Stay covered on every walk with dog walking insurance
Dog walking insurance from a panel of trusted UK insurers
Insure your dog walking business for liability with zero hassle
Dog walking insurance is a public liability policy that protects dog walkers against claims for injuries or property damage that happen during walks or while dogs are in their care. It ensures financial protection for those handling animals in public spaces.
In partnership with some of the leading UK insurers, we’ll not only get you a better dog walking insurance deal with the best cover available, we work hard to keep you as a customer year after year.
Whatever you do for business, whether you’re a sole trader or limited business owner, we understand that you need to protect your livelihood.
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock when you need us most.
Fairer prices for all
As a specialist insurance broker, we search our panel of leading UK insurers to find the right policy for your dog walking business.
World-class support
Our UK-based expert team are here to provide you with dedicated support.
We use a combination of technology and a wealth of experience to give you unrivalled cover and more affordable public liability insurance prices. Get a dog walking liability insurance quote today.
With over 50 years of experience providing top-quality insurance for public liability, you can be sure we’ve got you covered.
What is dog walking insurance?
It covers a range of scenarios where your dog walking service could be held legally responsible for causing harm or damage.
Some key areas it typically includes are injury to third parties, damage to third-party property, legal expenses, and compensation claims.
Public liability insurance is crucial to dog walkers for several reasons:
- Business reputation: Insurance reassures pet owners that their dogs are in safe and responsible hands.
- Financial protection: Accidents such as dog fights, trips, or property damage can result in claims, which insurance helps cover.
- Client Requirements: Many dog owners expect or require their walker to be fully insured.
The benefits of a dog walking insurance policy
Personal injury claims
Dog walking insurance protects you if someone is injured during a walk, like being knocked over by a dog or tripping on a lead.
Damage to property
If a dog causes damage, like scratching a parked car or breaking a garden gate, this insurance ensures you’re covered.
Legal protection
Dog walking insurance covers legal fees for defending your business against claims, whether or not you’re at fault.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
How much does dog walking insurance cost?
This depends on the nature and size of your dog walking business, the level of risk involved and any claims history you might have.
The cost of public liability insurance varies based on several factors:
Type of cover
Cover levels, typically starting at £1 million, affect premiums. Walkers handling multiple dogs or working in busy parks may need higher.
Nature of business
Premiums may be higher for those walking large breeds or managing group walks with several dogs at the same time.
Location
Where you operate can also influence premiums, with urban areas or regions with strict pet control laws affecting pricing.
Business size and turnover
Walkers with many clients or a packed schedule may face higher premiums due to increased activity and exposure.
Number of employees
If you have assistants or employees helping with dog walks, this can raise your premium due to the added risk.
Claims history
A claims history can influence pricing; walkers with no prior incidents often secure lower premiums.
Dog walking insurance frequently asked questions
When do I need to get dog walking public liability insurance?
As soon as you start walking dogs for clients professionally. Even a single dog walk carries real risk — dogs can be unpredictable, and a single incident involving an injury or accident could result in a significant claim. Cover should be in place before you take on your first client.
Is dog walking public liability insurance a legal requirement?
No — it isn't a legal requirement in the UK. However, many pet owners will ask for proof of insurance before trusting you with their dog, and professional dog walking associations typically require it as a condition of membership. Given the public-facing nature of dog walking, it's one of the most important protections you can have.
What does dog walking public liability insurance actually cover?
It covers compensation claims and legal fees if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your dog walking business activities. Cover relating to animals themselves — including incidents caused by a dog's behaviour — can vary significantly between policies. Speak to our team on 0345 222 6318 to make sure your policy covers your specific situation.
What isn't covered by dog walking public liability insurance?
Every policy is different, and cover relating to animals — including injury caused by a pet in your care — can vary depending on your specific policy and insurer. It's important to understand exactly what your policy includes before you start working with clients. Our team is happy to walk you through the details on 0345 222 6318.
What limit of cover should I choose?
Standard cover starts at £1 million, which is sufficient for most dog walkers. If you regularly walk large groups of dogs or dogs with known behavioural issues, a higher level of cover may be appropriate. Our team can advise on the right level for your business.
Is public liability insurance tax deductible?
Yes — business insurance is an allowable expense, which means you can deduct the cost when calculating your taxable profit. Make sure you keep your policy documents and receipts as records for HMRC. If you're unsure, speak to your accountant.
Do you provide evidence of cover?
Yes — you'll receive proof of cover instantly when your policy is in place, which you can share with clients straight away. If you also take out employers' liability cover, a Certificate of Employers' Liability will be issued immediately for display at your premises.
Why can I trust insurd?
We've been arranging insurance for over 50 years — now trading as insurd — and we're authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Register Number: 308508), and over a thousand real customers have shared their experiences with us on Trustpilot.
You can verify our status directly on the FCA register.
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