Dog Walking Liability Insurance: Why It’s a Business Necessity

Choosing the right dog walking liability insurance ensures protection for you, your clients, and their pets. Knowing the differences between general and professional liability insurance helps you make the best choice for your business. In this blog, we’ll explore these coverage options, explain their importance, and show how Gild Insurance helps you find the right coverage.

Understanding General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance covers physical injuries and property damage caused to third parties during your dog walking services. This insurance protects you from common incidents such as:

• Dog Bites & Injuries: If a dog under your care bites a passerby, your general liability policy covers medical costs.
• Property Damage: If a dog knocks over and breaks an expensive vase in a client’s home, this coverage handles repair or replacement costs.
• Third-Party Injuries: If a client or pedestrian trips over a leash while you’re walking a dog and gets injured, general liability covers their medical bills.

Why It’s Important: Many locations and clients require general liability insurance before hiring dog walkers. It provides peace of mind for both you and your clients, ensuring financial protection in case of unexpected accidents.

Understanding Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, protects you against claims related to mistakes, negligence, or failure to perform services properly. This insurance covers:

• Negligence Claims: If a client claims you forgot to secure their pet’s leash properly and their dog runs away or gets injured, professional liability insurance covers legal and medical costs.
• Failure to Provide Services: If you miss a scheduled visit, and the pet suffers due to lack of care, this coverage helps protect you from claims.
• Miscommunication Issues: If a dog needs medication and a mistake occurs in administering the correct dosage, professional liability insurance covers potential medical expenses and legal claims.

Why It’s Important: While general liability covers physical damages, professional liability protects against financial losses due to service errors. Carrying both types of coverage ensures full protection for your business.

Why Dog Walkers Need Both Types of Coverage

Relying on just one type of insurance leaves gaps in your coverage. General liability insurance covers damages if a dog in your care bites someone or destroys property, but it won’t help if a client claims negligence due to a missed appointment or incorrect medication administration. Likewise, professional liability covers service-related mistakes but won’t pay for third-party injuries or property damage.

By carrying both general and professional liability insurance, you protect your business from a full range of risks—from accidental injuries to claims of service failures. This comprehensive protection sets professional dog walkers apart and gives clients confidence in your services.

At Gild Insurance, we provide customized policies that combine both types of coverage, ensuring complete protection.

How Gild Insurance Simplifies the Process

Navigating dog walking liability insurance options can feel overwhelming, but Gild Insurance simplifies the process. Our team understands the unique risks dog walkers face and provides tailored solutions to fit your business needs.

• Tailored Coverage: We offer bundled plans that include both general liability and professional liability coverage.
• Affordable Pricing: Our plans fit small business budgets without sacrificing protection.
• Expert Guidance: Our specialists help you choose the best policy based on your services and risks.

Protect Your Business with the Right Coverage

Carrying the right insurance isn’t just a safety net; it’s a professional standard that builds trust with your clients. Gild Insurance ensures you carry the proper protection so you can focus on growing your dog walking business with confidence.

Contact Gild Insurance today to discuss your coverage options and get a customized plan that fits your needs!