If you run a dog walking business, you need cover that protects you against the specific risks of caring for other people's pets - from injuries that happen on walks to accidents involving dogs in your custody. At Chris Knott Insurance, we arrange dog walking insurance that combines public liability, care custody and control, and optional key cover into one sensible policy.
Our UK-based team has worked with professional dog walkers for years. We'll talk you through what cover actually matters - and what doesn't - so you pay for protection you'll genuinely use, not extras you won't.
Excellent service from start to finish. The team took time to understand exactly what I needed and found me a great policy at a competitive price. Couldn't be happier with the whole experience.
Been with Chris Knott for over 5 years now. Easy renewal process and the team are always a pleasure to speak with. Proper UK-based advice you can actually trust.
After being let down by my previous insurer, Chris Knott made the whole process painless. Honest, straightforward, and friendly from the very first call. Highly recommend them.
Andy was brilliant - talked me through all the options clearly, no pressure, and found me a much better deal than the comparison sites. This is how insurance should be done.
I needed specialist cover for my classic Jaguar and Chris Knott sorted it quickly and at a great price. Really impressed with the level of knowledge and personal service.
Switched my home insurance after a recommendation from a friend. Very competitive premium and the whole thing was done in under 20 minutes. Very pleased with everything.
First-class service. I dealt with Emma who was patient, helpful and knew exactly what I needed for my thatched cottage. Got proper specialist cover, not a standard policy.
Genuinely good old-fashioned customer service. A real person who actually listens and helps you find the right cover. Wouldn't go anywhere else for my insurance now.
Had a claim last year and Chris Knott supported me throughout. Made a stressful situation much easier. Fair, fast, and professional - exactly what you want from a broker.
Renewed my multi-car policy today. Still the best value I've found anywhere and the team remembered me from last year. That personal touch really makes a difference.
Very helpful team, especially when I needed to add a modified vehicle to my policy. Talked me through everything and made sure I was properly covered. Excellent all round.
Chris Knott have been brilliant for my listed property - most insurers wouldn't touch it but they found me comprehensive cover at a sensible price. Grateful for their expertise.
Efficient, clear, and competitive. I ran through three comparison sites before calling Chris Knott and they beat them all. UK-based team made the whole thing painless.
Outstanding from start to finish. I've recommended Chris Knott to everyone I know - my parents, my sister, and even my colleagues. They never let anyone down.
The service is what sets Chris Knott apart. You get proper advice from people who understand insurance, not a script. Worth every penny and more.
Dog walking looks straightforward from the outside, but the insurance picture isn't. You're taking responsibility for other people's animals - often several at once, in public spaces - and the liability sits with you the moment a lead is in your hand. A dog slips its harness and runs into traffic; a client's labrador bites a passer-by; you're carrying four dogs in a van and one chews the upholstery of another owner's pet carrier. These are everyday risks that standard household or pet-owner policies simply don't cover. Generic business insurance tends to be written for shops and offices, not for someone walking six dogs across a wet common. We arrange cover built specifically for the work you actually do.
A single incident can cost more than a year's earnings. If a dog in your care injures someone or another animal, the third-party claim against you won't be small - and if the owner decides to sue for the emotional or veterinary cost of a lost or injured pet, the numbers climb fast. Many local authorities and private landowners also require proof of public liability cover before they'll let you operate on their ground, so without a specialist policy you're limited in where you can walk. Key-holder cover matters too: most dog walkers hold client keys, and a lost set or theft-after-key-loss is a real exposure. Our UK-based team arranges policies that bundle public liability, care-custody-and-control, and key cover into one contract rather than leaving gaps between unrelated policies.
A typical dog walking policy arranged through our panel includes:
Every walking business is set up differently - some do solo walks, some do group walks, some run day-care out of a home. Talk to our UK-based team and we'll arrange a policy that matches what you actually do.
The most common questions we're asked about dog walking insurance. Can't find what you're looking for? Speak to our UK-based team on 0800 917 2274.
The cost of your dog walking insurance will depend on several factors:
Yes, even part-time dog walkers need appropriate insurance protection. The risks remain the same regardless of whether you walk dogs occasionally or full-time. In fact, if dog walking isn't your primary occupation, you might be less experienced and potentially more vulnerable to incidents.
Many part-time dog walkers mistakenly believe their home insurance might cover their business activities, but most domestic policies explicitly exclude business operations. Dedicated dog walking insurance provides the specific protections you need, with coverage levels that can be tailored to match your part-time work volume.
When selecting your insurance policy, consider the maximum number of dogs you'll walk simultaneously. Different policies have different limits, and exceeding your policy limit could invalidate your coverage. Think about the specific services you offer beyond standard dog walking, such as home visits or transportation.
Carefully review coverage limits to ensure they're adequate for your business needs. Higher public liability limits might be appropriate if you walk dogs in busy urban areas. Consider any contractual requirements from clients or local authorities, as some may stipulate minimum insurance levels.
Finally, check policy exclusions carefully to understand what isn't covered. Some policies might exclude certain breeds or have restrictions regarding off-lead walking.
From charity cover to photography insurance, allotment policies to dog-business cover, browse our full specialist scheme range below.
One broker, many kinds of cover - all handled by our UK-based team.
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ExploreEvery page is written and fact-checked by our UK-based insurance specialists. Chris Knott Insurance has been arranging cover since 1983.
Every dog walking insurance policy is different. Speak to our specialist UK-based team and we'll arrange a quote that properly reflects your property and circumstances.
