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What is dog walker insurance?

Being a dog-walker can be a joyful occupation. Getting to spend time with a variety of dogs, learning their personalities and traits, and seeing them get all excited when you're out and about is a lot of fun. But even enjoyable occupations can pose risks, and your canine clients do not make for an exception.

In fact, working with animals lends an element of unpredictability to your occupation. Some may be prone to testing the tactile integrity of your leash, bolting at everything that moves. Others may not be so good around strangers or other dogs and be a threat to bite.

For these and all other potential perils a dog-walker faces, there's dog walker insurance. Dog walker insurance is a policy designed to protect you, your clients and your business from financial perils caused by injury or property damage.

This customizable product can be amended to provide the protection you and your business need most, without forcing you to get coverage types that aren't relevant. Read on to learn more about how dog walker insurance works.

What dog walker insurance includes

Though a dog walker insurance policy can be personalized to meet the specific perils relevant to your specific business, a standard policy is made up from the following coverages.

• General liability: This form of coverage protects against third-party claims for property damage or physical injury. If, for example, a dog that you're walking destroys a mailbox or bites a child, the cost for replacement or legal fees will be provided by your insurer.
• Professional liability: Similar to general liability, professional liability protects you from claims of injury damage and more. The difference is that it protects against client claims of negligence. Let's say, for example, a dog in your care escapes because you are using an old, frayed leash, and your client sues you. It's professional liability, not general liability, that provides financial support.
• Animal bailee coverage: This type of insurance helps pay for veterinary expenses if one of the dogs you walk is injured or gets sick in your care.

Recommended add-ons for dog walker insurance coverage

A standard dog walker insurance policy will include general and professional liability, as well as animal bailee coverage. But, add-ons are available for those who desire a more comprehensive form of protection.

• Commercial auto insurance: If you use a vehicle for your business, this insurance covers accidents or damages that occur while transporting pets. For example, if you drive pets from a client's home to a park, then your personal auto insurance coverage won't be enough.
• Equipment coverage: This protects your business gear—like leashes, carriers, and other equipment—against theft or damage. Because this coverage will carry a deductible, it's only advisable for dog-walkers who have expensive items they want to protect.

Other add-ons are available, based on the needs of your business. If you have concerns about the extent of your coverage, speak with your insurance provider to see what can be tacked on to your existing policy.

Common types of dog walker insurance claims

Dog walker insurance packages are designed to address the most common types of claims made by the industry's professionals. These claims include:

• Injury to pets: Accidents can occur, even with careful handling. Dog walker insurance makes sure you can afford necessary veterinary care.
• Property damage: Dogs can be unpredictable and may damage a client’s property, which would be covered under your general liability policy.
• Bodily injury: If a dog you’re walking bites someone or causes injury, liability insurance can cover medical expenses and legal fees.

There are, of course, numerous other outcomes that may result in an insurance claim. This is just a non-exhaustive list demonstrating how an insurance policy can be beneficial.

How much does dog walker insurance cost?

Most dog-walkers in Canada will pay about $250 to $600 per year for insurance coverage (more if commercial auto insurance is required). However, this range will not be applicable to all dog-walkers.

There are numerous factors that influence how much insurance costs for a given business. Things like the number of clients you have, the location you operate in, the revenue you generate and the coverage limits you want, will all have an impact.

Another major factor is how many employees you have, if any besides yourself. Businesses with multiple employees tend to pay more for insurance than sole proprietors.

To see how much dog walker insurance will cost you, get an online quote.

Dog walker insurance in Canada: what you need to know

Insurance is not mandatory for Canadian dog-walkers, but getting coverage is advisable. Compared to other industries, insurance protection is inexpensive, and having a safety net while working with animals is highly advisable.

Insurance can also be an asset when adding a prospective client, since some people will want proof of insurance before leaving their dog in your care.

Also, keep in mind that insurance packages are customizable. If you provide services beyond just walking dogs - e.g. you provide grooming or pet-sitting services - then you may require additional types of coverage to safely operate.

The best way to understand the right coverages for your business is to speak with an insurance provider upon getting a quote.