When you are comparing reputable dog walkers in your area, you will notice that most of them advertise that they are “bonded and insured.” What does it mean for a dog walker to be bonded and insured? How important should this be as a hiring consideration?
Let’s talk about both of these terms, beginning with “insured,” so that you can make an informed decision.
What is an Insured Dog Walker?
An insured dog walker is a professional who has purchased a dog walker insurance policy.
This policy can pay out for certain types of damages if an unfortunate situation arises while the person you hired is walking your pet.
For example:
If your dog attacks someone else’s pet, the policy might cover the cost of that pet’s injuries.
If your dog bites or claws another person, the insurance might pay for that person’s medical bills.
Should your dog be injured by another pet, by leaping out in front of a car, slipping on a patch of ice, or through some other incident, the insurance policy carried by the dog walker may pay for the medical costs.
When your dog damages someone else’s property under the dog walker’s care, that is something else which the dog walker’s insurance might cover.
If the worst should happen and your dog or another person’s pet requires euthanasia, this too can be covered by dog walker insurance.
These are just a few possible situations where a dog walker’s insurance policy could come to the rescue. Otherwise, you could be the one who ends up getting a bill for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Why is Hiring an Insured Dog Walker Important?
You might trust your dog walker, and you may also have a very well-behaved pet—but the reality is, anything is possible.
Even when you are walking your dog, things can go wrong. You can probably easily think about times when your dog was distracted or upset by other animals, automobiles or passersby on a walk.
When you are not around, your dog has been removed from his or her comfortable routine. That means your pet may more easily startle or inappropriately engage with other animals or humans.
If your dog walker has insurance, you have greater peace of mind. So long as you hired a skilled, caring professional, your dog will probably be just fine. But if the unpredictable does happen, at least you can rest assured that the insurance will be there.
What is a Bonded Dog Walker?
Where you see the word “insured,” you probably also will see the word “bonded” for most dog walkers or pet sitters. You now know what it means for a dog walker to be insured. But what does it mean if a dog walker is bonded?
Most commonly, a dog walker who is "bonded" is one who works for a company that has purchased a fidelity bond, also called a "dishonesty bond."
This is a specialized insurance product which will pay out should the dog walker commit a crime, for example, stealing valuables (i.e. cash, jewelry or electronics) from the pet owner's home, yard or garden, shed, or vehicle.
Companies which are both bonded and insured may take extra steps during the hiring process such as running thorough background checks on prospective employees to make sure that they have no criminal records.
Why is Hiring an Bonded Dog Walker Important?
How important hiring a bonded dog walker is depends largely on whether you are working with a company that has multiple employees, or whether you are hiring a sole proprietor who will be walking the dog themselves.
In the case of a company with employees, seeing that the company is "bonded" tells you that they value the security of your possessions, and that they are willing to take the extra steps necessary to protect you from crime.
With a sole proprietor, it is not nearly as important. It is really up to you to establish whether the person is trustworthy or not before hiring them. Since they have no employees, if they carry a fidelity bond, they are doing so largely to soothe your anxieties.
Also, it should be noted that bonding is more important for a pet sitter who will be spending time inside your home while you are out than a dog walker you will simply be passing the leash to on a regular basis while you remain in your home.
In both cases, regardless of whether you are hiring a sole proprietor or a larger company that employs multiple dog walkers, it is vital that you do your research. Find out what you can about the company's reputation. See what reviewers have to say, and ask for references. Follow up on the references as well.
How Do You Know If a Dog Walker is Bonded and Insured?
The majority of dog walkers will prominently display information on their bonding and insurance on their websites.
If a dog walker does not have a website, or you simply cannot find the information, just ask whether they are bonded and insured and with what company.
A Dog Walker Who Is Bonded and Insured Can Offer Peace of Mind
Next time you see the phrase "bonded and insured" for a dog walker or sitter, you will know what both of these terms mean.
Being “bonded” matters most for a company with employees and not as much for a sole proprietor. Insurance is important for both.
There are other factors which play into trust as well, such as customer reviews, references, skill with animals, safety measures and the general rapport that you and your pet establish with a dog walker.
Whether you hire a bonded and insured dog walker or not, take your time to get to know the company or individual, and you’ll ensure that you are making the safest choice for your dog, your finances, your home and your family.
All Doggy Strides dog walkers are bonded and insured through Pet Sitters International. You can rest assured that your furry loved one will be in the care of somebody who is fully supported legally and financially.