Dog Walking Insurance Explained: Why Both Vehicle and Business Cover Matter
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Dec 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Dog Walking Insurance Explained: Why Both Vehicle and Business Cover Matter
When choosing a professional dog walker, insurance is not a “nice to have” — it is a fundamental part of operating safely, legally, and responsibly.
However, insurance is often misunderstood. Many people assume that if a dog walker has vehicle insurance, everything is covered. Others assume business insurance automatically extends to the vehicle.
In reality, both vehicle insurance and business insurance play very different roles, and both are essential.
This article explains what each type of insurance covers, why they must work together, and—crucially—how dogs are protected if the unthinkable happens, such as a road traffic accident.
Vehicle Insurance: Covering the Journey
If a dog walker transports dogs in a vehicle, that vehicle must be insured correctly.
This is not standard “social, domestic and pleasure” insurance.
What Proper Vehicle Insurance Should Include
A professional dog walker’s vehicle policy should cover:
Business use (often Class 1 or Class 2, depending on the insurer)
Transporting animals for commercial purposes
Modifications such as crates, cages, or ramps
Multiple stops and collections
High mileage associated with professional work
Without business use declared, a claim can be refused, even if the accident itself was not the walker’s fault.
Important Limitation of Vehicle Insurance
Here is the key point many people do not realise:
Vehicle insurance generally covers the vehicle and third-party damage — not the dogs as animals.
Legally, dogs are often treated as “cargo” or “property” under motor insurance. This means:
Veterinary costs for dogs injured in a crash may not be covered
Death or injury to dogs may fall outside the scope of motor insurance
The emotional and financial consequences could be significant without additional protection
This is where business insurance becomes critical.
Business Insurance: Protecting the Dogs, the Walker, and the Client
Professional dog walking insurance is designed specifically to cover the risks involved in handling and caring for other people’s dogs.
What a Robust Dog Walking Policy Typically Covers
A comprehensive policy may include:
Public liability insurance
Care, custody and control of dogs
Injury, illness, or death of a dog while in your care
Loss or theft of a dog
Third-party injury caused by a dog
Legal defence costs
Equipment cover (leads, harnesses, crates)
Dogs Injured in a Vehicle Accident
This is the crucial reassurance for clients:
If a dog is injured or killed while being transported as part of your business, a specialist dog walking insurance policy can cover the dog — even if the incident occurs in a vehicle.
This typically includes:
Veterinary treatment following a crash
Emergency care costs
Compensation where applicable
The exact wording varies between insurers, but reputable dog walking policies explicitly extend care, custody and control cover to transport situations.
In other words:
Vehicle insurance addresses the accident
Business insurance addresses the dogs
Both are required for full protection.
Why Having Only One Type of Insurance Is Not Enough
Vehicle Insurance Alone
Covers damage to vehicles and third parties
May exclude dogs entirely
May be invalid if business use is not declared
Business Insurance Alone
Does not replace motor insurance
Does not cover road traffic liability
Cannot be relied upon without a properly insured vehicle
A professional dog walker must have both, correctly set up and clearly documented.
What Clients Should Ask Their Dog Walker
If you are a dog owner, it is reasonable to ask:
Do you have business-use vehicle insurance?
Does your dog walking insurance cover dogs during transport?
Are dogs transported in secured crates or harnesses?
Are insurance certificates available to view?
A professional, insured walker will welcome these questions.
Professional Standards Matter
Running a dog walking business is not just about loving dogs — it is about managing risk, responsibility, and trust.
Correct insurance:
Protects the dogs
Protects the client
Protects the business
Demonstrates professionalism and due diligence
If a dog walker cannot clearly explain their insurance, or relies on vague assurances, that is a red flag.
Final Thoughts
Accidents are rare — but preparation is what separates a hobbyist from a professional.
A properly insured dog walking business ensures that even in the worst-case scenario, dogs are protected, cared for, and financially covered.
That peace of mind is not accidental.
It is built into the business from day one.
See The Dog House Resources for templates you can use.
About Tori & TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub
I’m Tori, founder of TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub and The Dog House, where I help dog walkers and dog owners build confidence, clarity, and success. With years of hands-on experience running a busy dog walking company and training academy, my mission is to make the industry easier to navigate. Whether you're growing your business or supporting your dog at home, you’ll find practical guidance, community support, and resources designed to help you thrive.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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