Pet sitter insurance that covers all your visits
Pet sitter insurance from a panel of trusted UK insurers
Insure your pet sitter business for liability with zero hassle
Pet sitting puts you in a position of significant trust — you’re working in clients’ homes, caring for their animals, and often holding keys to their property. As a professional pet sitter, you carry responsibility for your conduct as a business operator in clients’ homes and on their premises — and if a third party is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your business activities, you could face a compensation claim that puts your livelihood at serious risk.
At insurd, we’re an FCA-regulated specialist insurance broker with over 50 years of experience arranging public liability insurance for pet sitters across the UK. We work with a panel of leading UK insurers to find the right level of cover for your pet sitting business and the services you offer.
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 pet sitting 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 pet sitter liability insurance quote today.
What is pet sitter insurance?
Pet sitter insurance is public liability cover designed for individuals and businesses who care for other people’s animals. Whether in the client’s home, at your own premises, or through overnight stay services. It covers compensation claims and legal costs arising from your pet sitting business activities if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged — paying both the compensation award and your legal defence costs, even if a claim turns out to be unfounded.
Running a pet sitting business means operating in clients’ homes and private spaces regularly. Environments where the risk of accidental damage and injury is real on every visit. A visitor tripping over your equipment, accidental damage to a client’s property during a visit, or an incident caused by your business activities can all result in a claim against you as a business operator. Public liability insurance ensures those costs don’t fall on you personally.
It’s important to understand that public liability policies vary significantly in how they handle incidents involving animals directly. Cover for injury or damage caused by an animal’s own behaviour is not automatically included in all public liability policies — this depends on the specific policy terms and insurer. Our team can advise on exactly what your policy covers when you get a quote.
Read our guide to what public liability insurance covers for more detail.
The benefits of a pet sitter insurance policy
Personal injury claims
Covers compensation if a member of the public is injured as a result of your pet sitting business activities — including visitors tripping over equipment in your home or a client’s property during a visit. Personal injury claims arising from professional pet sitting operations are a real and present risk on every job.
Damage to property
Covers accidental damage to a client’s property or belongings caused during your pet sitting business activities — including breakages, spills, and damage occurring in the course of your work. Property damage claims are among the most common risks for pet sitters working in clients’ homes.
Legal protection
Covers legal defence costs if a claim is brought against you as a pet sitting business operator, even if it’s unfounded or exaggerated. Having cover in place ensures you can respond professionally to any claim without it threatening your livelihood.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
How much does pet sitter 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
Standard cover starts at £1 million, which is sufficient for most pet sitters. Those offering overnight home sitting services or caring for a large number of animals simultaneously may require higher limits — our team can advise on the right level.
Nature of business
The services you offer affect your premium. Standard home visit pet sitting carries a different risk profile to overnight stays, multiple pet care, or services involving exotic animals. The nature and frequency of your visits are both considered at underwriting.
Location
Where you carry out your pet sitting work affects your premium. Pet sitters working in higher-value properties or areas with higher claims rates may face slightly higher premiums than those working in quieter residential areas.
Business size and turnover
The scale of your pet sitting operation — the number of regular clients, visits per week, and annual income — directly affects your premium. Larger operations with multiple regular clients face higher premiums than sole traders with a small number of animals in their care.
Number of employees
Pet sitting businesses with employees or assistants carry greater risk exposure. Employers’ liability is a legal requirement the moment you engage anyone to work for you — our team can arrange both policies together.
Claims history
A clean claims history is your most effective long-term cost reduction tool. Pet sitters who operate professionally, document their visits carefully, and manage any incidents promptly attract lower premiums at renewal.
How to reduce your pet sitter insurance premium
Beyond the factors above, several practical steps can help reduce your pet sitter insurance costs.
- Operate professionally and document everything — Keeping detailed visit records, time in, time out, property condition observations, and any incidents — demonstrates professional standards to insurers and protects you against disputed claims.
- Use a formal client agreement — A signed service agreement outlining your responsibilities, working practices, and limitations reduces the risk of disputed liability claims and signals professional risk management.
- Declare all your services accurately — If you offer overnight stays, care for exotic animals, or administer medication, ensure your policy covers these activities. Undeclared services could invalidate a claim.
- Understand your policy terms fully — Cover for incidents involving animal behaviour varies between policies. Speak to our team before arranging cover to make sure you understand exactly what protection you have.
- Pay annually — Monthly payments include finance interest. Paying your full annual premium upfront avoids that additional cost.
For more ways to reduce your public liability costs, see our public liability insurance cost guide.
Pet sitter insurance frequently asked questions
When do I need to get pet sitter public liability insurance?
As soon as you start caring for other people's pets — even if it's just one or two animals for a friend or neighbour. As a professional pet sitter you're responsible for the animals in your care and for any incidents they cause. Cover should be in place before you take on your first client.
Is pet sitter 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 entrusting their animals to you, and professional pet sitting associations typically require it as a condition of membership. It's also essential protection given that you're responsible for animals that can behave unpredictably around strangers.
What does pet sitter 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 pet sitting business activities — for example, a client tripping over equipment in your home, or damage caused to a third party's property while you're carrying out your work. Cover relating to animals themselves 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 pet sitter 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 pet sitting businesses. If you sit for a large number of animals simultaneously or care for exotic or high-value pets, you may want to consider a higher level. Our team can advise on the right level for your specific 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.
Guides for pet sitting business owners
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