Share This Page

Tweet

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.