🟢 Introduction
If you’re a professional dog walker in the UK, public liability insurance isn’t just smart — it’s often essential. Whether you’re walking one pup or managing multiple clients a day, the risks (and responsibilities) are real. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what public liability insurance covers, why dog walkers need it, and the best options available in 2025.
🐾 Why Dog Walkers Need Public Liability Insurance
Public liability insurance protects you if a dog in your care causes injury to a third party or damages property. For example:
- A dog slips its lead and causes a cyclist to crash
- A client’s pet damages a neighbour’s garden during a walk
- Someone trips over your lead and sues for injury
Without insurance, you’re personally liable — and legal claims can run into the thousands.
Other professionals, like tutors who work from home, also need public liability cover due to similar client-facing risks.
🛡️ What to Look for in a Dog Walker Insurance Policy
Here are key features to look for:
- Public liability coverage (£1m to £5m recommended)
- Care, custody & control cover (protects animals in your care)
- Key cover (if you lose a client’s house key)
- Legal expenses
- Optional: Personal accident cover, equipment cover, or professional indemnity
This type of coverage is also common for service providers like mobile hairdressers, who operate in unpredictable environments.
✅ Best Insurance Providers for Dog Walkers in the UK (2025)
PolicyBee
- ✅ Specialises in sole traders & pet professionals
- Cover from £50/year
- Customise your level of protection
- Excellent UK-based customer support
- Get a quote: policybee.co.uk
Simply Business
- ✔️ Easy online quotes from multiple insurers
- Choose your own cover amount and add-ons
- Instant policy documents
- Get a quote: simplybusiness.co.uk
Pet Business Insurance (PBI)
- 🐶 Tailored specifically for pet-related businesses
- Offers combined cover for pet sitting, grooming, walking
- Can include vehicle and equipment cover
- Site: petbusinessinsurance.co.uk
⚖️ Comparison Table
| Provider | Starting Price | Dog Specific Cover |
|---|---|---|
| PolicyBee | ~ £50 a year | ✅ Yes |
| Simply Business | Varies | ✅ Yes (customisable) |
| Pet Business Ins. | ~ £70 a year | ✅ Yes (pet industry) |
Not sure which insurer is best for your freelance work? Check out our PolicyBee vs Simply Business comparison to help you decide.
🧠 FAQs
Q: Is public liability insurance a legal requirement for dog walkers in the UK?
No, it’s not legally required — but many councils or clients may ask for proof of cover. It’s strongly recommended.
Q: Can I get insurance if I’m just starting out?
Yes. All the providers above offer policies for part-time and solo walkers.
Q: Does it cover me if the dog gets injured?
Some policies include care, custody and control, which protects against injury or loss of the pet itself.
✅ Final Thoughts
Accidents can (and do) happen — even with the most well-behaved dogs. Public liability insurance for dog walkers in the UK is an affordable way to protect your business, your clients, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re part-time or full-time, getting covered is one of the smartest steps you can take. In fact, if you’re just doing dog walking on the side, this guide explains whether part-time freelancers need insurance.