Dog Walking Insurance Policy Information
Dog Walking Insurance. If you love dogs, a dog walking business can be a fulfilling endeavor that you can use to augment your existing income or to have a business of your own that generates full-time income for you. While starting such a business is relatively simple, it is nonetheless a serious endeavor.
Dog walkers must be able to take on multiple dogs, and many offer additional pet services, including boarding and grooming. Because pets are so important to your customers, it is important that you also protect your business by purchasing dog walking insurance.
Dog walking insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $27/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked dog walking insurance questions:
- What Is Dog Walking Insurance?
- How Much Does Dog Walking Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Dog Walkers Need Insurance?
- Do Dog Walkers Need To Be Bonded?
- How Do You Find The Best Dog Walking Insurance?
- What Does Dog Walking Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Dog Walking Insurance?
Dog walking insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed specifically for individuals who provide dog walking services. It provides financial protection against accidents, injuries, and liability claims that may arise while walking dogs. This insurance covers the cost of legal fees, medical expenses, and property damage, among other things. The policy can be customized to meet the specific needs of the dog walker, and is typically available as an add-on to general liability insurance.
How Much Does Dog Walking Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small dog walkers ranges from $27 to $39 per month based on location, number of canines walked, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Dog Walkers Need Insurance?
Dog walking insurance protects the dogs that you care for and walk and also protects the business from liability. Working with multiple dogs at once increases your chances of liability if a dog is injured by another dog while you're caring for the dogs.
Having dog walking insurance in place also helps to enhance your reputation as a professional dog walker and gives clients peace of mind in hiring you and trusting you with their dogs.
Dog walking insurance is not a common insurance product, so it can be difficult to find a policy that works for you. Work with a licensed agent to find a company willing to write the policy you need.
Do Dog Walkers Need To Be Bonded?
After obtaining insurance for your dog walking business, check into bonding options and requirements in your locale. You may need to receive a fidelity bond that protects your business from lawsuits and claims arising from your actions or those of your employees.
Even in states where bonding is optional for dog walking businesses, consider applying for bonding anyway. This shows your clients that they can trust you, and that if any sort of fraudulent activity occurs, they can have peace of mind in knowing that they can seek compensation.
Some states may require bonding prior to registration of the business, and liability insurance is required in some areas. The added expense is worth the security such policies provide.
How Do You Find The Best Dog Walking Insurance?
To find a reliable company selling insurance policies and offering business bonds, check with:
- Commercial insurance agents. These agents can shop with multiple companies, so you can get the most unbiased feedback and advice and gain the ability to compare rates among top companies.
- Attorneys. Discuss liability concerns with an attorney to find out how much insurance you may need and the risks involved in operating a small business.
- Financial advisors. Most financial advisors can connect you with an insurance agent who can help you find the right level of coverage for your particular situation.
Tips for Dog Walkers from the ASPCA
Dog walkers can have more success when they follow these tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:
- In parks, use flexible leashes, but avoid these types of leashes in high-traffic locations. The use of these leashes prevent the dog from getting away from the walker, so it stays safe.
- For dogs that tend to get away from their walkers, a metal lead is a good option, although they are hard to handle and a bit heavy.
- Avoid wildlife by walking dogs in the early morning or in the evening. This lessens a dog's natural urge to chase small animals.
- Steer clear of flower beds and grass during warmer months of the year, since dogs may ingest certain flowers or be exposed to insecticides that may be harmful to them.
- Bring along extra waste bags, treats, and water for the dog.
Starting A Dog Walking Business
Before taking on your first furry clients, protect yourself and your business with dog walking insurance.
Prior to starting a dog walking business, it is imperative to research the market to make a determination as to whether the business would thrive in your particular area. This lessens any frustration or failures down the road.
Ask around to see if people are willing to pay for dog walking services. Take to social media or email to conduct a survey of interest in the community. If there is interest for dog walkers and people need the service, your chances for success are heightened.
Be sure to follow local regulations in regards to registering your dog walking business. Open a business banking account, and determine a proper recordkeeping method for the business.
What Does Dog Walking Insurance Cover & Pay For?
Dog walkers may be sued for a variety of reasons, including:
Dog bites: If a dog bites a person or another dog while under the care of a dog walker, the owner of the dog may sue the dog walker for damages. In this case, the dog walker's liability insurance can help pay for any legal fees or damages awarded.
Negligence: If a dog walker is negligent in their duties and a dog is injured or becomes ill as a result, the dog's owner may sue the dog walker. Liability insurance can help pay for legal fees and damages awarded in such cases.
Property damage: If a dog under the care of a dog walker damages property, such as a neighbor's fence or lawn, the owner of the property may sue the dog walker. Liability insurance can help cover the cost of legal fees and damages awarded.
Breach of contract: If a dog walker fails to provide the agreed-upon services or violates the terms of their contract, the dog's owner may sue for breach of contract. Liability insurance can help pay for any legal fees or damages awarded.
Lost or stolen dogs: If a dog under the care of a dog walker is lost or stolen, the dog's owner may sue the dog walker for damages. Liability insurance can help cover the cost of legal fees and damages awarded.
In all of these cases, liability insurance can provide protection for dog walkers by covering legal fees and damages awarded in the event of a lawsuit. It is important for dog walkers to have liability insurance to protect themselves and their business.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 0752 Animal Specialty Services, Except Veterinary
- NAICS CODE: 812910 Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services
Description for 0752: Animal Specialty Services, Except Veterinary
Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 07: Agricultural Services | Industry Group 075: Animal Services, Except Veterinary
0752 Animal Specialty Services, Except Veterinary: Establishments primarily engaged in performing services, except veterinary, for pets, equines, and other animal specialties.
- Animal shelters
- Artificial insemination services: animal specialties
- Boarding horses
- Boarding kennels
- Breeding of animals, other than cattle hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry
- Dog grooming
- Dog pounds
- Honey straining on the farm
- Pedigree record services for pets and other animal specialties
- Showing of pets and other animal specialties
- Training horses, except racing
- Training of pets and other animal specialties
- Vaccinating pets and other animal specialties, except by veterinarians
Dog Walking Insurance - The Bottom Line
After researching your needs, be sure to compare different dog walking insurance policies to find the right policy for your budget, based on the coverage you need and your level of risk acceptance.
Additional Resources For Additional Resources For Children & Pet / Dog Care Insurance
Discover what small business commercial insurance policies cover for children and pet related businesses.
- Day Care Insurance
- Dog Walking
- Kennels
- Pet Groomer
- Pet Sitting
- Preschools
- Specialty Animals And Birds
Children
A childcare center needs insurance for several reasons. First and foremost, insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances.
For example, if a child is injured while at the daycare, the center could be held liable for medical expenses and other damages. Insurance can help to cover these costs, protecting the daycare and its owners from financial ruin.
In addition to protecting against financial risk, insurance can also help to protect the reputation of the daycare. If an accident or injury occurs, the media and public may become involved, potentially damaging the reputation of the daycare. Insurance can help to mitigate this risk by providing support and resources to handle the situation.
Finally, many states and localities have laws and regulations that require daycare centers to have certain types of insurance coverage. For example, some states require daycare centers to have liability insurance to cover the costs of accidents and injuries that occur on the property. Failing to carry the required insurance could result in fines or other penalties.
Pet Related
Pet related businesses, such as pet stores, grooming salons, and animal hospitals, need insurance for a number of reasons. These businesses often handle a large volume of dogs, cats and other animals and can be prone to accidents and unexpected events.
For example, a pet store may be sued if an animal becomes sick or injured after being purchased from the store. An animal hospital may be sued if a pet owner believes their animal received inadequate care. A grooming salon may be sued if an animal is injured during grooming.
In these situations, insurance can provide financial protection for the business and help cover the cost of legal fees and settlements.
