Dog walker insurance

With 8.3 million pet dogs in Canadian households, according to Statistics Canada, and Pet Sitters International stating that the average gross revenues for Canadian pet sitters hit $100,764 in 2023, it's clear: dog walking is a thriving industry full of opportunity.

Whether you're just starting out as a professional dog walker or have an established client base, BrokerLink’s dog walker insurance experts can help you find the right coverage to protect your growing business. We’re proud to support Canada’s vibrant pet care industry, and we understand the unique risks that come with working with pets, especially on the go.

BrokerLink compares rates from a wide range of providers, ensuring you get the best deals available.

What is dog walker insurance?

Dog walker liability insurance is a type of pet business insurance designed to safeguard you from the unexpected, like injuries to pets in your care, third-party bodily injury or property damage, or even a dog that escapes its leash. Depending on your needs, coverage options can include general liability, professional liability, and animal bailee coverage. Additional protection could include:

Reimbursement for vet expenses if a pet is injured on your watch
Coverage for lost income if you can’t operate due to illness or injury
Protection for damage or loss of business equipment, like leashes, GPS trackers, or mobile devices

As of December 2023, Statistics Canada reported that there were 5,900 pet care businesses operating nationwide, offering services such as dog walking, grooming, training, and other related care. As this industry continues to grow, so does the need for specialized protection.

Who we help

Managing a dog-walking business is demanding, but BrokerLink streamlines insurance, helping you stay focused with coverage tailored to routes, keys, and canine risks. Protect your dog-walking operation with us today.

Many different professionals need dog walker insurance in Canada, including:

Pet hotels
Pet sitters
Animal shelters
Doggy daycares
Boarding kennels
Home boarders
Independent dog walkers
Pack/group dog walkers
Hydrotherapy centres
Rescue organizations
Pet taxi/transports
Canine rehab/physio providers

Why do you need dog walker insurance

Canadian dog walking businesses face a unique set of risks that many other small businesses don’t. From unexpected dog behaviour and injuries during walks to property damage or legal claims from clients, there’s a lot that can go wrong while you’re just doing your job. Dog walking insurance helps protect you from the financial fallout of these kinds of incidents.

Whether a dog slips its leash and causes an accident, or a client claims their pet was injured under your care, the right insurance coverage can help cover legal fees, medical bills, or other costs.

Types of coverage for dog walkers

Every dog walking business is unique. Some focus on solo walks, others juggle group outings, and many offer add-on services like pet sitting or training. Because of this, pet care insurance needs can vary. That said, most dog walkers benefit from a comprehensive business insurance policy that typically includes some variation of the following types of coverage:

Commercial general liability insurance protects your business if you're held responsible for third-party injuries or property damage. For example, if a dog you're walking bites someone or damages a neighbour’s property, this coverage can help cover legal expenses, medical bills, or repair costs. Another example includes if a client trips and falls on your business property while handing off their dog.

Professional liability insurance provides coverage if a client claims your service, or a mistake you made, caused them financial loss or harm. This could include situations like forgetting to follow special instructions, leading to an injury or illness in the dog’s care, or being accused of negligence after a pet escapes. Even if the claim isn’t valid, legal fees can add up quickly. Professional liability insurance helps cover those costs, including defence and settlements if needed.

Animal bailee coverage is a must-have for dog walkers. It protects you if a pet in your care is lost, injured, or worse. Whether you're walking a client's pet, transporting them to the vet, or watching them at a client’s home, you're legally responsible for their well-being. If something unexpected happens (like a dog runs off and gets hurt or falls ill), animal bailee coverage can help pay for vet bills, recovery costs, or even replacement in tragic cases. It’s designed to cover incidents that standard liability insurance often doesn’t.

Cyber insurance protects your business if you're targeted by a cyberattack or accidentally expose sensitive client information. If you store client details, like names, addresses, payment information, or door codes, on your phone or computer, a data breach could lead to serious consequences. Cyber insurance helps cover costs such as data recovery and legal fees.

Product liability insurance offers protection if a product you sell or provide, like dog treats, toys, or grooming supplies, causes harm to a pet or person. For example, if a treat you hand out causes an allergic reaction or a toy breaks and injures a dog, you could be held liable. This coverage helps cover legal fees, medical costs, or settlements.

Business interruption insurance helps replace lost income if you're unable to work due to an unexpected event, such as illness, injury, or a natural disaster. For example, if you're injured and can't walk dogs for a period of time, this coverage can help cover your operating expenses and lost earnings. It ensures that your business remains financially stable during unforeseen disruptions.

Tools and equipment insurance protects the physical assets your business relies on. It covers things like leashes, crates, uniforms, phones, or computers if they’re damaged or stolen by covered events. Whether they were stolen off a park bench or out of your car, this coverage can help replace essential tools so your business isn’t disrupted.

What does dog walker insurance not cover?

While dog walker insurance offers broad protection, there are certain things it typically doesn’t cover, such as:

Intentional harm or gross negligence
Unlicensed or illegal activities
Claims involving excluded breeds or animals with known behavioural issues (unless specifically covered in your policy)
Damage to your own property (unless you have commercial property insurance)

Let us be your resource for all things dog walker insurance

Why BrokerLink

Discover what sets BrokerLink apart. Our commitment to personalized service, expert advice, and comprehensive coverage options ensures you get the best protection tailored to your needs.

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Factors affecting your dog walker insurance premiums

No two dog walking businesses are exactly alike, and neither are their insurance needs. The cost of your policy depends on several details about your operations, location, and experience. Here are a few of the main factors that can influence your rate:

Where your business is located

Dog walkers operating in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver may pay more due to higher population density, traffic, and property values, which increase the risk of accidents or liability claims. In smaller communities or rural areas, premiums are often lower because the risks are generally less concentrated.

The types of pet care services you offer

If your business focuses strictly on dog walking, your premiums will likely differ from someone who also offers services such as grooming, pet sitting, or off-leash playtime. The more hands-on or higher-risk the service, the more coverage you may need.

How long you’ve been in business

A well-established dog walker with a proven track record of safety and satisfied clients is often seen as a lower risk than someone just starting out. Newer businesses may face slightly higher premiums at first, but maintaining a claim-free history over time can help lower your costs.

Your annual or projected revenue

Your revenue helps insurance companies understand the scale of your operations. A business handling more clients or higher-value contracts may need higher coverage limits, which can increase premiums.

How many employees you have

If you operate solo, your policy will look different from that of a business with a team of walkers. Each additional employee adds to your overall liability exposure, which can increase your premium. You may also want to add additional coverages, such as non-owned auto liability and employee dishonesty, to stay fully protected.

Every dog walking business is different, so your rate will be, too. The best way to find out what you’d pay for is to get in touch with BrokerLink for a free, no-obligation quote. We work with top insurance companies across Canada to find you coverage that fits your needs and your budget.

How to get a dog walker insurance quote

Getting a dog walker insurance quote is easier than you might think, especially with a BrokerLink expert helping you out. Here’s how it works:

1. Get in touch

Reach out to us by phone, email, or drop by one of our offices. We’re here when you’re ready.

2. Tell us about your business

We’ll ask a few quick questions, including what services you offer, how many dogs you walk, and whether you have any employees.

3. We compare quotes for you

Our brokers search top insurance providers to find policies that match your business and budget.

4. You choose what fits your needs

We’ll walk you through the best options and help you choose the policy that makes the most sense for your coverage needs.

That’s it! Simple, stress-free, and tailored for your pet care business. Connect with a BrokerLink insurance broker today and let us help protect what you’ve built.

Get in touch

Ready to team up with BrokerLink’s dog walker insurance specialists? For business insurance you can count on, call, email, or visit us in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool, which can provide you with a competitive quote online in minutes.

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FAQs

Is care for dogs included in dog walking insurance?

Yes, dog walking insurance can extend to cover additional services like grooming or boarding. However, you may need to increase your coverage limits or add extra protection depending on what you offer. Talk to your insurance company or broker if you plan to add additional services to your dog walking business.

If a dog I’m walking bites someone, am I covered by my dog walker insurance?

Yes. If a dog in your care bites someone and you’re sued, the commercial general liability part of your dog walker insurance can help cover you. It can take care of legal fees and also help pay for the injured person’s medical costs.

Can I walk as many dogs as I want at once?

Not always, because it depends on where you live. Different cities have different rules when it comes to dog walking limits, so it’s important to check your local bylaws. For example, in Toronto, you need a dog walking permit if you're walking between four and six dogs at once. In Calgary, a permit is required if you're walking more than six dogs off-leash. Following them not only keeps things safe and manageable, but it also helps make sure you’re covered under your insurance if something goes wrong.

Can I add dog walking to my pet sitting business?

Absolutely. Contact your insurance company or broker today to let them know that you'd like to add dog walking to your pet sitting insurance, and they'll create a policy or enhance your current policy to offer you coverage that covers both.

Is care for dogs included in dog walking insurance?

Can I walk as many dogs as I want at once?

If a dog I’m walking bites someone, am I covered by my dog walker insurance?

Can I add dog walking to my pet sitting business?

Vehicle Insurance

Property Insurance

Other Insurance

Dog walker insurance

What is dog walker insurance?

Who we help

Who needs dog walker insurance?

Why do you need dog walker insurance

Types of coverage for dog walkers

Commercial general liability insurance

Professional liability insurance

Animal bailee coverage

Cyber liability insurance

Product liability insurance

Business interruption insurance

Tools and equipment insurance

Commercial general liability insurance

Professional liability insurance

Animal bailee coverage

Cyber liability insurance

Product liability insurance

Business interruption insurance

Tools and equipment insurance

What does dog walker insurance not cover?

Why BrokerLink

Our Reviews

Greg Silver

Andy Rohansingh

Ian Roome

Clara Furlano

Joyce Kivuyo-Kisamo

Terry Mason

Sandi G

DANI L

Anne Langevin

Peter Ayo

Chris Gelowitz

Digital Evolution

renee king

Andrea Case

Dan Hayes

Rana Najar

Mark Houston

Katherine Bedea

Jessie hansra

Ifedapo Adeniyi

David Ford

Michelle Hawgood

Trevor Hildebrand

Morgan Adekeye

Tyler Frisby

Steven Melowsky

Steve Payne

Matt & Sav Weetman

Brooklyn Seweryn

Craig Gillis

Cheryl Trush

Jinene Shinnicks

Geoff Aiken

Tony Hynes

Christine Fedrau

amanda

Lori Coffey