Do dog walkers need insurance?
Yes — in nearly every U.S. state. Independent dog walkers care for and exercise clients' dogs. Low physical risk but liability for the pets and any public incidents.
Coverage checklist
| Coverage | Requirement | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| General LiabilityGL | Recommended | $250.00–$600.00/yr |
| Commercial AutoCA | Optional | $600.00–$1400.00/yr |
| Professional Liability / E&OPL/E&O | Optional | $200.00–$500.00/yr |
Cost breakdown
- ·Dogs walked at once
- ·Off-leash parks
- ·Revenue
Covers third-party injury and property damage (e.g., a dog you're walking bites someone or damages property); many clients expect it.
- ·Driving frequency
Only if you drive dogs and your personal policy excludes business use.
- ·Care guarantees
Covers claims of harm or loss while a pet is in your care (sometimes bundled as 'care, custody, control').
Best carriers for dog walker
Frequently asked questions
Do dog walkers need insurance?+
Not legally, but general liability is strongly recommended — it covers third-party injury and property damage if a dog you're walking bites someone or runs into the street. Many pet-sitting platforms and clients expect it.
How much is dog walker insurance?+
General liability typically runs $250–$600 per year. A bundled pet-care liability policy (including 'care, custody, control') often costs $400–$1,000 per year.
Does my homeowners insurance cover my dog-walking business?+
Usually not. Homeowners policies commonly exclude business activities, so claims arising while walking client dogs are generally not covered.
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