return after 24 months with no signs of the condition. Most insurers also have a waiting period, usually 14 days, for illnesses.
C.Why It Matters For Dog Walkers?
D.How to Ensure You’re Fully Covered?
- Request full vet history: Before walking any new dog, ask the owner for the dog’s full vet history. Know about any health problems the dog has had or still has, so there are no surprises later.
- Choose specialist policies: Avoid policies that have “care, custody, and control” (CCC) exclusions, as these can stop your claim from being accepted.
How Much Does Dog Walking Insurance Cost?
There’s no fixed amount for any kind of insurance. It depends on different factors and usually varies according to the insurance provider that you choose for your business. However, some insurance providers offer flexible monthly or annual plans to suit small businesses.
What Factors
Might Affect The CostOf My Policy?
- Your Occupation: What you do for a living affects how much you pay for dog handler insurance. If you only walk dogs, the cost may be lower. But if you also offer services like pet sitting, grooming, or dog training, your premium could go up.
- The Covers You Choose: The more things you want your insurance to cover, the more it will cost. For example, most dog handlers need public liability insurance, but you might also want cover for lost keys, injured dogs, or personal accidents. Each extra adds to the price.
- Where You Work: Where you walk dogs can also affect your insurance cost. If you work in a busy city like London, there’s a higher chance of accidents or dogs getting into trouble, so the price might be higher. If you work in quieter areas, it could be cheaper.
- The Number of Employees You Have: If you work alone, your insurance will usually cost less. The more people you employ, the more it can cost, since there’s a higher chance of accidents or claims.
- Your Annual Turnover: How much money your business makes in a year is called your annual turnover. It helps insurers decide the cost of your policy. If you earn more, they assume you’re working with more dogs or clients, which means more risk. That can make your insurance more expensive.
Is Business Insurance For Pet Sitters Legally Required?
In most cases, business insurance for pet sitters is not legally required. But there are some situations where it is required by law.
When Is Insurance Legally Needed?
- If You Hire Staff: You must have Employers’ Liability Insurance. It’s the law. This protects you if a staff member gets hurt or sick while working.
- If You Drive Dogs in Your Car: Then you most probably need commercial vehicle or fleet insurance. You will not be covered with regular car insurance if you’re using your personal car for business.
Why You Should Still Get Insurance
Even if it’s not required by law, having insurance is still a smart move, especially having public liability cover. Here’s why:
- A dog might bite someone during a walk.
- A dog could run off and cause an accident.
- A client could blame you if something goes wrong while you pick up their pup from their home.
How To Get Cheaper Dog Walkers Insurance?
Only Pay for What You Need
Don’t pay for cover you’ll never use. If you’re a solo pet walker or just starting out, stick to the basics, like public liability insurance. Skip add-ons like pet grooming or vehicle cover unless you need them.
Choose a Higher Excess (Deductible)
A simple way to reduce your insurance price is by picking a higher excess. This is the amount you agree to pay if you make a claim. The higher your excess, the lower your monthly or yearly premium. It’s a good option if you’ve never had to claim before or work in a low-risk area.
Pay Annually Instead of Monthly
Paying for your pet walker insurance once a year instead of monthly can save you money. Most of the insurers add extra charges to monthly payments. But if you pay all at once, you avoid those fees.
Take Accredited Pet Care Courses
Taking a pet care or dog first aid course can help you get cheaper insurance. Insurers see trained pet walkers as less risky, so they may lower your price. You can find trusted courses through CPD or the Pet Industry Federation. These courses also make your services look more professional to clients. So, it’s a win-win: better skills and lower insurance costs.
Maintain a Clean Claims History
Insurance companies often give better rates if you’ve never made a claim. It shows you work safely and take good care of the dogs.
- Try to avoid risky situations
- Use leads in busy areas
- Walk only as many dogs as you can handle
- Get written agreements from owners
Join a Professional Dog Walking Association
Joining a dog walking group, like NARPS, can help you get insurance discounts. These groups often team up with insurers to offer cheaper deals to their members. Being part of an official group also shows you take your job seriously and follow good standards. Plus, you might get extra benefits like training or support from other dog handlers.
Ask About No-Claims Discounts or Loyalty Rewards
If you haven’t made any insurance claims, ask your provider about a no-claims discount. Some insurers reward you for being claim-free. Some also offer loyalty discounts if you’ve stayed with them for a few years. These offers aren’t always advertised, so it’s worth asking.
Bundle Policies for Discounts
If you offer more than just dog walking, like pet sitting or training, try bundling all your services under one insurance policy. Many insurance providers give discounts when you combine different types of cover. For example, public liability insurance, coverage for equipment, and personal accident policy can all be part of one plan. It’s cheaper and makes things easier to manage, too.
What Is The Excess Under A Pet Sitter’s Insurance Policy?
It refers to the amount you must pay towards a claim before the insurer covers the rest. The insurance company covers the rest after you’ve paid this amount.
For example, if your policy has a £100 excess and you file a claim worth £500, your insurer will cover £400 while you pay the first £100.
Excess levels can vary. Therefore, it’s crucial to read the policy wording carefully. Some insurers apply different excesses depending on the type of claim.
What Kind Of
Excess Should I Expect?
- Type of Cover: Type of cover simply means the different parts of your dog sitter’s insurance policy, each covering a different kind of risk.
- The Insurer You Choose: Some insurers offer flexible excess options. A higher voluntary excess could reduce your premium, but it means you’ll pay more when claiming.
- Type of Claim: Claims involving third-party injury or property damage may carry different excess amounts than those related to lost keys or vet fees.
Some insurers let you choose a higher excess to lower your monthly cost, but that means if you ever have to make a claim, you would have to pay a larger amount.
What Is Not Included In Insurance?
This insurance can protect you in many situations. But it doesn’t cover everything.
| What’s Not Covered | What That Means |
|---|---|
| Intentional Harm or Carelessness | If you hurt a dog on purpose or act carelessly, your insurance won’t help. |
| Banned Dog Breeds | Dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (like Pit Bulls) are not covered unless you’ve told the insurer and they agree. |
| Extra Services Not Listed | Jobs like grooming or boarding not in your policy aren’t covered, especially if they require a UK license. |
| Injury to Yourself | If you get hurt while working, your policy won’t usually pay unless you have personal accident cover. |
| Losing Clients’ Keys | If you lose a client’s keys, you may not be covered unless you added key cover. |
| Aggressive or Problem Dogs | If a dog with a history of biting or bad behaviour isn’t declared, the insurer can refuse the claim. |
| Property Damage by the Dog | If a dog damages property, it may not be covered unless this is added to your policy. |
| Walking Too Many Dogs | If your policy allows 4 dogs but you take 5, your insurance may not cover problems that occur. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Risks Of Dog Walking?
- Dog fights: Dogs may become aggressive with other dogs or animals during a walk.
- Escaping or running away: A dog could slip out of its lead and get lost or injured.
- Traffic hazards: Busy roads and careless drivers can be dangerous if a dog pulls or runs into the street.
- Injuries: You or the dog might trip, fall, or get hurt during the walk.
- Dog bites: Even friendly dogs can bite if they’re scared, hurt, or startled.
- Weather risks: Walking in extreme heat, cold, or storms can be harmful to both you and the dog.
- Legal responsibility: You could be held liable if a dog causes injury or damage.
- Unpredictable behaviour: Some dogs may react badly to strangers, loud noises, or other pets.
Do You Need A Qualification To Be A Pet Walker?
How Many Dogs Can You Walk?
Some councils have their own rules, especially in busy areas. For example, you may need a license if you want to walk multiple dogs in public parks. If you’re a professional pet sitter, staying within these limits is important for your insurance to stay valid.
What Information Do I Need To Provide To Apply For A Pet Sitter Insurance?
To apply for pet sitters’ insurance, you’ll need to give some simple details about yourself and your business. Here’s what most insurance companies will ask for:
- Your name and business name (if you have one)
- What kind of services do you offer, like pet sitting, dog walking, or feeding visits
- How many pets do you usually look after at one time
- Whether you work alone or have employees
- If you give medication or provide overnight care
What Kind Of Animals Does An Insurance Company Usually Cover?
Insurance companies usually cover pets that are commonly looked after at home. This includes,
- Dogs
- Guinea Pigs
- Cats
- Tarantulas
- Rabbits
- Hamsters
- Other small household animals
If you work as a dog walker, pet sitter, or groomer, these animals are generally included in your coverage. However, if you care for exotic pets like reptiles or birds, you’ll need to check with Direct Line first, as not all animals are automatically covered.
Are There Any Circumstances When You Would Not Cover A Pet Sitter?
Is Dog Walking A Sole Trader Business?
What Specific Animal Boarding Conditions Do I Need To Comply With?
You need to have a valid Animal Boarding Establishment License, which is required by law. The following boarding conditions must also be fulfilled to run your services.
- Sanitised kennelling and biosecurity protocols
- HVAC-compliant ventilation and climate control
- Species-specific housing segregation
- Nutritionally appropriate feeding schedules
- Routine welfare checks and behaviour monitoring
Do You Need Insurance To Be A Dog Walker?
You don’t need special insurance to be a pet sitter. But you still have to follow some important rules.
- If you’re walking several dogs at once or working in public parks, your local council might ask you to get a permit.
- Most councils allow you to walk up to 4–6 dogs at a time.
- Also, having public liability insurance is strongly recommended. It protects you if something happens, like a dog bites someone or causes damage.