how do I go about getting bonded and insured to offer a dog walking service in my town??

Answer 1

One of the best ways to obtain insurance for your business is to join an association of petsitters or dogwalkers, if such exists in your province or state. I am familiar with both the Canadian and the Petsitters International, as I worked with a client of ours who successfully set up a home-based business. Associations like this can use their numbers to negotiate with insurance companies specialized rates to cover said liabilities from the specific business interests involved.

Answer 2

It seems like there are an infinite number of businesses providing an infinite number products or services. Its great that you are doing this the right way, getting insurance to cover your self and your business. The best way to start looking for insurance is going with an independent agent. The "BIG I" website can help you, http://www.iiaa.org/.

All bonds fall into one of these two categories: surety or fidelity. Surety bond assures your customer that you will complete the job, mostly for contractors. Fidelity bond is one that assures that if something is stolen by you or your employees while performing services for a customer, that they will not be at a loss since your bond would pay. It seems that you have no need for either of the two unless you have keys to your customers homes and if that is the case then a fidelity bond would be appropriate. An independent agent can also help with that.

I hope that helped.

Answer 3

Bonded is usually involving a surety (money) issue. Since you are not hamdling money on your clients behalf you should be required to be bonded. Contractors and such are required to be bonded by the states they do business in for the states protection.

Most agents will be able to assist you in a small business package which would include liability protection for any accisents that may happen. You may also want to check your Homeowners/Renters policy to see if they can cover the business on that policy.

Hope this helps

Answer 4

you will need to contact a licensed property and casualty insurance agent and ask about liability insurance (sometimes errors and omissions insurance is required in addition to general liability). for your own sake, also check into disability and/or health insurance - you will need to contact a licensed life/health insurance agent for those types of policies. check with your state's department of insurance to see what types of policies are required or recommended for a small business owner or entrepreneur. best of luck to you!

Answer 5

Call around to local, independent insurance agencies.