Get a Dog Walker Insurance Quote

What is dog walker insurance?

This type of insurance coverage protects professional dog-walkers from a variety of risks innate to the business, such as personal injury, professional liability and property damage.

The coverage provided by dog walker insurance policies encompass you and any employees you may have, the dogs you walk, as well as damages caused by either party.

What does dog walker insurance cover my business for?

Dog walker insurance covers a combination of hazards related to the animals themselves, third-party injury and property damage, property damage suffered by your clients, and professional indemnity for you and any employees you may have.

What does dog walker insurance cover my business for?

Dog walker insurance covers a combination of hazards related to the animals themselves, third-party injury and property damage, property damage suffered by your clients, and professional indemnity for you and any employees you may have.

What insurance coverage add-ons are recommended for dog walkers?

In addition to standard coverage, dog-walkers may consider the following add-ons to enhance their protection:

• Commercial auto insurance: If you use your vehicle to get to your clients' homes, or if you take your dogs in your own vehicle at any point, your personal auto insurance coverage may not be sufficient. Adding additional coverage to your vehicle as part of your business insurance policy will be necessary.
• Tools and equipment insurance: If you have your own leashes and toys that you take out on walks, this coverage may reimburse you if they are stolen or damaged.
• Loss of key coverage: This is a popular add-on for dog-walkers, which covers the cost of replacing keys if they are lost or stolen during your work.
• Employee liability: If you employ staff, this will cover claims made by employees for injuries or illnesses sustained while working for you.

How much does dog walker insurance cost in Canada?

The average dog-walker pays somewhere between $300 and $750 each year for their insurance coverage. These figures may or may not be applicable to you and your business, as there are numerous variables that will determine the premiums for each specific dog-walker.

Your location, the number of clients you have and the equipment and vehicles you use will all impact the amount you pay for insurance coverage.

What factors determine the cost of dog walker insurance rates?

Several factors influence the cost of dog walker insurance rates, including:

• Business size and revenue: Larger businesses with higher revenue may face higher premiums.
• Number of employees: More employees can increase the risk and cost of insurance.
• Coverage limits: Higher coverage limits will result in higher premiums.
• Claim history: A history of previous claims can affect your insurance rates.
• Location: The area where you operate your business can also impact the cost.

How does dog walker insurance work?

Dog-walker insurance can protect your business in several ways. Here are some examples of how it works.

Third-party liability: Let's say one of the dogs in your care lunges at someone biking by you on the sidewalk, causing them to fall. Your insurance would protect you from liability claims made by the injured party.

Veterinary expenses: If one of the dogs you walk suffers an injury while out on a walk, and you added veterinary expenses coverage to your base policy, you'll be covered for the veterinary bills.

Professional liability: If one of your clients claims that their dog was returned with an injury or was mistreated in some way, or if you failed to provide adequate services, and they decide to sue you, your insurance will help with the legal fees.

Property damage: If one of your dogs causes damage to another person's property while out for a walk, your coverage will cover some of the reimbursement cost.

Injuries while walking: Let's say you slip on an ice patch while walking a client's dog and break your wrist. Your dog-walker insurance will cover some of the medical expenses associated with your injury.

How to get the cheapest dog walker insurance quote

To secure the most affordable dog walker insurance quote, consider the following tips:

• Shop around: Different insurance companies assess risk differently. That means the price you get from one provider may not be the same price you get from another carrier. The best way to find the lowest price is to get multiple quotes.
• Bundle policies: Some insurers offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies together.
• Increase deductibles: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium costs, but this does mean that you'll pay more out of pocket when filing a claim.
• Figure out what you need and don't need: Sure, you want to make sure that you're protected against any perils that may arise, but you also don't want to pay for coverages you don't need. When getting dog-walker insurance, speak to your broker or insurance rep to make sure you're not paying for irrelevant protections.