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Dog walking insurance provides vital protection for pet care professionals. This specialised coverage can safeguard you against potential risks and liabilities associated with managing dogs while out and about.
Key components:
Accident and injury insurance
Third-party property damage coverage
Dog walking insurance can shield you from the financial consequences of dog-related accidents, injuries to pedestrians, or property damage. By securing comprehensive insurance, you will be able to demonstrate professional responsibility and protect your business from legal and financial risks.
The best insurance for dog walkers is made up of different policy elements, which combine to make sure you’re thoroughly protected.
Public liability is important as your business involves being outside, meeting other people and other pets.
You’ll also need employers' liability insurance if you hire any staff, even on an ad hoc basis, unless they are members of your immediate family.
It's also worth considering personal accident cover in case you suffer an injury during a walk. Likewise, business equipment cover is worth having if you have specialist equipment, such as a car dog crate and a laptop to manage bookings. Speaking of tech, if you hold your clients’ personal details online, then cyber insurance might also be useful.
Types of cover to consider
Types of cover to consider
Public liability
Public liability insurance for dog walkers is important because it’ll cover you if a pet gets harmed in your care. It also covers claims made against you by the public for accidental injury or property damage.
Business equipment
To run a successful dog walking business you'll need a lot of equipment, from leads and appropriate clothing to toys and waste bags. You might also use certain technology to run your business, for example a phone or laptop to take and track bookings. This insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacements if this equipment gets damaged, lost or stolen.
Personal accident
Dog walking involves a lot of time outside, so it's a good idea to be prepared if something happens during the walk. This cover can protect you by paying compensation for loss of earnings if you get injured during a walk and can't work.
Employers' liability
Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement if you employ any staff – temporary, part- or full-time – who aren’t immediate family members. This covers the legal and compensation costs associated with claims made by employees.
Dog walking insurance is essential for protecting your business against potential risks, such as unexpected vet bills or legal fees if a dog is lost or injured while in your care. Without this coverage, you could face significant financial setbacks that could damage your business.
Additionally, having insurance can enhance your credibility and reassure customers, as many will only trust a dog walker with the proper insurance in place. It demonstrates that you take your responsibilities seriously and are prepared to handle any unforeseen incidents, ultimately fostering customer confidence and loyalty.
How can I choose the right dog walking insurance?
Choosing the right insurance is an important part of running your business successfully, so here are some key points to consider.
Think about what cover you need
Compare policies
Review documents
Most dog walking insurance starts at approximately £7.86 a month, but the price can vary quite a bit – with factors such as the cover you choose, your location, employee count and turnover affecting how much you’ll pay. It’s important to be honest about this information as it could cause issues at a later date if you aren't.
Here are some real-life examples of quotes for dog walking insurance:
Dog walking insurance policies won’t cover everything. Potential exclusions or costs you may remain liable for include:
Any animal scheduled under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act (DWAA)
Any excess applicable
Walking more dogs than is specifically outlined in the original policy
Always check your own policy documents for a full list of exclusions.
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