Protect your dog walking business. Get quotes from multiple brokers.
What cover is available with dog walking and sitting insurance?
How can I reduce my dog walking insurance cost?
If you can reduce the risk that you pose to the broker then you should be able to get a cheaper pet business insurance policy. The first step is to compare the market as different brokers assess risk differently. One approach to lowering toy cost is to increase your policy excess. The excess is your liability should a claim become necessary against your policy. Speak with your broker and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of taking this step. Remember you will need to have easy excess to the level agreed upon and that may pose a problem if you agree on a large excess.
Another option is to pay the full amount upfront and saving on any built in interest payments on a monthly payment scheme.
As the level of cover that plays a big factor in dog walker business insurance costs, don't over insure. Check the policy for inclusions that are not necessary. Do you need stock cover and if so do you need at the level provided? Can you improve your stock management system to reduce amount of stock in storage.
What qualifications do I need to be a dog walker?
You do not need an actual certificate to prove that you are able to walk dogs. If you love dogs and have time, you can start on your path as a part-time walker. However, a certificate will play to your advantage, showing that you have taken the time to qualify yourself as a professional dog walker. Remember, pets are treated as family members and the owner must have complete trust and confidence in you. Having a professional qualification will provide just that. We have listed some of the more obvious advantages below.
Can I get dog walking business insurance UK if I am only 16?
Some companies in this insurance sector set the minimum age at 18, for example Petplan Sanctuary. However, the good news is most companies will provide cover if you are 16 or over. Cliverton, Pet Business, Direct Line and Protective are all well known names that can provide cover for walkers 16 and over within the UK
Dog Walker Insurance Extra Options
Contents and Stock
This provides cover for your office items (computers), tools and equipment and stock. Like a VET, most dog walkers that run a business from home or office offer a range of dog items. Typical items include dog car seats and memory foam dog beds, booster seats, dog prams, telescopic dog car ramps, dog toys and treats, anti-barking devices and dog apparel. These stock items can add up to a substantial amount.
Legal Expenses
This will pay legal fee costs if a dispute arises, for example with a dispute with a client or a supplier that has gone legal.
Business Interruption
If you are unable to carry out your business for a period of time. Think damage to your premises or equipment, this insurance will cover the loss of turnover as a result. This will have an upper limit, typically GBP50,000, but check with your broker on the exact figure.
Cyber Cover
Be a victim of ransomware can cripple your business. Imagine switching on your computer to find all your client detail are no longer accessible, they may also have obtained personal banking information. Cyber cover will help you recover the associated financial losses.
Do I need a licence to walk dogs in a park?
The short answer is that it depends on the rules of your local authority and the park owner. Most councils will require that walkers that are being paid to exercise dogs will need to obtain a licence. The application process will normally take about 2 weeks. The cost of insurance will depend on how many dogs that you will be walking. To give you an idea of likely costs the following are the prices for Lamberth council as of 2021.
In summary, a licence is required if you take payment for providing an exercising service and makes use of a local park or open space.
The licence will detail your obligations, for example, each dog must have a collar with a name tag with the name and address of the owner. Violation of these rules will result in a fine and possible loss of licence.
Most councils will recognise that an operator of a pet walking business will require multiple licences and will provide a discount on multiple applications.
Do I need a dog walking licence to walk dogs in a UK royal park?
It has been a legal requirement since April 2013 that you must have a valid licence to walk dogs in any of the 8 royal parks in the UK.
FAQ's
Do you need dog walking business Insurance?
Dog walker insurance UK is not a legal requirement, but it makes sense if you value your business. Public liability, for dog-walkers, should be considered. This will protect you from third party claims should a dog, in your custody, decides to nip or bite a member of the public. Other insurance elements are available, for example, to cover vet fees. These can be selected during the online quote process.
Will I get a cheaper quote if I am a member of NARPS?
Some brokers will provide a discount if you are a member of the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters (NARPS)
How much should I charge for dog walking
No one standard rate exists, as it depends on a number of factors. For example, the post code we found that central London has the highest on average at GBP10 per hour. Our guide on how much is does a dog walker cost should help you decide on a suitable rate to charge for the services that you intend to provide.
How much is dog walker insurance UK?
On average, insurance will cost in the region of GBP125 upwards, depending on the type and level of cover that you choose to include. There are a few key factors that can influence the premium price quoted. Postal code is one of these, as some areas of the UK are more prone to crime than others, take city centres for an example. The other key factors are listed below.
If you provide additional pet services other than simple dog walking, expect to pay an additional amount. Some examples of additional services are listed below.
Tailor your dog walker insurance UK policy to your needs?
The panel can tailor policies to your unique business requirements. If you only work part-time, a dog walker insurance UK policy can be provided for part-time work only.
Do not invalidate your Policy - Fully disclose any past claims
If by chance you have previously made a claim on any dog walker insurance UK policy, or any legal action has been undertaken against you or your pet walking business in the past, this may affect your quote. Failure to fully disclose any pertinent details to your broker may invalidate any claim that you subsequently may make.
How you can avoid making claims against your UK dog walker insurance UK policy
Most claims involve pedestrians that are walking or running and taking the animal by surprise. The fast reactions of the dog can result in the nipping or biting the poor pedestrian. Here are some tips to reduce your risk
Bites are not the only reason for making insurance claims, animals are unpredictable and even the most experienced handler can find themselves in a situation that they could never have anticipated, as such it is vital that you have a good policy in place.
Dog walker van insurance
If you are investing in a van as part of your pet business, you will need insurance that covers you for business use. Please also note if you have or will be making any modifications to the van, you must notify your insurance broker. Not informing will likely invalidate your policy.
If you already have a van that is insured, but will now be used for your business, again check with your broker that you are covered for the proposed use.
Do you need a dog walker?
A dog waking service caters to those with a busy schedule that find it difficult to always find time for exercising their dog. The price for a dog walker will vary and depend on a number of factors, but rates are overall reasonable. Click here for more information on finding a dog walker near you.
Dog walking insurance Comparison
To find a policy that meets with your requirements, you need to get multiple quotes from a range of different providers. Comparative sites can help at this stage, but also go directly to the brokers website to see the latest deals that they have on offer for dog walker Insurance UK.
Find a deal on Dog Walker Insurance UK