Dog walking insurance

Dog walking insurance is a type of business liability insurance that protects professional dog walkers from risks such as third-party bodily injury and property damage during dog walks. Most U.S.

Providers, including Pet Care Insurance and PCI Insurance, require policies to include general liability coverage with limits typically ranging from $1 million to $2 million per occurrence. Dog walking insurance policies commonly cover incidents like dogs biting strangers or damaging client property while under the walker’s supervision.

Insurers calculate premiums based on the number of employees, number of dogs walked at once, and annual revenue–for example, solo walkers can expect to pay around $150–$250 annually for basic coverage. Many clients in cities like New York or San Francisco require proof of dog walking insurance before hiring services.

Policies frequently offer optional add-ons, such as care, custody, and control (CCC) endorsements, which cover vet bills if a walker accidentally injures a dog. Some insurers reimburse lost key expenses up to $2,000 if keys are lost during pet visits or walks.

Dog walking insurance may include legal defense costs if lawsuits arise from injuries or damages involving clients’ pets or third parties, as indicated by YourInsuranceInfo. Coverage often extends to both on-leash and off-leash activities within policy limits stated by companies like Verifly or Pet Sitters Associates.

Workers’ compensation coverage is excluded from standard dog walking policies but available as a separate purchase for businesses with employees in states such as California and Texas. Dog walking insurance specifically excludes intentional acts of harm, criminal conduct, and contractual liabilities not covered by policy wording; exclusions are detailed in documentation provided by major insurers.