Can I Get Van Insurance if I Run a Dog Walking Business?
Table of Contents
If you run a dog walking business and use a van or a car for your daily rounds, you’ll need to make sure you have the right insurance in place. Standard policies, whether for vans or cars – usually won’t automatically cover using your vehicle for dog walking or pet transport as a business. That’s why specialist van insurance or car insurance with appropriate business use is essential for protecting your vehicle, the animals in your care, and your livelihood.
This guide explains how to arrange suitable cover, what to watch out for, and practical tips to help you stay insured and compliant as a professional dog walker.
Key points
Here are some quick essentials if you need van insurance for a dog walking service:
- You’ll need a policy that covers “carriage of goods for hire and reward” or commercial use, not just social or domestic driving.
- Some insurers may class pet transport as a specialist risk – always declare your business activities when you get a quote.
- Standard private van insurance does not include business use for pet or dog transport.
- Public liability insurance is strongly recommended if you carry other people’s dogs, as your van policy won’t cover injuries to the animals or third parties.
- Check if you need animal transport or pet business cover – some policies can be tailored for dog walkers, groomers, or pet sitters.
Knowing these facts upfront helps you stay insured, legal, and protected if anything goes wrong.
Who Can Get Van Insurance for a Dog Walking Business?
Anyone who runs a dog walking, pet taxi, or animal care business using a van can apply for specialist cover. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Tell insurers exactly how you use your van – e.g., collecting and dropping off dogs, transporting equipment, or covering multiple appointments daily.
- Business van insurance for dog walkers can cover one-person operations, family-run pet businesses, or those with staff (just check who can drive).
- If you employ others, you might also need employers’ liability insurance by law.
- Some insurers will want to know if you leave dogs unattended in the van or carry more than a certain number at once.
Being upfront about your dog walking or pet care activities makes it easier to find cover that fits – and avoid claim issues later.
What Type of Cover Do You Need?
Van insurance for a dog walking business can include several elements. Think about these options when getting a quote:
- Commercial van insurance – This covers you for business use, including picking up and dropping off dogs at clients’ homes.
- Carriage of goods for hire and reward – Needed if you transport animals as part of your business, especially if you charge for this service.
- Public liability insurance – Protects you if a dog or member of the public is injured or property is damaged during your work.
- Goods in transit insurance – May cover equipment or (in some cases) the animals themselves, but check wording carefully.
- Breakdown cover – Handy if you regularly travel with animals, to avoid leaving pets stranded.
Mix and match these covers to create a policy that fits how you really work. Specialist pet business or animal transport insurance might be available from some providers.
How to Arrange Van Insurance as a Dog Walker: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to make sure you get the right cover for your van and business:
- List your business activities clearly – Tell the insurer you run a dog walking or pet care service and explain exactly what you do.
- Check for specialist insurers – Some companies specialise in animal-related businesses or pet transport, which can save you hassle.
- Decide what type of cover you need – Do you need cover for just the van, or also for public liability, employers’ liability, or goods in transit?
- Compare quotes – Always shop around and check what’s actually included before you buy.
- Double-check exclusions – Some policies exclude animals as “goods”, so ask directly if dogs in transit are covered, or if extra protection is needed.
- Arrange your documents – Keep your certificate of insurance, proof of public liability, and any animal transport licences (if needed) in your van.
Taking these steps will help you get peace of mind before your first walk or client pickup.
What If You Can’t Get Standard Van Insurance for Dog Walking?
If you’re turned down for regular van insurance, or the insurer won’t cover animal transport, don’t panic:
- Look for providers who offer pet business insurance or animal transport insurance – they may be more flexible.
- Try brokers who specialise in commercial vehicle or niche trades (they understand pet businesses).
- If you run more than one type of business (e.g. dog walking and mobile grooming), explain this upfront – you might need a bespoke policy.
- If your policy excludes animals, ask about add-ons or a separate goods-in-transit cover for pets.
There’s almost always a solution, so ask questions and don’t settle for a policy that doesn’t match your real business needs.
What if I Use a Car for My Dog Walking Business?
Not all dog walkers use vans – if you use a car for your business, you’ll still need to let your insurer know about your commercial use. Standard private car insurance won’t usually cover transporting other people’s dogs or business activities.
To stay insured, ask your provider about upgrading to business car insurance or find a policy that covers pet transport and dog walking. For more help, visit our car insurance page.
Summary: Get Covered, Stay Legal, and Protect Your Business
In summary, you can get van insurance if you run a dog walking business – but you’ll need to arrange the right type of commercial or pet business cover. Always tell insurers exactly what you do, compare specialist options, and consider public liability or animal transport insurance if you carry other people’s pets. For more on your options, visit the main van insurance page.
Compare Van Insurance for your Dog Walking Business Today!
Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.
Our recommended guides
max_posts: 4
posts_per_page in Query: 4
Posts found (paged query): 1
Posts found (all): 1
WP_Query args:
Array ( [post_type] => guide [posts_per_page] => 4 [post_status] => publish [tax_query] => Array ( [0] => Array ( [taxonomy] => guide_category [field] => term_id [terms] => Array ( [0] => 3537 ) [operator] => IN ) ) )
