Dog Walking Insurance For Independent Walkers And Pet Pros 
What types of insurance does a dog walking business need?
Protect Your Business With Trusted Dog Walker Insurance Coverage
Working with pets means unpredictable situations, from dog bites to lost keys or property damage. Dog walking insurance helps protect your business from liability claims, injuries, and accidents that can happen on the job. Whether you’re a solo walker or run a team, the right dog walker insurance gives you peace of mind while you care for your clients’ furry companions.
Business Owners Policy Insurance
Business owners policy insurance bundles commercial property insurance and general liability insurance coverages into one affordable package for small and mid-sized companies.
Best for
Customer bodily injuries
Damaged client property
Repair stolen property
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance is essential for small businesses looking to protect themselves against common risks like bodily injury, property damage, and legal claims.
Best for
Slip-and-fall accidents
Damage to a customer's property
Claims of advertising injury
Workers Compensation Insurance
Required by law in many states, workers compensation insurance helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for on-the job injuries
Best for
Injuries sustained while working
Work-related illnesses
Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, is designed to protect your small business from claims of negligence, missed deadlines, or unsatisfactory work.
Best for
Claims of missed deadlines
Lawsuits of inaccurate advice
Claims of misrepresentation
Cyber Insurance
Cyber insurance protects against the financial fallout of stolen data, system outages, and regulatory fines. It's strongly recommended if your businesses handles credit card numbers, email addresses, and other personal information.
Best for
Protect against hacking
Covering breach notification costs
Protections against malware
Commercial Auto Insurance
Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of accidents involving a vehicle owned by your business. Most states require this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.
Best for
Bodily injury in accidents
Property damage in accidents
Protections against uninsured motorists
What Does Dog Walking Business Insurance Cover?
Dog walking business insurance includes a range of coverages, including dog walking liability insurance. These policies help safeguard your finances and give clients confidence in your services. Important types of coverage to consider for your dog walking business include:
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General Liability Insurance – Covers third-party injuries and property damage.
- Business Owners Policy– General liability and business equipment coverage all in one.
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Professional Liability Insurance – Protects against claims of negligence or missed services.
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Animal Bailee Coverage – Covers costs if a pet in your care is lost, stolen, or injured.
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Workers’ Compensation – Required if you employ walkers, covering medical expenses and lost wages for job-related injuries.
Why Is Dog Walker Insurance Important?
Dog walker insurance is essential for anyone who wants to run a safe, professional, and trustworthy pet care business. It protects you from the risks that come with working with animals and entering clients’ homes, while also showing pet owners that you take your responsibilities seriously.
Here’s why having coverage matters:
- Client Requirements: Many clients and dog-walking services require proof of insurance before they will hire you, making coverage an important part of building your business.
- Business Protection: Accidents can be expensive. Insurance helps cover medical bills, legal fees, and property repairs so you do not have to pay out of pocket.
- Animal Behavior Risks: Even the most well-trained pets can behave unpredictably, and insurance helps you stay prepared.
- Dog Bites and Injuries: A dog might bite another animal, a passerby, or even you, leading to costly claims.
- Property Damage: Pets can scratch floors, chew furniture, or damage landscaping while in your care.
- Lost or Stolen Pets: Escaped or stolen dogs can result in expensive claims and damage to your reputation.
- Injuries to Walkers: Slips, falls, or leash pulls can cause medical expenses and lost income.
- Client Disputes: Claims of negligence or service issues can quickly turn into lawsuits, and insurance can help you navigate them.
With the right dog walker insurance, you can protect your finances, safeguard your business, and give clients peace of mind knowing their pets are in responsible hands.
How Much Is Dog Walker Insurance?
Dog walker insurance costs can vary, but generally, Gild Insurance customers’ policy coverages start at $250 annually.
Here are a few factors that influence dog walker insurance:
- Location
- Services offered
- Business size and revenue
- Employee count
- Claims history
The best way to find your dog walker insurance cost is to get a free, online quote in minutes!
Why Choose Gild For Dog Walking Insurance?
At Gild, we focus exclusively on small businesses. That means every policy, recommendation, and conversation is tailored to the unique needs of business owners like you. Our goal is to make insurance simple, affordable, and effective so you can focus on growing your pet service business with confidence.
Here’s why dog walkers choose us for dog walking insurance:
- Hassle-Free Experience: Get your free, online quote in minutes!
- Tailored Coverage: We design policies specifically for small businesses, whether you are a solo walker or managing a small team.
- Affordable Protection: We compare options from top carriers to deliver comprehensive coverage that fits your budget.
- Small Business Expertise: Because we only insure small businesses, we understand your challenges and build solutions that truly protect you.
Get the Best Dog Walking Insurance Today!
Don’t wait for an unexpected incident to put your dog walking business at risk. With dog walking insurance from Gild, you get more than a policy. You get a partner who understands the work you do and helps you protect the pets you care for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dog walkers manage live animals, keys, and daily interaction with the public, which brings unique risks. Core coverages include:
- General Liability – Protects against claims if a dog under your care injures someone or damages property.
- Animal Bailee Coverage – Specialized protection for veterinary bills if a pet is injured, lost, or stolen while in your care.
- Commercial Property Insurance – Covers office or business equipment if you operate from a physical location.
- Workers’ Compensation – Required in most states if you employ staff; covers injuries like bites, slips, or strains.
- Professional Liability Insurance – Protects against claims of negligence or missed services.
- Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) – Bundles property and liability protection for small pet care businesses.
How much does dog walking insurance cost?
On average, Gilders pay between $500-$1200 a year for protection.
Cost can vary depending on your:
- Location
- Size
- Value of Equipment and Tools
Gild will work with you to find the right tailored coverage that fits your budget and your needs
Does dog wlaking insurance cover pet injuries, property damage, or lost keys while walking?
Yes, with the right coverage in place:
- Animal Bailee covers injuries or loss of the dogs themselves.
- General Liability covers damage to client property, such as scratched flooring or broken items.
- Key and Lock Replacement Endorsements can cover the cost of lost or stolen keys, an important risk in pet services.
These protections ensure peace of mind for both pet owners and your business.
Do dog walking businesses need workers’ compensation insurance?
Yes! If you hire employees, most states legally require you to carry workers’ compensation. This coverage is essential in the pet care industry because:
- Injury Protection – Covers medical bills and lost wages if an employee is bitten, pulled by a dog, or injured while walking pets.
- Legal Compliance – Workers’ comp laws vary by state, but nearly all require coverage for businesses with employees.
- Business Stability – Protects your business from lawsuits tied to workplace injuries.
Even if you work alone, some dog walkers choose occupational accident coverage as an alternative, so they are protected if they get hurt on the job.
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