Currently, there is no legislation for pet sitters in the UK to have insurance cover, but we strongly advise that you take out adequate insurance for your pet sitting or dog walking business.
However, insurance is required for the transportation of pets in your care and you will need to check both your vehicle AND public liability policies to ensure this is covered.
What type of insurance should I have to become a pet sitter or dog walker?
1. Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability insurance is the minimum cover you need. The type of cover and costs will depend on whether your bookings include :
- Staying over in clients’ homes.
- Short visits to their homes.
- Dog walking in public places.
- Home boarding.
Generally, insurance should also cover
- Accidental damage to a customers property e.g. stains on the carpet.
- Lost keys (including locksmith fees).
- Injury or loss of a pet whilst in your care.
- Accidental damage to equipment.
- Events, shows and fundraising.
2. Employer’s Liability Insurance
If you employ anyone that takes the responsibility of your client’s pets, then you should also have Employer’s Liability Insurance to cover compensation against any injuries they receive or damage they cause.
3. Car or Van Insurance
You must state that you are a pet sitter or dog walker as your occupation when taking out car or van insurance, even if it is only your part-time employment. If you transport animals in your care, for dog walking, home boarding, or vet visits, you will need to ensure that you are covered to do so.
Where to find pet sitting or dog walking insurance
There are many specialist pet business insurance providers and most of the large comparison sites offer good choices – remember to look for flexible cover as your business grows.
Here at Pet Sitter Dashboard we use and recommend Cliverton, a long-established company that specialises in pet care and dog walking insurances.
What is included in the Cliverton pet sitter insurance?
Cliverton’s policies are suitable for individuals and businesses who want public liability insurance for dog walking, home boarding pets, pet/home visits, and transporting pets.
The standard level of public liability cover is £5,000,000 but this can be extended to £10,000,000 if required.
Cliverton include a wide range of animals from small pets, dogs and cats, horses, ponies, and donkeys, reptiles, and even domesticated farm animals.
Unlimited cover is provided for Care, Custody & Control, which covers any claims made against you, or an employee, for injury, loss or death of a dog whilst in your care if you (or the employee) are negligent.
Up to £10,000 cover is provided for loss of keys, and the policy automatically includes members of your family if they help you with the business.
The Cliverton website is easy to navigate and clearly states what is and isn’t included, along with increased levels of cover and optional extras. Their policies offer low excesses and you can take out optional extras such as Personal Accident Cover, Professional Indemnity and Equipment & Property.
Where to find pet sitter insurance in Australia
There are a couple of Australian insurance companies worth considering for pet sitters and dog walkers. MGA offers specific pet insurance and gets great reviews. Prices are reasonable and you get good public liability cover.
The other option for Australian business insurance is Youi. They don’t offer specific pet insurance but they do come recommended by other pet sitters in Oz.
Where can US-based pet sitters get insurance?
There are a few great option for pet sitter insurance in the US.
The first is Choice+ which offers cover for many types of pet business including doggy daycare, pet boarding and pet sitting. They can cover general business liability, specific pet-related events such as dog bites while the dog is in your care as well as auto cover.
Another is Kennel Pro, whose Silver plan covers businesses such as pet sitters, dog walkers, dog trainers and groomers. They also offer a pet sitter liability insurance plan.
Read more about starting a pet sitting or dog walking business
This article is part of a series: 5 things to know before starting a dog walking business.
This is not legal advice but a guide to starting your pet sitting business within UK law. It does not apply to commercial cattery or kennels, where stricter regulations applicable and a licence is required. If outside the UK, legislation may vary (including Scotland and Northern Ireland.) so always check your local regulations. A license is required for home boarding of pets and additional insurance applies.
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