Are Dog Walkers Insured and Bonded? How Safe Is It to Leave My Dog with a Stranger?

Leaving your dog in someone else’s care can feel nerve-wracking, and it should. Your pet isn’t just a dog; they’re family. You want to know they’re safe, cared for, and loved by someone you can trust.

At Dogs On The Run, we understand that trust is earned through transparency and accountability. While the person walking your dog may be new to you, they’re not a stranger to us.

What It Means to Be Insured and Bonded

Before inviting anyone into your home or trusting them with your pet, you should always ask whether they’re insured and bonded. Here’s why it matters:

• Insurance protects against accidental damage, injury, or unforeseen incidents during pet care.
• Bonding provides an extra layer of protection for pet parents by covering theft or dishonesty claims.

Unfortunately, many individual pet sitters and gig-app contractors operate without these safeguards, leaving families at risk.

What to Expect from a DOTR Professional

Every independent professional within the Dogs On The Run network is personally vetted, background checked, insured, bonded, and carries a valid business license before being referred to pet parents. Our Concierge Team verifies these credentials during onboarding and ensures they remain active and up to date.

While each professional operates independently, we strongly encourage pet parents to request a copy of their insurance for their own records and peace of mind.

Why the DOTR Model Is Different

When you connect with a professional through Dogs On The Run, you’re not hiring a random sitter you’re being introduced to a trusted, independent business owner who has already met our high standards for professionalism and care.

• Every professional has been thoroughly screened and verified.
• Our Concierge Team supports communication, introductions, and scheduling to ensure a smooth experience.
• Backup professionals can be arranged through the Concierge Team when available.
• You always know who is caring for your pet no anonymous bookings or hidden substitutions.

So while your dog walker may be new to you, they’ve already earned our trust through proven experience, reliability, and integrity.

Trust Is the Core of What We Do

For over two decades, Dogs On The Run has built a community based on relationships, transparency, and trust. We proudly work with independent professionals who care deeply about the pets and families they serve.

We understand that letting someone new care for your dog can feel like a leap of faith. Our goal is to make that leap feel safe, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Dogs On The Run
Vetted. Licensed. Bonded. Insured. Connected with Care.