Dog walking can be a rewarding business for dog lovers.
For dog lovers, running a dog walking business can be a rewarding profession. Although animal care may be a passion, it is still important to treat dog walking as a business. All businesses carry risks, including the risk of personal injury and potential lawsuits. Measures such as obtaining insurance and a surety bond protect both the dog walker and his clients. Running a business in a professional manner also attracts more clients, which leads to increased profits.
Instructions
Get a Dog Walking Business Bonded and Insured
1. Join a professional pet care organization. Several nationally recognized organizations offer membership benefits including business promotion, mentoring and insurance discounts. Many pet owners look for dog walkers who are registered with this type of organization; this assures clients that you meet the organization's standards.
2. Obtain liability insurance to protect against different types of lawsuits. This type of insurance is often offered as part of a small-business package, but may be purchased separately from some companies.
You could be sued by the pet owner if something happens to the dog while in your care. In most states, a dog walker is also liable for any dog bites or attacks that may occur while he or she is walking the dog.
Research your state's laws regarding small-business liability as well as dog bite liability to determine the optimum amount of coverage. For example, if you purchase $100,000 worth of liability insurance and someone successfully sues you for $500,000, the insurance company pays out the $100,000 and you must pay the rest out of pocket.
3. Consider obtaining small-business insurance that covers personal injury sustained on the job. Your health insurance may not cover work-related injuries, such as dog bites. Check your policy or talk to an insurance agency to make sure your hospital bills would be covered in the event of a bite or attack.
4. Purchase a surety bond from a bonding company. A surety bond protects your clients in the event that you steal from them or do not hold up your end of the agreement. Bonding is especially important if you run a referral business or have a dog walking business with other employees.
Even if you are an independent dog walker, bonding gives you a competitive edge by giving your clients peace of mind.
Tags: surety bond, Bonded Insured, Business Bonded, Business Bonded Insured, liability insurance