What is Dog Walker Insurance?
Running a dog walking business can be a personally and financially rewarding endeavor, but the work isn’t without potential risk. Being entrusted with someone’s pet is, after all, a significant responsibility. Dog walker insurance won’t prevent an accident or other incident from happening, but it may provide dog walkers in Massachusetts with financial protection should something happen in the course of business.
Dog walker insurance is a kind of commercial insurance that’s specifically tailored to meet the needs of dog walkers. Most policies come with multiple coverages that are bundled together into a package policy, and dog walkers can usually adjust the coverages in a particular policy to suit their situation.
Who in Massachusetts Can Benefit from a Dog Walking Insurance Policy?
Most people who offer dog walking services on a paid basis in Massachusetts ought to have dog walking insurance. Almost everyone who does this type of work is exposed to some risk, and even small-time dog walkers could face a major claim if something tragic happened. For larger businesses, risk exposure usually is even greater.
A few examples of businesses that this insurance might be well-suited for include:
- Self-employed individuals who walk dogs
- Businesses that have multiple employees who walk dogs
- Individuals who periodically walk dogs as a side hustle
- Pet sitters who sometimes walk dogs
While most people who walk dogs for pay ought to carry insurance, people who periodically walk dogs for their family, friends or neighbors typically don’t need a business insurance policy. If no compensation is offered in exchange for walking a dog, coverage is likely available through a personal insurance policy (possibly a homeowners or renters policy) and a commercial dog walker policy probably isn’t needed.
Anyone who’s unsure whether they need dog walking insurance should talk to an insurance agent who specializes in this type of coverage. After reviewing an individual’s particular situation, an experienced agent will be able to provide informed guidance as to whether this type of commercial insurance is necessary.
