Alyssa Lane
If you're considering signing up to be a Wag walker, it's important to consider whether you'll be insured. While Wag is one of the most popular dog-walking apps, there is limited information available about the insurance it provides to its walkers. According to one source, Wag gives insurance to its walkers, but it only protects the dog. Independent contractors are not employees, so Wag is not legally obligated to care about them in the same way. As a caregiver, you take on substantial risk when working with animals and in clients' homes, so it's important to consider insurance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Insurance for walkers | Not provided by Wag |
| Independent contractors | Yes |
| Insurance options | Pet Care Insurance, Dog Walker Insurance, PCI |
| Insurance cost | $14.58/month or $154/year |
| Insurance necessity | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Wag! provides insurance, but only for the dog
If you are a dog owner, you can use Wag! to book trusted, local, 5-star dog walkers in your neighborhood. You can then track the walk via GPS and receive real-time photo and video updates.
As a dog walker, you are considered an independent contractor when working with Wag!. This means that you are not an employee of Wag! and they are not required to provide you with insurance. If you are a dog walker, it is recommended that you have your own liability insurance in case of any incidents, such as dog bites or damage to client property. This can protect you from being financially responsible for any accidents that may occur.
There are insurance options specifically designed for dog walkers, such as Pet Care Insurance (PCI), which offers affordable coverage for as little as $14.58 per month. This insurance can provide protection in various scenarios, including lost key coverage, pet protection, and veterinarian reimbursement. By having your own insurance policy, you can ensure that you are protected in case of any unforeseen events while working as a dog walker.
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Dog walkers are independent contractors, not employees
Dog walkers who use the Wag app are independent contractors, not employees. This means that they are self-employed and responsible for their own business affairs, including insurance. While Wag provides insurance, this only covers the dogs, not the walkers.
As independent contractors, Wag walkers are not guaranteed hours, jobs, or benefits. They are also not protected by the company in the same way that employees might be. This means that walkers are advised to take out their own liability insurance to cover any incidents that may occur while walking a dog, such as a dog bite. This insurance can protect them from paying expensive vet or legal bills out of pocket.
Wag walkers are also responsible for their own taxes and other financial obligations, as well as their own safety and wellbeing while on the job. For example, one source notes that walkers should be prepared for lockboxes that have issues opening, which could pose a safety risk.
Being an independent contractor also means that Wag walkers have more flexibility and autonomy than they might have as employees. They can set their own rates, choose their own hours, and decide which services they want to offer. They also keep 100% of their tips.
Overall, while the independent contractor status of Wag walkers provides certain freedoms, it also means that walkers are responsible for their own protection in the event of an incident, and must take out their own insurance policies if they wish to be covered.
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Vaccination records are not required for dogs on Wag
According to some sources, Wag does not require proof of vaccination records for dogs on its platform. This means that, as a dog walker, you could be going into the situation blind to the dog's medical history, including whether or not it has received its core vaccines. This can be a cause for concern, especially if the dog exhibits aggressive or fearful behaviour, as this could result in a trip to the doctor or ER/hospital. In the event of a bite, it is a gamble as to whether the dog has been properly vaccinated.
Wag walkers are independent contractors, and the company does not require them to have dog-walking insurance. However, it is recommended that walkers obtain their own insurance, as this can protect them financially if something goes wrong, such as a pet being injured or client property being damaged. While Wag provides insurance, it only covers the dog and not the walker.
Wag is a technology platform that connects dog owners with trusted, local dog walkers in their neighbourhood. The platform offers various services, including overnight boarding, drop-in visits, and on-demand walks. While Wag is a popular choice for pet owners, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved when working with animals and taking them into your home or visiting the homes of clients.
As a Wag walker, you can set your own rates and keep 100% of your tips. However, Wag takes a 40% commission on all bookings, and there is a one-time $49.95 background check fee for new providers. Additionally, there is an optional Wag! Pro membership that costs $129. While this may be a convenient way to find work as a dog walker, it is important to consider the potential costs and risks involved, especially if you do not have your own insurance or access to the dog's vaccination records.
To summarise, while Wag does not require vaccination records for dogs on its platform, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to safeguard yourself, such as obtaining dog-walking insurance.
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Dog walkers should have their own liability insurance
Dog walking is a fun and rewarding job, but it comes with certain risks. Accidents can happen, and when they do, dog walkers may find themselves facing expensive bills and even lawsuits. This is why it is essential for dog walkers to have their own liability insurance.
While some companies, such as Wag!, may offer insurance to their walkers, it is important to note that this insurance may only cover the dog and not the walker. In the event of an incident, such as a dog bite or damage to a client's property, the walker could be left financially and legally responsible. This is where having personal liability insurance comes in.
Dog walker insurance can provide coverage for a range of scenarios. For example, if a dog becomes injured or ill during a walk, pet protection coverage can help cover the costs of veterinary care. Similarly, if a walker loses the client's keys, lost key coverage can reimburse the client for the cost of installing new locks.
In addition to financial protection, having insurance can provide peace of mind for both the dog walker and the client. Knowing that you are protected in the event of an accident can reduce stress and allow you to focus on providing the best possible care for the dogs in your care.
The cost of dog walker insurance is relatively affordable, with some policies starting at around $150 per year. When considering the potential costs of accidents and lawsuits, the small expense of insurance can be well worth it. Ultimately, having your own liability insurance as a dog walker is a necessary precaution to protect yourself, your clients, and the dogs in your care.
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Bonding protects dog walkers from theft accusations
Bonding insurance is a critical component of pet sitter or dog walker insurance. While pet sitting insurance covers accidents, injuries, property damage, and claims, bonding insurance protects dog walkers from theft accusations.
Dog walking or pet sitting businesses, as well as independent contractors who work as pet sitters, need to have insurance. This is because caregivers are considered third-party vendors, and as such, Wag walkers are contracted by the company and are not guaranteed hours, jobs, or benefits. Therefore, Wag walkers are responsible for obtaining their own insurance.
Wag does provide insurance, but it only protects the dog. This means that if a Wag walker is accused of theft, they are not covered by Wag's insurance policy. However, bonding insurance can protect dog walkers from theft accusations and ensure that the customer is protected against losses from theft or damage done by a company's employees or contractors.
For example, a Primary Commercial Blanket Bond covers every single employee in a company regardless of position and does not require "absolute proof" of theft. This type of bonding insurance can provide financial protection for Wag walkers accused of theft and help them reimburse their customers for any losses.
In conclusion, bonding insurance is an essential form of protection for dog walkers and pet sitters, including Wag walkers, as it safeguards them from theft accusations and helps maintain customer trust and satisfaction.
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Frequently asked questions
Wag walkers are considered third-party vendors and independent contractors, so they are not guaranteed insurance coverage by the company. It is recommended that they get their own liability insurance.
Pet Care Insurance (PCI) can cover walkers for pet sitting and dog walking. Other types of insurance to consider are bonding and fidelity bonds, which protect against theft and dishonest acts.
Wag offers pet insurance plans for pets, but it is unclear if they offer insurance for their walkers.
