Do you really need insurance as a pet sitter or dog trainer?
If you walk dogs, sit in clients’ homes, or train pups in a park, you’re taking on real liability. A dog escapes and gets hit by a car. A cat scratches a child. You accidentally break an expensive vase. Or a client claims your training method caused their dog to become aggressive. Without insurance, you’re on the hook for veterinary bills, legal defense, and settlements—costs that can easily run into five or six figures.
So yes, you need insurance. But you need the right policies, not just any cheap policy you find online.
What are the real risks for pet sitters and dog trainers?
Here’s what can actually happen:
- Pet injury or death. A dog you’re walking slips its collar and runs into traffic. A cat ingests something toxic in a client’s home. Veterinary bills can be thousands, and the owner may sue for the pet’s value or emotional distress.
- Pet injures a third party. A dog you’re training bites a passerby or another dog. You could be sued for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
- Property damage. You knock over a $2,000 TV or your dog chews through a sofa. Clients expect you to pay.
- Care, custody, and control (CCC) claims. This is a big one. If a pet is injured or dies while in your care, standard general liability policies often exclude this. You need a policy that specifically covers animals entrusted to you.
- Allegations of negligence. A client claims you didn’t follow feeding instructions or used improper training techniques. Even if the claim is baseless, you’ll need to defend yourself.
What insurance policies do pet sitters and dog trainers need?
No single policy covers everything. Here’s what you should consider:
General liability insurance
This is the foundation. It covers bodily injury (e.g., a dog bites a client) and property damage (e.g., you break a window). Most pet sitting and training businesses should have at least $1 million per occurrence. General liability does not cover injuries to the pets in your care—that’s where care, custody, and control coverage comes in.
Care, custody, and control (CCC) coverage
Standard general liability policies exclude damage to property in your care—and pets are considered property. CCC coverage fills that gap. If a dog you’re watching gets hurt or dies, CCC pays for veterinary bills or the pet’s value. This is essential for any pet sitter or trainer. Look for it as an add-on or included in a specialized pet care policy.
Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance
If a client sues you for a mistake—like missing a scheduled walk or using a training method they claim caused injury—professional liability covers legal defense and settlements. It’s not always needed for basic pet sitting, but for trainers who give advice or handle behavior issues, it’s smart.
Commercial auto insurance
If you drive to clients’ homes or transport pets, your personal auto policy likely excludes business use. Commercial auto covers accidents while you’re on the job. If you don’t drive for work, skip it.
Workers’ compensation
If you have employees, most states require it. Even if you’re a sole proprietor, consider it if you want coverage for your own injuries.
How much does pet sitter insurance cost?
Pet sitting is one of the lower-risk pet-care lines, so it is also one of the cheaper to insure. Insureon's own customer data puts general liability for pet-care businesses at roughly $43 a month, with a business owner's policy running higher once property and equipment are added; care, custody, and control and errors-and-omissions coverage add to that. Exact quotes depend on your location, services, and revenue, so get quotes from more than one provider — and see our breakdown of pet business insurance costs for the full picture. Insureon can help you compare.
Does a client’s homeowner insurance cover me?
Sometimes, but don’t rely on it. A client’s homeowner policy might cover accidental injury or property damage you cause, but it won’t cover claims related to the pet itself (like veterinary bills) or professional negligence. And if you’re sued, the client’s insurer has no duty to defend you—they’ll protect the client, not you.
Does Rover or Wag insurance cover my private clients?
No. Platforms like Rover and Wag provide limited liability coverage for services booked through their app. That coverage typically doesn’t extend to clients you find on your own. If you do any off-platform work, you need your own policy. The same goes if you’re an employee—your employer’s policy covers the business, not your side gigs.
Why a certificate of insurance (COI) matters
Many clients, especially through boarding facilities or training centers, will ask for a COI as proof you have coverage. A COI shows you’re insured and lists policy limits. If you can’t provide one, you might lose the job. Get a policy that issues COIs easily—most online providers do.
What about dog walker and dog groomer insurance?
If you walk dogs or groom them, the same principles apply. See our guides on dog walker insurance and dog groomer insurance for specifics.
How to compare pet sitter insurance quotes
Use a broker like Insureon to get quotes from top carriers. Look for:
- General liability with at least $1M per occurrence
- Care, custody, and control coverage (included or as an add-on)
- Professional liability if you give advice or train
- No exclusion for animals (some policies exclude them)
Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Don’t just buy the cheapest policy—make sure it covers the real risks you face.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance. Insurance needs vary. Always read policy terms carefully and consult a licensed agent. Premiums quoted are estimates; final pricing comes from the carrier at quote.