Public Liability for Dog Walkers and Pet Services: A Legal and Insurance Guide

If you walk someone else’s dog for money, and that dog bites a passer-by, knocks over a child, or causes a car accident, you may be personally liable for the resulting injury or property damage. That is the legal reality under Australia’s civil liability framework, and it applies whether you operate a full-time pet-sitting business or earn pocket money walking neighbourhood dogs on weekends. The question is not whether accidents can happen—they do, with increasing frequency as the pet services industry expands—but whether you have the right insurance in place when they do.

This article provides a detailed analysis of public liability insurance for dog walkers and pet service providers in Australia. It draws on current legislation, claims data, and regulatory requirements to help you understand your exposure and make informed decisions about coverage. I write from the perspective of someone who has spent over a decade litigating insurance disputes and advising businesses on risk management. The goal is not to sell you a policy, but to ensure you know what you are buying and why it matters.

The Legal Foundation: Your Duty of Care as a Pet Service Provider

Under Australian common law and state-based civil liability legislation, anyone who provides a service to the public owes a duty of care to persons who may be affected by their conduct. For dog walkers and pet sitters, that duty extends to the animals in your care, the owners of those animals, third parties (such as pedestrians, other pet owners, and motorists), and in some cases, the property of third parties.

The Civil Liability Acts and Your Exposure

Each state and territory has its own Civil Liability Act (for example, the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), the Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic), and the Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld)). These statutes govern how negligence claims are assessed, including the standard of care, causation, and damages. While the specific wording varies between jurisdictions, the core principle is consistent: you must act as a reasonable person would in the circumstances, given your profession and the risks involved.

For a dog walker, this means:

• Controlling the dog at all times, including using appropriate leads, harnesses, or muzzles where necessary
• Assessing the environment for hazards such as other animals, traffic, children, or uneven terrain
• Communicating with the owner about the dog’s temperament, medical conditions, or known behavioural issues
• Refusing to walk a dog that you cannot safely manage, even if the owner insists

Failure to meet this standard can result in a negligence claim. In a typical scenario, if a dog you are walking bites a jogger who suffers permanent scarring and psychological trauma, that jogger may sue you for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Without insurance, you would bear those costs personally—potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth) and Your Policy

Public liability insurance policies are contracts governed by the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). This Act imposes duties on both you (the insured) and the insurer. Critically, it requires you to disclose every matter you know, or a reasonable person in the circumstances would know, that is relevant to the insurer’s decision to accept the risk. For pet service providers, this includes:

• The number and type of animals you handle
• Whether you walk multiple dogs at once (and how many)
• Any history of dog bites or aggressive behaviour
• Whether you use off-lead areas or dog parks
• Any prior claims or incidents

Failure to disclose these facts—even inadvertently—can give the insurer grounds to reduce or deny your claim under section 54 of the Act. I have seen this happen in practice: a dog walker who did not disclose that they walked five dogs simultaneously had their claim denied after a dog fight injured a third party. The insurer argued that the risk was materially different from what was represented. The lesson is clear: be honest and thorough when applying for cover.

Why Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters Face Unique Risks

The pet services industry has grown significantly in Australia, with the number of households owning a dog rising steadily. According to 2026 data from industry surveys, approximately 48% of Australian households now own a dog, and a growing proportion of owners rely on professional walkers and sitters due to work commitments. This creates a large and active market, but also a corresponding increase in claims.

Dog Bites and Animal Behaviour Claims

Dog bites are the most common cause of public liability claims against pet service providers. In 2026, the average cost of a dog bite claim in Australia—including legal fees, medical expenses, and damages—ranged from $15,000 to $80,000 for moderate injuries, with severe bites exceeding $200,000. While many dogs are friendly, any dog can bite under stress, fear, or provocation. As a professional, you are expected to anticipate and manage these risks.

A Queensland tribunal case from 2024 illustrates the point. A dog walker was held liable when a dog they were walking bit a child who ran up to pet it. The tribunal found that the walker should have crossed the road or warned the child’s parent, rather than allowing the interaction. The walker’s public liability policy covered the claim, but only because the policy explicitly included cover for animal-related incidents—something not all policies do.

Property Damage and Third-Party Injury

Beyond bites, dog walkers can cause property damage—a dog pulling a lead into a parked car, knocking over a garden urn, or damaging a fence. Pet sitters may face claims if a dog escapes from a yard and causes an accident, or if a cat scratches a visitor. These claims are typically smaller than bite claims, but they still carry legal costs and settlement amounts that can reach $5,000 to $30,000.

The Multi-Dog Walking Risk

Walking multiple dogs simultaneously is a common practice, but it significantly increases your risk profile. In 2026, insurers reported that claims involving walkers handling three or more dogs were 2.5 times more likely to result in a payout than single-dog walks. The reason is simple: more dogs mean less individual control, higher likelihood of conflict between animals, and reduced ability to react to sudden events like a child running into the path. Some insurers now require separate underwriting for multi-dog walking, and some exclude it entirely unless specifically declared.

What Public Liability Insurance Covers for Pet Services

A standard public liability insurance policy for pet service providers covers three main areas: legal liability for bodily injury to third parties, legal liability for property damage to third parties, and in some cases, defence costs. However, the specific coverage depends on the policy wording, and not all policies are equal.

Core Coverage Components

• Bodily injury: Covers compensation for physical injury (including psychological trauma) suffered by a third party due to your negligence. This includes medical expenses, loss of earnings, and general damages for pain and suffering.
• Property damage: Covers damage to someone else’s property caused by your actions or the animals in your care. This could include a dog scratching a car or knocking over a shop display.
• Defence costs: Covers the legal fees incurred in defending a claim, even if the claim is ultimately unsuccessful. This is critical, as legal costs can exceed the settlement amount.
• Product liability: Some policies extend to cover claims arising from products you sell, such as pet treats or accessories. If you operate a combined walking and retail business, ensure this is included.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

Public liability policies typically exclude or limit cover for:

• Intentional acts: If you deliberately cause harm, you are not covered.
• Contractual liability: If you sign a contract that imposes higher liability than the law requires, the policy may not cover the excess.
• Animal-specific exclusions: Some policies exclude cover for certain dog breeds (e.g., American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers) or for dogs with a known history of aggression. Always check the list of excluded breeds.
• Professional negligence: Public liability does not cover errors in professional advice (e.g., giving incorrect training advice). For that, you would need professional indemnity insurance.
• Personal injury to you: Public liability covers third parties, not you. You need workers’ compensation or personal accident insurance for your own injuries.

Premium Ranges and Factors

In 2026, public liability insurance premiums for dog walkers and pet sitters in Australia typically ranged from $400 to $2,000 per year for most small businesses, depending on the following factors:

• Number of dogs walked simultaneously: Walking three or more dogs can increase premium by 30–60%.
• Annual turnover: Higher revenue suggests more clients and higher exposure.
• Claims history: A single claim can double your premium for three to five years.
• Location: Premiums are higher in metropolitan areas with denser populations and higher claim costs.
• Breeds handled: Insurers may charge more for breeds with a higher bite risk.
• Coverage limit: Most policies offer a $10 million or $20 million limit. The higher limit typically costs 15–25% more.

Some insurers, including comparison platforms like BizCover, allow you to compare quotes from multiple providers based on your specific risk profile. This can help you find cover that matches your operations without paying for unnecessary extras.

State-by-State Regulatory Differences

While the core principles of public liability insurance are consistent across Australia, there are state-specific regulations that affect pet service providers. These differences matter because your insurance policy must comply with local laws, and your duty of care may vary depending on where you operate.

New South Wales

NSW has the Dog Act 1966 (though it is being progressively replaced by the Companion Animals Act 1998), which imposes strict liability on dog owners for attacks. However, as a dog walker, you may be considered a “person in charge” of the dog at the time of an incident, which can extend liability to you. The Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) also caps damages for non-economic loss in most personal injury claims, but the cap does not apply to dog bite cases in certain circumstances.

Victoria

Victoria’s Domestic Animals Act 1994 requires dogs to be under effective control in public places. The Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic) governs negligence claims, and Victoria has a particularly active claims culture. In 2026, Victorian dog bite claims accounted for approximately 30% of all pet service liability claims nationally, despite the state having only 25% of the population. Insurers often charge a premium loading for Victorian-based pet businesses.

Queensland

Queensland’s Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 imposes strict liability on owners for dog attacks, but walkers can also be held liable if they were negligent. The Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld) has a higher threshold for general damages than some other states, meaning only more serious injuries attract non-economic loss compensation. However, Queensland tribunals have shown a willingness to award significant damages in dog bite cases involving children.

Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Territories

These jurisdictions follow similar principles but with local variations. For example, Western Australia’s Dog Act 1976 requires all dogs to be on a lead in public places unless in a designated off-lead area, and walkers must comply with this. South Australia’s Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 imposes penalties for failing to control a dog in public. The ACT and Northern Territory have their own civil liability legislation, but the practical effect for pet service providers is similar.

Practical Implications for Your Insurance

If you operate in multiple states—for example, if you walk dogs in both NSW and Victoria—your policy must cover you for claims arising in each jurisdiction. Most standard policies do this, but you should confirm that the policy is not limited to a single state. Also, be aware that some insurers apply different premium rates based on the state of operation, so a quote for a Victorian business may be higher than one for a Tasmanian business.

Claims Scenarios and AFCA Determinations

Understanding how claims are handled in practice can help you appreciate the value of insurance. Below are three common scenarios based on real AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority) determinations and tribunal cases from 2024–2026.

Scenario 1: The Dog That Bit a Jogger

A dog walker was jogging with a client’s Labrador when the dog suddenly veered and bit a cyclist who was passing on a shared path. The cyclist suffered a deep wound requiring surgery and developed an infection. The total claim—including medical costs, loss of income for six weeks, and general damages—amounted to $47,000. The walker’s public liability policy covered the full amount, but the insurer required the walker to pay the excess of $500. The policy also covered the walker’s legal costs, which were $8,000.

Lesson: Even a well-behaved dog can cause serious injury. The walker’s prompt reporting of the incident and full cooperation with the insurer were critical to the claim being paid.

Scenario 2: The Multi-Dog Walk That Went Wrong

A walker was handling four dogs simultaneously in a park. Two dogs began fighting, and a third dog ran into the path of a car, causing a collision. The car driver claimed for vehicle damage ($12,000) and minor whiplash ($6,000). The walker’s insurer initially denied the claim because the policy required notification if walking more than three dogs at once, and the walker had not disclosed this. After an AFCA determination, the insurer was required to pay the claim because the non-disclosure was not deliberate, but the walker’s premium increased by 80% at renewal.

Lesson: Always disclose how many dogs you walk at once. Even if the insurer pays, you will face higher costs later.

Scenario 3: The Pet Sitter’s Escaped Dog

A pet sitter left a client’s dog in a backyard that had a faulty gate. The dog escaped and was hit by a car, killing it. The dog owner sued the sitter for the dog’s value ($3,000) and for emotional distress. The sitter’s public liability policy did not cover emotional distress for loss of a pet, and the policy also excluded property damage to animals in the sitter’s care. The sitter had to pay the $3,000 out of pocket.

Lesson: Public liability insurance typically does not cover damage to animals in your care. You need separate “care, custody, or control” cover or a specific pet services policy that includes this.

How to Choose the Right Policy

Selecting a public liability policy for your dog walking or pet services business requires more than comparing prices. You need to match the policy to your actual operations.

Key Questions to Ask Before Buying

1. Does the policy cover animal-related incidents? Not all policies do. Some exclude liability for dog bites or property damage caused by animals. Read the specific wording, not just the summary.
2. What is the maximum number of dogs covered per walk? Some policies limit cover to two dogs. If you walk three or more, you need a policy that explicitly allows this.
3. Are there breed restrictions? Check the list of excluded or restricted breeds. If you walk breeds like pit bulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans, you need a policy that covers them.
4. What is the excess? Most policies have an excess of $250 to $1,000. A lower excess means less out-of-pocket cost per claim but a higher premium.
5. Does the policy cover defence costs? This should be standard, but confirm it. Defence costs can exceed the claim amount.
6. Is the policy claims-made or occurrence-based? Most public liability policies are occurrence-based, meaning they cover incidents that happen during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is made. Claims-made policies only cover claims made while the policy is active. Occurrence-based is generally preferable for ongoing businesses.
7. Does the policy cover you in all states? If you travel or operate in multiple states, ensure the policy has national coverage.

Comparing Quotes

You can obtain quotes directly from insurers or through comparison platforms like BizCover, which allow you to see multiple options side by side. When comparing, look beyond the premium to the policy wording. A cheap policy with exclusions that do not match your operations is worse than no policy at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need public liability insurance if I only walk one dog occasionally?

Yes. Even occasional dog walking creates legal exposure. A single incident can result in a claim for tens of thousands of dollars. Public liability insurance is relatively inexpensive compared to the potential cost of a claim, and many dog owners now require proof of insurance before hiring a walker.

Will my home and contents insurance cover my dog walking business?

Generally, no. Home and contents policies exclude business activities. If you walk dogs for payment, you are running a business, and you need a separate public liability policy. Relying on home insurance could result in a denied claim.

What is the difference between public liability and professional indemnity insurance?

Public liability covers injury or damage to third parties caused by your physical actions (e.g., a dog bite). Professional indemnity covers financial loss caused by your advice or professional services (e.g., giving incorrect training advice that leads to a dog’s injury). Most pet service providers need public liability; professional indemnity is only necessary if you offer paid advice.

Can I be sued if a dog I am walking bites someone, even if the owner said the dog is friendly?

Yes. The owner’s statement does not transfer liability to them. As the person in control of the dog at the time, you owe a duty of care to third parties. If you fail to manage the dog appropriately, you can be held liable regardless of what the owner told you.

How long does a public liability claim take to settle?

Simple claims may settle within six to twelve months. Complex claims involving serious injury or disputed liability can take two to four years, especially if they go to court. Your insurance policy covers your legal costs during this period, which is why defence cost coverage is so important.

Does my policy cover me if I walk dogs in off-leash areas?

It depends. Some policies exclude off-leash activities because the risk is higher. If you use off-leash areas, you must declare this when applying for cover. The insurer may charge a higher premium or impose conditions (e.g., requiring the dog to be under voice control).

What should I do immediately after an incident?

First, ensure the injured person receives medical attention. Do not admit fault or offer to pay for anything. Collect contact details from witnesses and take photos of the scene. Notify your insurer as soon as possible—most policies require notification within 24 to 48 hours. Cooperate fully with the insurer’s investigation.

Can my insurer cancel my policy if I have a claim?

Yes, an insurer can cancel a policy at renewal or during the policy term if they deem the risk too high. However, they must follow the process under the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth), which includes giving notice. A single claim does not automatically mean cancellation, but it will likely increase your premium for several years.