Dog Walker Insurance in New Hampshire

Also providing homeowners insurance to residents in Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, & Vermont.

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What is dog walker insurance?

Walking dogs has become a popular way for New Hampshire residents to earn a side income, or even a full income in some cases. Walking dogs for pay comes with risks that shouldn’t be ignored, however. Purchasing dog walker insurance can be an affordable way to protect against many of the financial perils that this work exposes you to.

Dog walker insurance is tailored specifically for the needs of people who charge for walking dogs. Policies typically provide coverages for the dogs, the walker and the business at large,

Who in New Hampshire should consider dog walking insurance?

In New Hampshire, any individual or business that gets paid for their walking services might want dog walking insurance. This includes full-time, part-time, or occasional dog walkers who charge. This can be a good option for:

• Full-time or part-time professional dog walkers
• Individuals who walk dogs for extra income
• Pet sitters who walk dogs as part of their services
• Pet boarders who walk dogs as part of their services
• Businesses that employ multiple dog walkers (less common)

Is dog walking insurance necessary when walking a family member’s dog?

People who walk dogs as a favor for friends or family members typically don’t require dog walking insurance, so long as they aren’t charging a fee. Risks such as dog bites, escape or injury are often covered by a person’s homeowners insurance liability coverage when doing the service as a favor for someone.

However, when dog walkers get paid for their services, the liability coverage of homeowners insurance is less likely to apply Dog walking insurance may be necessary when funds (or in-kind trades) are exchanged, even if the client is personally known.

Not carrying proper liability coverage can present tremendous risk, as a dog walker might be personally responsible if they lose a dog or something else happens.

If you’re uncertain as to whether your situation necessitates a dog walker policy, an insurance agent who specializes in these policies can help you determine whether it’s needed. A specialized agent will understand the limitations of homeowners liability coverage, and when dog walker policies are typically a better option.

What types of coverage are usually in dog walker policies?

These policies offer an array of coverage types, in order to cater to the various risks that providing the service presents. Although the specifics can vary, most policies include the following:

• General Liability Coverage: This might cover common accidents that result in injury or property damage to others.
• Commercial Auto Coverage: This might cover a work vehicle used for commuting to and from customers’ homes.
• Lost Key Coverage: This might cover the cost of replacing any lost keys, and rekeying the home’s locks.
• Animal Bailee Coverage: This might cover the death, injury or disappearance of a dog that’s being walked or watched.
• Errors and Omissions Coverage: This might cover claims resulting from incorrect advice given to clients, if it leads to harm or injury to the dog.

Do dog walkers need commercial auto insurance?

Whether a dog walker needs commercial auto insurance largely depends on their personal auto policy’s terms. 

Personal auto insurance policies may or may not cover basic work-related driving of a personal vehicle, such as going to and from clients’ homes. Some policies provide such protection as a standard or optional feature. An optional feature would likely be referred to as an “endorsement” or “rider.”

If a personal auto policy makes work-related coverage available, then the personal policy is probably sufficient and the most cost-effective option. If a personal policy doesn’t make the coverage available, a commercial policy may be necessary.

Dog walkers using a vehicle registered to a business typically need a commercial policy, as personal policies generally don’t cover commercially registered vehicles owned by a business.

How can dog walkers in New Hampshire find dog walker insurance?

Dog walkers in New Hampshire who want help insuring themselves can reach out to the independent insurance agents at Insurance24. Our agents can help you navigate the process of evaluating your need for coverage, and then show you dog walker insurance policies from several insurers. We’ll help you find the best solution.