Insurance for dog walkers.
Pet-care businesses are liable for animals in their custody and for third-party bite injuries; platforms and clients increasingly require general liability with animal bailee coverage.
Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorialThe short answer: Dog Walker / Pet Sitter insurance starts with General liability, which clients, general contractors, and licensing boards most often require before dog walkers can take a job.
Dog Walker / Pet Sitter general liability averages $500/year, per Insureon. Reported average, not a quote; actual premiums vary by state, payroll, and underwriting.
What can go wrong for dog walkers?
- Dog bites third parties. Liability while a pet is in your care
- Lost or injured pet. Care-custody-control claim for the animal
- Client property damage. Damage while accessing client homes
What insurance do dog walkers need?
How much does dog walkers insurance cost?
- General liability: $500 avg / year[Q]Insureon
Figures are reported averages, not quotes. Actual premiums vary by state, revenue, payroll, and underwriting.
Compare these against typical premiums for every trade, or read what drives business insurance cost to see how payroll, vehicles, and limits move the number.
Where does dog walkers coverage trip people up?
Care-custody-control (animal bailee) for the pet itself is a separate add-on
Key/lockbox loss is a common required endorsement
Dog-bite claims may be sub-limited by breed
Questions to ask any carrier for dog walkers.
- Does the quote include the lines listed above as typically required?
- What does a certificate of insurance cost and how fast can the carrier issue one?
- How is workers' compensation rated for this trade — by payroll or by class code?
- Is there a separate deductible for tools and equipment in transit between sites?
- If a client requires an additional-insured endorsement, is there a fee?
Dog Walker / Pet Sitter insurance: frequently asked questions.
- What insurance do dog walkers need?
- Most dog walkers are expected to carry general liability to sign client contracts or hold a business license. Coverage commonly added beyond that includes business owner’s policy. Requirements vary by state, contract, and payroll; confirm what a specific job or license demands.
- Is business insurance required for dog walkers?
- General liability is usually contract-required rather than legally mandated: a client, general contractor, landlord, or licensing board typically asks for proof of it before you can start work. Workers' compensation becomes legally required in most states once you hire an employee. Confirm the specific requirement with the requiring party or your state regulator.