Becoming A Dog Walker: Bonding And Insurance Basics

If you're thinking of becoming a dog walker, there are a few things you should know about being bonded and insured. Firstly, let's understand the difference between the two. Insurance for dog walkers is a must as it covers any financial ramifications resulting from injuries to pets, damage to property, medical injury claims, legal costs, and vet bills. On the other hand, bonding is a type of insurance that protects your customers from any losses caused by the contractor (the walker). It is not a requirement if you operate as a sole proprietor without employees or contractors. Now, let's discuss how to become bonded and insured.

Liability insurance for dog bites and veterinary fees

Liability insurance is a crucial aspect of becoming a bonded and insured dog walker. It provides financial protection and peace of mind in the event of accidents, injuries, or damages involving the dogs in your care. Here are some key points about liability insurance for dog bites and veterinary fees:

• Dog bites are a common reason for insurance claims, and the costs can be significant. In the United States, the average cost per dog-related injury claim reached $64,555 in 2022, with a total of 19,602 claims made.
• Liability insurance for dog walkers covers veterinary fees if a dog is injured while in your care. This includes accidents, illnesses, and other injuries sustained during a walk.
• The cost of veterinary reimbursement coverage varies depending on the insurance provider. Some companies offer a limit of $1,000 per incident and $2,500 per year, while others provide higher limits of $2,500 per incident and $5,000 per year.
• Dog walkers should have third-party liability insurance, which covers dog bites. This type of insurance compensates the victims of dog bites for their medical bills and protects you from legal consequences.
• The cost of third-party liability insurance varies, but on average, dog walkers in America spend between $300 and $700 per year for $1 million in general liability coverage.
• Some insurance companies may not cover certain breeds of dogs categorized as dangerous, such as Pit Bulls. It is important to disclose the breed of dog you will be walking to ensure you have the appropriate coverage.
• In addition to liability insurance, dog walkers should also consider animal bailee coverage, which protects your business in the event of injuries or damages sustained by an animal in your care, custody, or control.

Fidelity bonds to protect against staff theft

Fidelity bonds are a form of business insurance that offers employers protection against losses caused by their employees' dishonest actions, including theft. Also known as honesty bonds or employee dishonesty insurance, these bonds are a component of a company's risk management strategy and can provide protection against monetary or physical losses.

For example, if a dog-walking employee were to use their access to a client's home to steal money or other valuables, a fidelity bond could provide coverage for the employer. This type of bond is especially important for small businesses, which can be financially devastated by the actions of a single dishonest employee.

In addition to theft, fidelity bonds can also cover other types of fraudulent or criminal employee activities such as forgery, robbery, burglary, destruction of property, and the illicit transfer of funds. They are typically designated as either first-party or third-party bonds. First-party fidelity bonds protect businesses from wrongful acts committed by direct employees, while third-party bonds cover similar acts by individuals employed on a contract basis.

Fidelity bonds are an essential tool for attracting customers and building trust, especially for businesses that work in clients' homes. They provide reassurance that the business guarantees to protect its customers' money and property while delivering its services.

Registering your business

Determine the Business Structure:

Firstly, decide whether your dog walking business will be a sole proprietorship or if you will incorporate it as a separate legal entity. This decision will impact the registration process and the extent of your personal liability for the business.

Choose a Business Name:

The legal name of your business is essential, as it will be required on all government forms and applications. If you plan to operate under a different name, you may need to file a "fictitious name" registration form with your government agency.

Obtain Licenses and Permits:

Contact your local city hall or relevant authority to obtain the necessary licenses and permits for operating a dog walking business. The requirements may vary depending on your location, so it's important to check with your local authorities.

Register for Taxes:

Regardless of the business structure you choose, you will need to register for business taxes. Obtain a tax identification number and, if applicable, an employer identification number if you plan to hire employees.

Understand Insurance Requirements:

Before registering your business, it's crucial to understand the insurance requirements for dog walking businesses in your area. Most dog walking businesses will need general liability insurance to protect against accidents, injuries, and property damage. Additionally, consider bonding, which provides extra protection for your clients' belongings.

Complete Registration:

Once you have gathered all the necessary information and met the requirements, you can proceed to register your business with the appropriate government agencies. This process may vary depending on your location, so ensure you are familiar with the specific steps required by your local and state governments.

Remember, it's essential to thoroughly research the legal requirements for operating a dog walking business in your area. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to establishing a legitimate and protected dog walking venture.

Marketing your dog walking business

Website and Social Media Presence

Having a website is crucial in the digital age, serving as a salesperson, customer service representative, and marketer for your business. Make sure your website is user-friendly, informative, and easy to navigate. Include important information such as your coverage area, rates, services, and insurance details. In addition to your website, create a Facebook business page and a Yelp profile. Use these platforms strategically to promote your business and engage with potential customers. Optimize your Instagram bio and highlights by including keywords related to your service area and offerings.

Business Cards and Community Engagement

Business cards are still a relevant way to network and share contact information. Attend local dog-related events, such as humane society fundraisers or dog agility competitions, and consider setting up a booth or providing coupons and gift certificates. Partner with shelters or rescues to offer new client discounts for newly adopted pets. Claim your online listings on platforms like Google My Business and Yelp to improve your search engine optimization (SEO) and increase your online visibility.

Blogging and Content Creation

Start a blog on your website to attract a wider audience and establish yourself as a knowledgeable resource. Create content that is tailored to your target audience and service area, such as "The Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Austin, Texas." Share your blog posts on social media and engage with other industry blogs to expand your reach.

Referrals and Word-of-Mouth

Encourage referrals and word-of-mouth promotion by providing excellent service and building strong relationships with your clients. Ask your favourite clients where they found you and track your marketing channels to understand what strategies are most effective.

Networking and Partnerships

Reach out to established dog walkers and pet sitters in your area. They may be willing to recommend your services when they are unavailable or if a client is not a good fit for them. Additionally, network with pet stores, veterinarians, and dog groomers in your community. These businesses often interact with dog owners who may be interested in your services.

By implementing these marketing strategies, you can effectively promote your dog walking business and attract potential customers. Remember to be consistent in your branding and messaging, and don't be afraid to try out different approaches to see what works best for your business.

Understanding dog behaviour

Dog behaviour can vary widely, and it is important to be able to recognise the nuances of dog behaviour and body language. For example, sniffing behaviours are common in dogs, and are often observed before urination. Gundog breeds are more likely to perform sniffing behaviours than other types of dogs.

It is also important to be aware of how the environment can impact dog behaviour. For instance, dogs are more likely to be walked off-leash during the week than on weekends, and dogs are walked more frequently in certain locations, such as popular dog walking areas like parks.

Additionally, understanding the dog's breed can provide insight into their behaviour. For example, larger dog breeds are more likely to be walked by their owners than smaller breeds.

By gaining knowledge about dog behaviour, you can provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for both the dogs and their owners.

Frequently asked questions