Pet Sitter Insurance

Public liability insurance covers you if someone is injured, or their property is damaged, because of your business activities. For a pet sitter or dog walker, that could be a dog in your care knocking someone over, biting a passer-by, or damaging a client's home. It can cover compensation and legal costs, up to your policy limit.

In Australia, public liability insurance isn't compulsory for most sole traders, but it's strongly recommended for anyone caring for other people's pets. Some clients, councils, parks and venues ask to see a certificate of currency before you start, and without cover you'd pay any claim yourself.

No. PetCloud is a technology platform and doesn't provide insurance, and bookings made on PetCloud aren't insured. Sitters on PetCloud are independent, so any public liability cover is the sitter's own. Pet owners are responsible for their pet's vet bills, so check what your own pet insurance covers.

The price depends on how much cover you choose, the services you offer (house sitting, boarding, dog walking or day care), how many pets you care for, and your claims history. Most providers let you pay monthly or yearly. You can get a quote online from an insurance broker in a few minutes.

Common cover levels are $5 million, $10 million and $20 million. Many sitters choose $10 million or $20 million because the difference in price is often small, and some clients or venues ask for a minimum amount. Check any requirements before you buy.

Often not. Many standard public liability policies exclude animals in your "care, custody and control", which means injury to or loss of the pet you're minding may not be covered. Some pet care policies offer extra cover for animals in your care, so check the policy wording before you buy.

Public liability covers injury to other people or damage to their property. Professional indemnity covers claims that your professional advice or service caused someone a financial loss. Most pet sitters and dog walkers start with public liability, and add other cover if their services call for it.

Insurance you buy for your pet sitting business is generally a tax deductible business expense. Your situation may differ, so check with a registered tax agent.

Pet insurance belongs to the pet owner, and many policies cover illness or accidents whoever is caring for your pet. Cover varies between policies, so check your policy wording, and make sure your sitter has your vet details and an authorised vet spend before the booking starts.