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4 dog-walking insurance claims totaling more than $74K

More than $74K paid out on just four dog-walking insurance claims...Dog walkers beware!

Insurance for dog walkers? Yes! Not only is dog-walking insurance available, it should be a must-have for any dog walker. 

Business Insurers of the Carolinas, PSI’s Preferred Provider for liability insurance and bonding for professional pet sitters and dog walkers in the U.S., advises professional pet-care providers to be alert when walking dogs. Some of the most costly insurance claims result from dog bites and as you will see below, the most frequent type of dog bite occurs when a sitter is on a walk and allows a third party to get too close to a pet:

  • An insured pet sitter was walking a dog in the park when the canine attacked and bit another dog. The other dog’s owner tried to separate the two dogs and was bitten. Total Paid: $22,669.
  • A child approached an IC walking a dog, and got bit in the arm. Total Paid: $19,313.
  • As an independent contractor was leaving a client’s house with two dogs, the dogs lunged at a passerby. The passerby’s shirt was ripped and he was injured on the leg. Total Paid: $7,828.
  • A runner coming from behind was bitten on his hand and arm when he tried to pass a sitter who was walking a dog. Total Paid: $30,387.

Tips for Avoiding Dog-Walking Insurance Claims

Although most of these involve a pedestrian walking, or running, from the opposite direction, the walker is the one who is negligent when the dog bites! Here are some pointers to help avoid these types of occurrences: 

  • Be aware of your surroundings and the path you are taking.
  • Communicate to others to stay away and not approach the dog.
  • Keep the dog(s) on a tight leash when in high traffic areas.
  • Always take time to discuss with clients their dog’s temperament and potential to be aggressive prior to taking jobs and/or walking dogs.
  • If a dog is known to have bitten or snapped at someone in the past, look for less populated areas or times of day to walk this client’s dog.
  • Follow your gut, even if there is no prior history of aggression according to your client. It’s always better to be safe and avoid the risk!

Dog bites are not the only claims that result from walking dogs. For even the most conscientious pet-care providers, mistakes and freak accidents can occur, which is why insurance for dog walkers and pet sitters is so vital.

Take a look at some of these other dog-walking insurance claims:

  • While taking a client’s dog for a walk, a pet sitter jerked the dog’s leash too hard and caused major injury to the dog's neck. The dog’s injuries were so severe that it had to be euthanized. Total Paid: $4,533.
  • A dog in the insured pet sitter’s care slipped out of its leash while on a walk and ran into the road. The dog was hit by a car. Total Paid: $7,690. 
  • A sitter lost control of some dogs in her care and they started chasing after a pedestrian. The pedestrian fell trying to get away from them and was hurt. Total Paid $1,043.
  • While on a walk, a client’s dog got away from the pet sitter and was hit by a car. The dog was taken to the vet to be treated. Total Paid: $4,999.
  • A client’s dog was hit by car while on a walk with the insured pet sitter and its tail was mangled. The dog was rushed to the vet. Total Paid: $2,224.
  • A dog pulled out of its collar, ran into the road and was hit by a car. Total Paid: $5,488.
  • A dog became tangled in its leash while walking with a sitter. In an effort to get untangled, the dog jumped and broke its leg. Total Paid: $2,751. 

Insurance for dog walkers and pet sitters is a must!

Being bonded and insured is a vital part of owning a pet-care business. Whether you offer complete in-home pet care services or focus exclusively on professional dog walking, accidents can happen—and having the right insurance protects your clients, their pets, you and your business.

PSI members have access to policies designed exclusively for professional pet sitters and dog walkers – at an affordable group rate. Whether you are already offering pet sitting and dog walking—or simply considering entering this growing field—it is important to understand what insurance dog walkers and pet sitters need.

Comments

Sarah Storch

April 23, 2020  |  5:k PM
I would like to join Pat centers pet sitter’s international I’m starting my own business I’m in Stamford Connecticut I would love to chat with you my number is 203-231-5968 I’d love to know how much it cost to join and the best pet insurance to get it I’m just starting my business I have four clients now hopefully up to 10 clients in the next year thank you so much

John

March 5, 2020  |  7:k AM
It is so important to take these things into account when you have a dog walking business. You never think of these things until it's someone else's pet. Thanks for the info!

Dianne

October 26, 2019  |  9:k PM
What about bonding, I notice you mention it a few times but I can not find anything about being bonded on your website so far... help... can you explain what it means and how to get it? thank you so much!!!

Nancy Weinbrenner

September 11, 2019  |  5:k PM
Where is the best place to get dog walking, dog sitting insurance for me as an individual? Thank you!

Deborah M Flynt

January 4, 2019  |  11:k AM
I am going to start dog walking and going to feed animals. It will be part time, How much would the insurance cost?

Eternanda Fudge

November 2, 2018  |  11:k AM
I'd like to know if you bond and insure dog transporters as well?

Barbara Masterson

October 4, 2018  |  12:k PM
I'm interested in insurance for pet sitting & dog walking

Kim

September 30, 2018  |  11:k PM
I own a dog walking business and have several walkers employed. I instruct them to be very careful of their surroundings when taking a client's dog on a walk, especially if going to a park with a lot of people. You may get used to a client's pet, but dogs have instincts and can always react in a way you would never thought. Have to be careful!

Hadleigh Maddock

September 18, 2018  |  7:k AM
Hi, do you cover dog walker insurance in Spain.

Tracey Tello

April 2, 2018  |  12:k PM
I’m new to this field & looking for insurance for dog walking and. Pet sitting . I heard you want to be bonded as well as insurance policy to cover all situations. I live Massachusetts. How much do policy start at

Bill Gallant

January 20, 2017  |  11:k AM
I have someone coming into my house daily to walk and feed my German Shepard on my property. What type of insurance does she need to hold me harmless in the event she gets injured on my property?

Jeffrey Strong

November 30, 2016  |  8:k AM
would love cost of insurance and bonding. My husband and I want to do walking/sitting on our own. Thanks Jeff

Kerri M Sullivan

May 23, 2016  |  11:k PM
Would like to know how to become bonded and insured

ROSANGELA BATISTADA SILVA

April 1, 2016  |  7:k PM
I work as a pet sitter / pet sitter, with less than 5 dogs in my house.
In an accident with the dog, how much insurance for this? I live in Montreal, Canadá.

thanks

ROSANGELA DA SILVA DA BATISTA

April 1, 2016  |  7:k PM
I work as a pet sitter / pet sitter, with less than 5 dogs in my house.
In an accident with the dog, how much insurance for this? I live in Montreal, Canadá.

thanks

Darlus Rosson

March 12, 2016  |  2:k PM
would like info/quotes. I haven't started yet. Live in Abilene, Texas

Darlus Rosson

March 12, 2016  |  2:k PM
would like info/quotes. I haven't started yet. Live in Abilene, Texas

Beth Stultz, PSI

December 14, 2015  |  9:k AM
Heather, thanks for your comment. Please contact Pet Sitters International at info@petsit.com or by phone at (336) 983-9222 option 1, and we'll be glad to answer your pet-sitting questions.

Heather Anand

December 10, 2015  |  6:k PM
Hello - I am going to be walking dogs for their owners and would like to have the information about being bonded and insured.
I am a mature woman and have been around & involved with different breeds of dogs all my life. Look forward to hearing from you, sincerely Heather, Brooklyn, NY

Beth Stultz

August 24, 2015  |  10:k AM
Hi Belle and Beverly, to receive a specific insurance quote for your dog walking or pet-sitting visit, please contact Business Insurers directly. They'll be glad you share the policy rates. They can be reached at 1-800-962-4611 or you can visit the website at www.psi-ins.com.

Beverly Ashler

August 23, 2015  |  10:k PM
I take only one dog at a time for overnight sitting. How much would an insurance policy cost?

Belle Tung

August 17, 2015  |  12:k PM
I am currently walking a few dogs and would like to be insured. This is for dog walking only. I live ine upper west side Manhattan

Beth Stultz, PSI

July 21, 2015  |  3:k PM
Hi Donna, members of Pet Sitters International have access to group-rate pet sitter insurance and bonding through Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Their policies cover pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses. You can visit their website at http://www.psi-ins.com. Please feel free to contact PSI...we'd love to tell you more about membership.

Donna McGinnis

July 17, 2015  |  7:k PM
How do I bonded and insurance for a dog walking business in Tyler tx