What insurance does a pet sitter / dog walker need?
Not all professions face the same risks. Below is a breakdown of every coverage type relevant to pet sitter / dog walkers — what each one covers, whether it's required, and what you should expect to pay in 2026.
Pet Care Liability InsuranceRequired
$15–$35/mo
Core protection for pet sitters and dog walkers. Covers dog bites, pet injuries, and incidents during care.
Surety BondRequired
$8–$18/mo
Protects clients against theft or property damage by you while in their home.
Care, Custody & Control
$10–$25/mo
Covers pets that die, escape, or are injured while in your care — often excluded from standard GL policies.
Commercial Auto
$30–$80/mo
Covers your vehicle when transporting pets to parks, vets, or grooming.
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Top risks for pet sitter / dog walkers
- Dog bite to third party
- Pet escape, loss, or death in care
- Client home property damage
- Slip and fall during dog walk
- Key loss or home security breach
How much does insurance cost?
Most pet sitter / dog walkers pay $25–$70/month for a complete coverage package. Your exact cost depends on your state, annual revenue, whether you have employees, your claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What if a dog I'm walking bites someone?
Dog bite liability is one of the most common and costly claims for dog walkers. Pet care liability insurance covers medical expenses and legal defense for dog bite incidents.
What if a pet dies while in my care?
Pet death in care is covered by care, custody, and control insurance — a specialty endorsement often excluded from standard policies. The pet's value plus emotional distress claims can be significant.
Do I need to be bonded as a pet sitter?
Many clients require pet sitters to be bonded before they'll give access to their home. A surety bond protects clients if you steal from their home or cause property damage.
How to get the best rate
The fastest way to find the lowest rate is to compare multiple carriers side by side. Most pet sitter / dog walkers can get quotes from 3–5 insurers in under 10 minutes and receive their certificate of insurance the same day.