INSURANCE GUIDE
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Insurance UK
Public liability, care custody and control, and key loss cover for UK dog walkers, pet sitters and pet care businesses.
TL;DR
- Care, custody and control cover is essential for pet businesses - standard public liability does not cover animals in your care.
- Public liability covers injury to third parties caused by dogs in your care - not the same as animal liability.
- Key loss cover pays if a key to a client's home is lost and locks must be replaced.
- Pet business insurance should cover all species of animals you care for - not just dogs.
Care, Custody and Control Cover
When a dog walker or pet sitter takes charge of a client's animal, they take on responsibility for its safety. If a dog in your care is injured, escapes, or dies, the owner can claim against you. Standard public liability policies exclude property in your care, custody, or control - and animals are classified as property for this purpose. Care, custody and control cover specifically addresses this: it covers your liability if a client's animal is injured, lost, or killed while in your care.
Third-Party Liability for Animals in Your Care
If a dog you are walking bites a third party or causes a road traffic accident, the injured person can claim against you as the person in control of the animal at the time of the incident. This third-party liability is typically included within specialist pet business insurance. The Animals Act 1971 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 create legal liability frameworks for dog-related incidents that the insurance must cover.
Key Loss Cover
Dog walkers and pet sitters often hold keys to clients' homes. If a key is lost or stolen, the client may require their locks to be changed to maintain home security. Key loss insurance covers the cost of lock replacement if client keys are lost while in your possession. This is a specific cover relevant to pet businesses and home-visiting services that is not included in standard public liability policies.
What Activities Are Covered
Pet business insurance should cover all activities you carry out: dog walking (solo and group), pet sitting at client homes, home boarding (animals staying in your home), pet taxi services, dog grooming, and puppy training classes. Each activity creates slightly different risks. Confirm that all your services are listed within the policy scope - undeclared activities will not be covered if a claim arises from them.
Related Guides
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or insurance advice. Kaeltripton.com is not regulated by the FCA. Always read policy documents in full before purchasing cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dog walkers need to be licensed?
Dog walking itself does not require a licence. However, home boarding - keeping dogs in your own home overnight - requires a licence from your local council under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018. Licencing conditions include insurance requirements. Some local authorities also license doggy day care. Check with your local council whether your specific pet business activities require licensing.
Does pet sitting insurance cover if a client's pet escapes?
The care, custody and control section of a pet business policy covers the consequences of a pet escaping your care - search and rescue costs, veterinary treatment if the pet is injured, and compensation to the owner for the value of a pet that cannot be recovered. Confirm that escaped pet cover is explicitly included and check any per-animal value limits in the policy schedule.
