Question 1

What insurance does a dog walker & pet sitter business need?

Accepted Answer

Most dog walker & pet sitter businesses need General Liability, Animal Bailee, Lost Key Coverage at minimum. Depending on your state and contracts, you may also need .

Question 2

Is dog walker & pet sitter insurance required by law?

Accepted Answer

General liability is not typically required by law, but workers' compensation is required in most states if you have employees. Client contracts and commercial leases often mandate specific coverage.

Question 3

How much does dog walker & pet sitter insurance cost per month?

Accepted Answer

Most dog walker & pet sitter businesses pay between $30 and $150 per month for general liability. Adding workers' comp or other coverages increases the total.

Question 4

What is NOT covered by dog walker & pet sitter general liability insurance?

Accepted Answer

General liability does NOT cover: your own employees' injuries (workers' comp), your vehicles (commercial auto), professional mistakes (E&O), cyber attacks (cyber liability), or intentional acts.

Question 5

Can I get dog walker & pet sitter insurance with no prior experience?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New businesses can get commercial insurance. NEXT Insurance covers new businesses immediately. Your premium may be slightly higher in the first year.

Question 6

What does a certificate of insurance (COI) look like for dog walker & pet sitter businesses?

Accepted Answer

A COI (ACORD 25 form) lists your policy number, coverage types, limits, effective dates, and insured information. NEXT Insurance provides instant COI downloads after purchase.

Question 7

Do I need separate insurance if I work from home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your homeowner's insurance does NOT cover business activities. You need a separate commercial policy for your dog walker & pet sitter business.

Question 8

What is the difference between occurrence and claims-made policies?

Accepted Answer

An occurrence policy covers incidents that happened during the policy period regardless of when the claim is filed. A claims-made policy only covers claims filed while the policy is active. Most GL policies are occurrence-based.

Question 9

How do I add an additional insured to my dog walker & pet sitter insurance?

Accepted Answer

With NEXT Insurance, you can add additional insureds instantly online at no extra charge. You'll receive an updated COI immediately.

Question 10

Can I cancel my dog walker & pet sitter insurance if I close my business?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel at any time. Most carriers refund the pro-rated unused premium. Be careful with claims-made policies — you may want tail coverage.

Dog Walker & Pet Sitter Insurance FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Get Covered?