DEFRA to investigate compulsory insurance for commercial dog walkers

On 14th March 2012 minister Jim Paice MP announced, in response to a question from Mark Reckless MP, that he would be asking his officials at DEFRA to investigate imposing controls on commercial dog walkers. This may involve minimum age limits for dog walkers, and upper limits on the numbers of dogs that can be walked at any one time. Some local authorities already use bye laws to impose such controls.

Turning specifically to insurance, Mr Paice confirmed that he will be investigating whether any form of compulsory public liability insurance should be required.

It should be noted that the comment was made in a Parliamentary debate so the requirement is a long way from being made compulsory, if indeed it ever is. However, it goes without saying that Cliverton, with our market leading products for dog walkers and pet minders, all of which are available to purchase on line, is well placed to fill this need when it arises.

Where a dog walker uses any form of paid or voluntary helper, it is already a legal requirement that employer's liability insurance should be arranged.