Dog walker insurance and XL bully’s where can I get insured?
Posted by This_Palpitation6617@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 57 comments
I’m trying to gain some customers for a dog walking business a legit one as I’m having a few mental health issues and walking helps so I thought why not start walking dogs. Now I’ve got a insurance policy for dog walking but I’ve been asked if I can walk 2 XL bully’s.
Now before we start I’m not a big fan of them either but all dogs need a walk don’t they. The owner has these registered and insured all legal and he normally walks them muzzled and 1 at a time. He is having some health issues and wants them walking twice a week 1 at a time as that’s what the law states.
Now I’ve checked my policy and banned dogs aren’t covered. After having a quick Google it seems like I can’t find insurance to walk them.
Does anyone have insurance to be able to walk them.
Before you all get on me about XLs I agree they are dangerous and you should be wary around them. I am experienced with dogs and large breeds I had mastiffs for 8 years so well educated in a strong dog.
chez2202@reddit
You won’t get insurance. It’s really that simple.
I have a friend with 2 XL bully’s and they are the sweetest dogs. But all dogs are different
You said in a reply to a comment that these dogs are non-reactive. How is that the case if they have to be muzzled and can’t be walked together?
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
They have to muzzled by law and walked 1 on 1 when in public. Non reactive means they don’t react to other dogs, people noises etc when they are out. As you say your friend has 2 of the “sweetest” XLs but all dogs are different and these do need some form of exercise.
Glad-Pomegranate6283@reddit
As far as I know, XLs have to legally be muzzled in public and I’m assuming it’s also part of the legislation that they have to be walked separately
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
They need to be registered with the government, chipped, neutered/spayed and have a full insurance package. That’s just to own one and keep in your house. When waking have to be muzzled and only 1 walked at a time.
chez2202@reddit
I would check if you actually need insurance for them if the owner already has insurance. But I personally wouldn’t walk them if they are reactive.
My friend had small children when they had their XL bullies. And they weren’t neutered because they had puppies. But this was around 12 years ago. Things change. Their dogs would escape when the children left the gate open and would wander around the village until someone (often me) took them home.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I need insurance as they are under my control for the time of the walk and full responsibility and liability lands with me.
HawkwardGames@reddit
Appreciate you’re trying to build a business, but I’d stay well clear of this. If your policy excludes banned breeds, you’re effectively uninsured the moment you take them on. If anything goes wrong, even if it isn’t your fault, it’ll be your name, business and finances on the line. Not worth the risk for a couple of walks a week.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
Hence why I’m trying to see if I can get insured just in case.
HawkwardGames@reddit
You’re missing the bigger point. Forget insurance for a second, if one of those dogs injures someone while under your control, you may have criminal liability as the person in charge of the dog at the time. Even if the owner has done everything properly on paper, you’re the one physically walking it. One serious incident and you may not have a business left at all.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I see the bigger point I could cause massive damage by taking these dogs out. This is why there is safety precautions in place for all manner of dangerous things.
HawkwardGames@reddit
I think you need to look into another career if that’s your attitude. This isn’t some minor business risk, it’s public safety. If your response to being warned about possible injury, criminal liability and losing your business is basically “well dangerous things have safety precautions”, then you shouldn’t be taking responsibility for dogs that can seriously harm someone.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I fully understand the risks thanks for your concerns.
DaveL16@reddit
You really don’t….
DaveL16@reddit
I run a dog walking business. Our insurance company won’t touch them, which is no issue cos I wouldn’t either. My advice, run a mile.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I agree I’m not a big fan but his are quite well trained both older 6/7 years old and walk well so it “should” be a easy walk as both non reactive on lead. Plus I like the guy which makes me want to help.
Total_Rules@reddit
They’re all “well trained” until they rip someone to shreds.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
That’s true indeed hence why they need safety precautions like muzzles and insurance.
ben_jamin_h@reddit
A muzzle is a safety precaution. Insurance is not. Whether or not you have insurance will be irrelevant if the dog is biting a child. Do not walk the dogs, it's not your problem to manage.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
If only life was that simple. I was a soldier for many years went to some places to manage a problem that wasn’t my problem. That was a paid dangerous job what’s the difference
HawkwardGames@reddit
That’s not remotely the same thing. In the army, you were accepting risk to yourself as part of the job. Walking dangerous dogs in public puts random people, children and other dogs at risk while they’re just minding their own business. That’s the difference.
huskydaisy@reddit
https://www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk/xl-bully-ban-notice.aspx
https://brooksbraithwaite.com/pet-business-insurance-xl-bully/ (must be walked 1-1)
I found the above two on Google if that's helpful.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
Thank you very much
GreenSpaniel@reddit
I guess your only option would be to draw up a contract with the owner that they would be responsible for any cost through injury to their dog or another animal. I suspect that if they know and trust their dogs, they'd be happy to sign. Might be worth asking on r/legaluk
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
That wouldn’t be legal I don’t think. The owner does has insurance as that’s the law and used to take them out regularly before said health issues. I under the impression that as I’m not the owner I wouldn’t be insured under their policy and would like my own just in case.
GreenSpaniel@reddit
Another option is charge more and hire a secure field and take them there, that would reduce the risk. If you can't walk them and the owner can't find anyone else to, he really needs to get them put down. These dogs not being adequately exercised is a real problem for their behaviour (it is within any dog, but the risks aren't always so high).
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
Still I would like my own insurance as I would be in charge of said dangerous dog. This is the problem they aren’t being exercised because of his health problems hence why I’m trying to help and find a way.
PracticeNo8733@reddit
The problem is if OP gets sued for third party damages they would then have to claim from their customer, and rely on being able to actually collect. There's no "I don't pay you until he pays me".
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
Exactly this I would rather have my own insurance just in case the shit does hit the fan.
boredsittingonthebus@reddit
There is another option: don't take them at all.
PepsiFloateri@reddit
I'd bluntly refuse to walk them. Insurance companies refuse to touch those "dogs" for a damn good reason
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I understand that you would refuse as it could be dangerous but I don’t refuse things just because it’s dangerous. I’ve walked around Helmand for a year of my life. I’ve driven fuel tankers and trucks full of explosives thousands of miles. Should I have refused to do that because it could be dangerous?
Remote-Pool7787@reddit
Unless you’re charging extra for banned breeds and it’s going to be lucrative, why would you bother with the extra hassle and expense?
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
It would be helping a friend out more than anything. Yes I would be paid for my time but helping someone in need is worth more than money to me.
Remote-Pool7787@reddit
Then walk his dogs for free and not as a business activity
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I’m still going to be in charge of them but because I’m not the owner I would like to have my own insurance regardless if I get paid or not I’m in control of dangerous dogs.
Upbeat_Cheetah3921@reddit
I just did a basic Google search and yes you can get insurance. Cliverton and Brooks Braithwaite are two after a 30 second look. Surprised they didn't come up for you
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
They do for “pets” I’m not too sure for dog walking insurance.
skibbin@reddit
That'd be a no from me.
I know it can be tough to turn someone down, but you don't sound like you're in a place where the extreme hassle that could come from something going wrong would be welcome.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I understand that if and when it goes wrong the shit will hit the fan. Both dogs are non reactive and walk well on the lead. As I said to another I like the guy so would like to help if I could hence checking to see if I can get insurance.
-aLonelyImpulse@reddit
To be fair man every news article about an XL bully attack contains reams of quotes about how they walked well, were never aggressive, and were angels until they weren't.
Don't risk making things hard for yourself. I don't think this is worth it. If something goes wrong it could ruin your life in multiple ways.
Difficult_Bad1064@reddit
I don't totally disagree with you. All dogs need a walk though and if no one can then all that will happen is they'll get frustrated and fulfil their stereotype.
It's a known phonomena that when children commit serious crimes, the adults that knew them sing their praises. It's the same with dogs, they've probably already been aggressive but they aren't going to admit it.
You (OP) sound like you've thought this through and I commend you for looking for a way to do it.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
That’s the issue the dogs aren’t being walked and he knows they need to be to let their energy out. As far as I’m aware they aren’t aggressive and have never been I still wouldn’t leave them in a room with my kids though for the fact as they could do damage. That’s like me leaving a loaded gun for kids to play with there is safety precautions for a reason.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I know this it’s a loaded gun with the safety off. As long as your well prepared for the situation then it shouldn’t be a issue. Both dogs walk with muzzles and a double lead with collar and harness I don’t think there is much else you can do. I know the reply will be don’t take them out etc but that is them going out with safety precautions.
PracticeNo8733@reddit
Maybe I'm missing something but the first Google result to me seems to talk about covering dog walkers walking XL Bullies subject to conditions: https://www.petbusinessinsurance.co.uk/xl-bully-ban-notice.aspx
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I’ve seen that website and I get a warning each time that it’s trying to steal my personal data so I haven’t clicked onto that site unfortunately.
PracticeNo8733@reddit
My browser didn't complain. ChatGPT thinks the company checks out - take that for what it's worth. The site may have been infected with malware, though.
Here are the contact details pasted from the website in case they're useful:
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I didn’t think to ask ChatGPT I’ll give them a ring thanks.
AshamedAttention727@reddit
If it's the cookies bar, you can just ignore it and navigate the site as normal. Luckily it doesn't make you accept or deny to use the site :)
oscarx-ray@reddit
All dogs need to walk, but you don't need to be the one to walk them. Don't do something that could put you or the other dogs in danger.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
Both dogs walk well on the lead and are non reactive. They both walk with muzzle a double lead onto a collar and harness. I’m also experienced in large dogs.
I also understand the potential dangers I’m fully aware of how much “fluffy” (not the dogs real name) could tear people apart.
oscarx-ray@reddit
If they're muzzled, harnessed, and you're comfortable with them, then you're fine for the act of walking them... Just make DARN sure that their controls are fitted properly... UNLESS you think that they're banned breeds (you do), where you would be caught up in legal wranglings if you were the person "owning" them in public when caught by the police, especially if the owners don't claim them or have them chipped. I'd still advise you to steer clear. I understand your intentions are good, but you have other priorities, I am sure. If the police confiscate "your" dogs, they can charge you for their kennelling until they determine the breed, AND charge you for their destruction. You could (and should) contest that as a dog-walker, but it's not worth the fuss.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
They are banned breeds both full XLs registered with the gov and insured and all paperwork upto date.
JonathnJms2829@reddit
I am a dog walker too, my policy doesn't cover them either.
I don't think you can get a policy which does, I think owners need insurance to walk XL bullies in public too and there was only one company that would provide it, now nobody does.
So as far as I am aware, it is pretty much impossible for a dog walker to take on an XL bully legally.
AlexisJordanGFlame@reddit
This is my field.
You're not getting insurance. That's the end of it.
Don't try and get around it, you will never be covered for third party damages or personal injury.
If you still wish to walk these dogs, my advice would be to look into private field hire where you can guarantee no other dog will be present.
I don't have the same hangups most do about handling XL Bully types, yes they're big and fuckoff strong, but you are your own person and only you can decide if it's worth it for you personally. Any dog can be dangerous, as a dog walker of any breed you run a considerable number of risks, many of which are impossible to mitigate fully.
Personally, if I lived near these dogs, I would be pretty thankful that someone was taking them out, a bored dog of that size would be a big problem.
Make your own choices, but be aware that you will never be covered from an insurance standpoint.
TytoCwtch@reddit
I used to run a dog walking business and was insured by Clivertons. They had an optional extra to be insured to walk XL bullies but I never took it out so not sure what the cost was. I’d also have had to declare the exact details of any bullies I walked and provide proof of their status etc so I considered it too much hassle. That was two years ago though so they might have changed their policies since then.
This_Palpitation6617@reddit (OP)
I’ve put my details in and awaiting a callback from cliverton they still insure them for dog walkers as far as I can see. I’m just seeing if there is any others to get in contact with. Thanks for a actual answer to my question.
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