Trade insurance
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 editorial§ 01
Why this matters
What can go wrong on the job.
- 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
§ 02
Required vs recommended
What contracts require, and what's worth adding.
§ 03
Typical premium ranges
What it tends to cost.
- General liability: $500 avg / year[Q]Insureon
Figures are reported averages, not quotes. Actual premiums vary by state, revenue, payroll, and underwriting.
§ 04
Common gaps
Where this coverage trips 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
§ 05
Before you bind
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?