How Much Does Dog Walking Insurance Cost?
The best insurance policies for dog walkers average anywhere from $300 to $600 per year.
You can find a basic dog walking policy for under $150 per year, but keep in mind: cheap insurance can often mean less comprehensive coverage and much lower benefit payouts. Saving money may not be worth it if you don’t cover all of your legal exposures.
How To Get Bonded And Insured For Dog Walking
Not all insurance companies offer dog walking policies, but more are entering the arena as professional dog walking continues to grow. The best way to find reliable insurance coverage is to do your research.
We recommend Pet Care Insurance via Veracity Insurance Solutions and Lloyds of London. You can also ask fellow dog walkers what they use and consult with a local insurance professional.
In addition to dog walking business insurance, you need to look into bonding requirements in your area. Many companies that offer dog walking or pet sitting insurance also provide bonding.
First, what is bonding? In general terms, bonding is a type of insurance that protects your customers against any losses caused by the contractor (the walker). Specifically, being bonded as a dog walker provides your clients compensation in the event of theft or property damage.
Bonding requirements vary by state. Some states require bonding before you can even register your business or purchase insurance. Even if it’s optional in your state, you should still get bonded. Why?
Purchasing a pet sitting bond is an excellent business practice. Being bonded helps assure potential clients that you’re trustworthy and you won’t abuse your access to their home or the well-being of a family member.
TIP: If you have employees, you should obtain a fidelity bond to protect you as a business owner. This type of bond covers you against any losses resulting from dishonest acts by your dog walking staff.
How much does dog walking insurance cost?
Your job is to help exercise pups of all sizes and temperaments. When you’re working, you’re responsible for the dogs and everything they do. That’s why every dog walker needs general liability insurance.
Your dog walking business profit depends on how many dogs you can safely walk and how often clients book your services. You don’t necessarily need constant, ongoing coverage, especially during lulls in your usual work schedule. Thankfully, you have more options than the traditional, annual insurance coverage. With Thimble’s on-demand Dog Walking Insurance, you can purchase insurance by the hour, day, week, or month.
General liability insurance cost for dog walkers – Here are the median costs of general liability insurance for dog walkers, based on our policies sold:
Now that you know how much you should budget insurance, you may be wondering if this expense is really necessary? Next, we’ll dig into how dog walking insurance can benefit your business.
Insurance for Pet Sitting Businesses
When you run a dog walking or pet sitting business, there are many risks that you must be prepared for. From a cat suffering an injury while in your care to a dog escaping and hurting a passerby, animals can be unpredictable and add to the hazards your business faces. With a careful selection of business insurance, you can ensure that your company is financially shielded from common risks.