Why I Believe Choosing an Insured Dog Walker is Essential
When you’re deciding who to trust with your dog, it’s not just about finding someone who loves animals or is good with schedules. You need someone who’s professional, reliable, and fully prepared for any situation—because let’s face it, dogs can be unpredictable!
As someone who specialises in one-to-one dog walks for shy, nervous, and sometimes reactive dogs, I know how important it is to provide not just a safe environment, but also a supportive and understanding one. For dogs that need a little extra care, every detail matters. That’s why I always encourage people to ask this crucial question when hiring a dog walker: Do you have insurance?
It might not be the first thing on your mind, but I promise you, it’s one of the most important. Let me explain why hiring an insured dog walker is essential for your peace of mind and your dog’s well-being.
Accidents Happen, Even to the Best of Us
Even with one-to-one walks tailored to your dog’s specific needs, accidents can happen. A nervous dog might get spooked and twist a leg, or step on something sharp while exploring.
When working with shy or reactive dogs, I take extra precautions to keep them safe. But having the right insurance means that if the unexpected happens, your dog’s care is covered. This type of insurance, known as Non-Negligent Cover, protects your dog if they’re injured despite every precaution being taken.
Knowing that your dog is fully covered allows me to focus on what matters most—building trust with them and ensuring they’re happy and comfortable.
Protecting Other Dogs (and People!)
One-to-one walks are perfect for dogs that may feel overwhelmed in group settings or around other dogs. However, if a reactive dog has an unexpected outburst and injures another dog or person, my insurance will cover any medical bills or damages.
This is especially important when working with dogs that are still building their confidence and learning to navigate the world calmly. It means you can rest easy knowing you won’t face any liability for situations that might arise during a walk.
Covering Public Liability
Even shy or nervous dogs can get a sudden burst of energy and accidentally cause damage. Perhaps they knock something over in someone’s garden or scratch a car while trying to climb past it. With public liability insurance, any damage to property or possessions caused by your dog is covered.
Care, Custody, and Control
This is a fancy term for a very important aspect of my insurance. It means that if your dog were to get lost or injured while in my care, there’s financial and legal support in place to resolve the situation quickly.
For dogs that are already anxious, this reassurance is vital. It allows me to focus entirely on providing a calm and positive experience, knowing there’s a safety net in place should something go wrong.
What About Your Keys?
When I’m entrusted with your house keys to collect your dog for their walk, I know that’s a big deal. My insurance includes key cover, so if I were to misplace your keys or if they were damaged, any replacement costs or locksmith fees would be fully covered.
Vet Fees for Illness
Some shy or nervous dogs can be more prone to stress-related illnesses. If your dog develops an illness while in my care, my insurance ensures they’ll receive the veterinary attention they need without delay. This is just one more way I prioritise their well-being.
How to Check Your Dog Walker’s Credentials
When hiring a dog walker, I always recommend going one step further to ensure they’re truly professional. Here’s what to look for:
- Insurance: Ask for proof of an up-to-date insurance policy. Any reputable walker will be happy to share this.
- First Aid Training: Accidents and emergencies can happen, so first aid training is essential for any dog walker.
- Enhanced DBS Check: This shows that the walker is trustworthy, especially if they’ll have access to your home.
- Canine Body Language Training
I’m proud to tick all these boxes because I believe you should feel 100% confident when leaving your dog in my care.
Why Insurance Matters for Everyone
When I tell people about my insurance, some are surprised at how much it covers. It’s not just about protecting your dog—it’s about protecting you, me, and even third parties.
For shy or reactive dogs, where every outing needs to be managed carefully, insurance is an extra layer of assurance. It allows me to focus on creating a calm, positive environment for your dog, knowing that if the unexpected happens, everyone is protected.
Let’s Chat About Your Dog’s Needs
If you’re looking for a dog walker you can trust—someone who’s not only professional and fully insured but also experienced with shy, nervous, or reactive dogs—I’d love to hear from you.
I believe every dog deserves tailored care that respects their unique personality and challenges. Whether it’s helping your nervous dog feel more confident or providing a quiet, safe space for your reactive dog to explore, I’m here to help.
Feel free to get in touch so we can chat about your dog’s needs. Your dog deserves the best care possible, and I’m here to provide it with love, patience, and professionalism. Let’s make walks a positive experience for them—and a worry-free one for you.When choosing a dog walker for your best friend – the dog, t’s not just about finding someone who loves dogs or is available at
If you’re looking for a reliable, professional, and fully insured dog walking service, please get in touch or find out about our other services.