Why dog walking insurance is non-negotiable
A single dog bite claim averages $64,000 in the United States according to the Insurance Information Institute. A dog that causes a car accident while you are walking it can result in liability that far exceeds that. Your personal assets — bank account, car, future earnings — are exposed if you operate without insurance.
Beyond personal protection, insurance signals professionalism to clients. Clients who ask whether you are insured — and many will — are asking whether you are a legitimate business or a casual favor. The answer determines whether they trust you with their dog and their home.
Get insured before your first client. Not after your second. Before your first.
The two coverages you need
General liability insurance covers third-party bodily injury and property damage caused by you or a dog in your care. If a dog you are walking bites a neighbor, knocks over an elderly person, or damages someone's property, general liability pays. Most policies cover $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
Care, custody and control (CCC) coverage covers the dog itself while it is in your professional care. This is the coverage most new dog walkers miss. Standard general liability policies explicitly exclude animals in your care — meaning if a dog is injured while you are walking it, your general liability does not cover the vet bills. You need CCC coverage as an addition or endorsement to your policy.
Some policies include CCC automatically. Always verify before purchasing.
What dog walking insurance costs
Solo operator policies typically cost $300–$600 per year. That breaks down to $25–$50 per month. Coverage amounts vary:
- $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate general liability: standard
- Care, custody and control: typically $1,000–$10,000 per animal depending on the policy
- Bonding (optional): adds $10–$20 per month
If you hire employees or additional walkers in the future, your premium increases. Solo operator rates apply only while you are the only walker.
Where to get it
Three providers are purpose-built for pet sitters and dog walkers:
- Pet Sitters Associates — the most widely used among professional pet sitters and dog walkers. Policies start around $150/year for basic coverage. Visit petsitllc.com.
- Business Insurers of the Carolinas — another common choice. Policies available through petbiz.com.
- Kennel Pro Insurance — good option for those who also do boarding or grooming.
Avoid general small business insurance policies not designed for pet care. They often exclude animal-related claims in ways that leave you exposed.
What bonding is and whether you need it
A surety bond protects clients if you or an employee steals from them. If you are caught stealing from a client's home, they can make a claim against the bond and recover up to the bond amount.
Bonding costs $10–$20 per month and adds a meaningful trust signal — especially if you are doing in-home pet sitting or holding client keys. It is not legally required but is worth having once you start entering client homes regularly.
Most clients will not ask about bonding specifically, but "insured and bonded" in your marketing materials reads as significantly more professional than "insured" alone.