Dog Walking Insurance UK
Protect your dog walking business today. Compare quotes from multiple brokers.
Dog Walking Insurance
When it comes to dealing with other peoples pets, the owner is trusting you to be responsible and to care and protect their pet to the best of your ability. In addition the owner will expect your walking business to have the correct level of dog walking insurance to cover any unforeseen costs resulting from an incident involving their dog.
Do you need insurance for dog walking?
If you are self employed and work with animals as a dog walker or pet sitter you will be liable for any damage caused whilst the pet is in your custody. As such, you are at risk of a claim and the claim may be substantial. For example if your are custoniam and the pet in question bites another animal you could become liable for a large vet bill. Whilst it is not a legal requirement it may be prudent to look at the costs and protection that a good dog waking policy provides. All the policies can be tailored to your business requirements. If you only work part time, a policy can be constructed for part time work only. Part time bet business insurance should work out cheaper than if your are working full time with staff and lots of expensive tools.
How much does dog walker Insurance UK cost ?
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. Postcode is one of these, as some areas of the UK are more prone to crime than others, take city centers for an example. The other key factors are listed below.
Compare Dog Walking Insurance
Protect your dog walking business today. Compare quotes from multiple brokers.
Do not invalidate your Dog Walker Policy - Fully disclose any past claims
If by chance you have previously made a claim on any dog walking insurance 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 walking insurance 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 dog 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.
What type of Insurance do I need for my pet business?
A typical dog walking insurance policy from the likes of Petplan, Cliverton or Protectivity should contain or have an option for the following. If you wish, you can cover other risks that are inherent to running a pet walking business, for example veterinarian expense reimbursement (regardless of fault)
This type of policy will provide public liability cover with both ‘care, custody & control’ and ‘non-negligent’ amendments. This type of policy will protect you against things that could go wrong as you perform your trade of walking people’s dogs.
Every business has inherent risks, when dealing with animals the risks are more apparent with personal injury top of the list. Be aware that the owner can have very strong bonds with their pets and if any injury to their pet happen whilst in your care the owner they will have no hesitation in holding you personally responsible.
Can I get dog walking insurance 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 do provide cover if you are 16 or over. Cliverton, Pet Business and Protective are all well known names that can provide cover for dog walkers 16 and over within the UK
Bylaws: A quick look at the legal side for a professional walker
The UK has stipulated many rules related to walking dogs, some are good and many more are contentious. Limiting the number of hounds that you may walk seems very arbitrary and punitive. Others, like being responsible for keeping the footpaths and green areas etc clean from fouling are without doubt good.
For any dog walking business this guide for professional pet walkers is the definitive guide to staying on the right side of the UK law and how to take out the appropriate level of cover for your business.
Please take note that rules vary and will depend upon your local council. As such do check with them first for the latest rules and regulations that relate to your pet walking service.
Setting up a dog walking business uk
The average salary of a professional dog walker is presently 20%, which is more than the average UK working class salary. There’s no doubt that it’s a viable and potentially profitable business. Important for one to remember here is that it’s just that a business. As such, you will have to acquire all of the entrepreneurial skills that are needed to run a successful business. In addition to these skills you will also need adequate dog walking insurance. This will not only protect you and your customer's pets, but will help ensure that your business will survive any unforeseen claims.
In the UK the pet sitting business is also a growing sector and if you intend providing pet minding service take a look at the pet sitting insurance options that are currently available.
Unlike the various types of business insurance that are geared to retail shops or office based services this type of cover is specifically designed to cover you when working with animals.
Do you love animals and wish to be your own boss? If the answer is yes, why not consider setting up either a pet business. With so many pet lovers in the UK this type of business can easily succeed. Set up costs are minimal no need for a web site initially a phone will suffice and google calendar to record bookings and your schedule.
If you make your living as a professional pet walker you should consider having dog walker insurance. This type of policy will not only cover the liabilities that are associated with this trade, but it can make your business appear more professional, and will give you real peace of mind.
There is much emotional and financial responsibility when working with folk’s beloved pets in this trusted position. Having the correct level of cover will help you to sleep better at night knowing that in the event of a mishap, you’re covered.
Compare dog walking insurance
To find dog walking insurance 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 direct to the brokers web site to see that latest dals that hey have on offer.
Compare Dog Walking Insurance
Protect your dog walking business today. Compare quotes from multiple brokers.