As a dog walker, you're not just taking care of furry friends, you're also running a business. Dog walkers insurance is a must-have to protect both your business and the pets in your care. Without it, you could face financial ruin and even lose your business if something goes wrong.
Most dog walkers insurance policies cover accidents or injuries that may occur while walking dogs, including slips, trips, and falls. This is crucial because even a minor accident can lead to costly medical bills and lost income.
In the UK, for example, the average cost of a dog walker insurance policy is around £150-£200 per year. This may seem like a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected in case something goes wrong.
You can also choose to add additional coverage to your policy, such as public liability insurance, which can help protect you in case a dog escapes and causes damage to someone else's property.
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Insurance Types
General liability insurance is a must-have for dog walkers, especially those who own a business or work on a freelance basis. This type of insurance protects against accidents or injuries that may occur while walking dogs, and it's becoming increasingly important for pet owners to ensure that their dog walker has this coverage.
Liability insurance is necessary due to the high-risk nature of pet care. As a dog walker, you're responsible for the safety and well-being of the dogs in your care, and accidents can happen even with the best intentions.
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Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is a must-have for dog walkers, and here's why. General liability insurance covers your business' legal liabilities to third parties, which means you're protected if someone sues you for an incident involving their pet.
The costs of general liability insurance for dog walkers vary, but you can expect to pay between $500,000 to $1 million per occurrence, and $500,000 to $2 million in aggregate policy limits. Some policies may have a deductible, but it's not always the case - in fact, some policies have a $0 deductible.
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Having general liability insurance is crucial, especially if you're working with multiple pet owners. It's not uncommon for dog walkers to think they don't need insurance, but the consequences can be severe if something goes wrong. One case highlighted in the article shows a dog walker who was sued after a dog in their care was injured, and they had to pay for all veterinary fees out of pocket.
Here are some key things to know about liability insurance for dog walkers:
- Per occurrence limit: $500,000 to $1 million
- Aggregate policy limit: $500,000 to $2 million
- Deductible: $0 (or $100,000 to $1 million, depending on the policy)
If you're a dog walker, it's essential to get a quote for liability insurance that fits your business needs. You can start an instant quote online, and if you like what you see, you can adjust the package limits to fit your preferences and make your purchase.
Insurance Costs
Dog walker insurance can cost as little as $8.33 per month, but the exact price will vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs.
The cost of General Liability insurance for dog walkers can range from $500,000 to $1 million per occurrence, and $500,000 to $2 million aggregate policy limit.
You may not have to pay a deductible if you make a claim, or it could be as high as $100,000 to $1 million, depending on your policy.
Workers' Compensation insurance costs 30% of customers between $30 to $54 on average per month, and can help pay for medical bills and lost wages if an employee suffers an injury on the job.
The median cost of Workers' Compensation insurance for dog walkers is $75 per month, and coverage and benefits are paid out according to state laws.
To get a quote for dog walker business insurance, start an instant quote and answer some basic questions about your business and operations, which will be used to create a customized insurance quote.
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Insurance Options
Customized packages are available to suit your business needs, with the option to pay only for the coverage you want.
General liability insurance can help protect you in case of bodily injury or damage to someone else or their property. This is a crucial aspect of dog walking, as accidents can happen even with the best care.
Workers' compensation insurance is also essential, as it can help protect you if your employee has a workplace injury or work-related illness. This is a must-have for dog walkers who hire staff.
Commercial property insurance can help protect you if you own your own building, lease property, or work from home. This is a great option for dog walkers who have a dedicated workspace.
You can choose from three packages: Basic, Pro, and Pro+, each offering different levels of coverage. The cost of your policy will depend on your specific needs, with prices ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
Here's a brief overview of the packages:
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is a must-have for dog walkers, as it protects you from liability claims in case of accidents or injuries. This can give you peace of mind and financial security.
You can choose from customized packages that offer a combination of coverage, including General Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Commercial Property. These coverages can help protect you from various risks, such as bodily injury or damage to someone else's property.
The cost of insurance can vary depending on your policy and business needs. For example, the monthly General Liability insurance costs can range from $500,000 to $1 million, depending on your policy.
Here are some common insurance coverages and their typical costs:
Keep in mind that these costs are estimates and may vary depending on your business and policy specifics.
Specified All Risks
Specified All Risks insurance is a type of coverage that protects mobile businesses from accidental damage to equipment.
This type of insurance is particularly important for dog walkers, as they often transport equipment such as grooming tools, dryers, and agility equipment to different locations.
For example, if a dog walker's equipment gets damaged while in transit, Specified All Risks insurance can cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Mobile businesses that require this type of coverage include dog walkers with equipment such as grooming equipment, dryers, baths, and agility equipment.
Here are some examples of equipment that may be covered under Specified All Risks insurance:
- Grooming equipment
- Dryers
- Baths
- Agility equipment
This type of insurance provides peace of mind for mobile business owners, knowing that their equipment is protected against accidental damage.
What Coverage Entails
Insurance coverage for dog walkers is designed to protect against liability claims such as third-party bodily harm, property damage, personal injury, or environmental damage.
Having liability insurance is crucial because animals can be unpredictable, and accidents can happen to you, another person, or another dog while in your care.
Liability insurance can help cover you in instances where a dog damages private or public property, injures another dog on a walk, or causes an injury to another individual.
You may also receive animal bailee or veterinary expense reimbursement coverage as part of your insurance package, which will cover you in the event that a dog gets injured or dies while in your care.
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Here are some examples of what liability insurance can cover:
- Third-party bodily harm
- Property damage
- Personal injury
- Environmental damage
Insurance policies can also provide coverage for veterinary expenses, such as if a dog breaks its leg while in your care.
The cost of liability insurance varies, but you can expect to pay between $500,000 and $1 million, depending on your policy.
By having liability insurance, you can protect yourself and your business from potential claims and expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of starting a dog walking business?
Starting a dog walking business comes with risks, including potential harm to dogs in your care, injury to others, and damage to property. Understanding these risks is crucial to running a safe and successful business.
What insurance is needed for dog walking?
Third-party liability insurance is required for dog walkers to cover potential injuries to others. This insurance also specifies the number of dogs the walker can exercise at one time
Are dog walkers liable?
Yes, dog walkers can be held liable for a dog's actions while in their care. They share responsibility with the dog's owner under the law.
Sources
- Dog Walking Insurance (petplansanctuary.co.uk)
- Pet Business Insurance Options (petsitllc.com)
- PetCareIns.com (petcareins.com)
- KennelPro.net (kennelpro.net)
- ChoicePlusIs.com (choiceplusis.com)
- Mourer-Foster, Inc. Kennel Pro (kennelpro.net)
- Choice Plus Insurance Services (choiceplusis.com)
- Dog Walker Insurance Cost - June 2024 (nextinsurance.com)
- Dog Walking Insurance: Why You Need To Be Insured (jauntin.com)
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