Handing your dog to a walker is an act of trust — but it's also a commercial transaction governed by a contract. Dog walking agreements vary enormously in quality: some are professionally drafted documents with clear liability frameworks; others are a few lines in an email. Either way, the terms of that agreement determine what happens if your dog is lost, injured, causes injury to another dog or person, or is involved in a traffic accident during the walk. Under Australian Consumer Law, dog walking is a consumer service — and regardless of what any contract says, the walker must provide it with reasonable care and skill. But knowing your ACL rights doesn't protect your dog from harm; a carefully reviewed contract, combined with verifying the walker's insurance, does.
What is a Liability and Insurance?
A dog walking contract is a pet services agreement between a dog walker (individual or business) and a pet owner, covering the scope of services (individual or group walks, duration, frequency), rate and payment terms, liability provisions, emergency veterinary authorisation, cancellation policy, behaviour requirements for the dog, and insurance arrangements. Some walkers operate as sole traders with minimal documentation; others use professional service agreements through pet care platforms. The contract governs the relationship regardless of its formality.
Red flags to watch for
If the walker's dog injures a third party or another dog, and the walker has no public liability insurance, you may face shared liability as the dog's owner (under state companion animals legislation). A professional walker should carry at least $5 million public liability cover — verify this before signing.
Clauses purporting to exclude the walker's liability for any injury to your dog — including injury caused by their negligence — may be unenforceable under the ACL (consumer guarantee that services be provided with reasonable care and skill). If your dog is injured due to inadequate supervision, you have rights regardless of the clause.
Group dog walks become less safe as group size increases. A contract that doesn't limit the number of dogs on a group walk — or that allows the walker sole discretion over group composition — creates risks if your dog is walked with incompatible or aggressive dogs.
If your dog is injured during a walk and you cannot be immediately reached, the walker needs written authorisation to consent to emergency veterinary treatment and confirmation of who pays the initial cost. Without this, a walker may hesitate to seek treatment for a seriously injured dog.
Some contracts charge the client a cancellation fee for short-notice cancellations, but impose no obligation on the walker for equivalent short-notice cancellations. A fair contract should impose symmetrical obligations or, at minimum, require the walker to provide a replacement if they cancel at short notice.
Your legal rights
Dog walking services in Australia are governed by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which applies consumer guarantees — including the guarantee of due care and skill under s 60 — to all services. State companion animals legislation (e.g., Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), Domestic Animals Act 1994 (VIC), Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (QLD)) governs dog ownership obligations and liability for dog attacks — the owner retains primary liability for their dog's behaviour, but a walker's negligence may create concurrent liability. The ACL unfair contract terms regime applies to standard-form pet service contracts. State civil liability legislation governs personal injury claims. Disputes can be referred to state consumer tribunals. Pet insurance (the owner's policy, not the walker's) may provide additional protection for veterinary costs arising from accidents.
Questions to ask before you sign
- 1Do you carry public liability insurance, what is the coverage amount, and can I see the certificate of currency?
- 2How many dogs do you walk simultaneously on a group walk, and is my dog compatible with your other regular clients?
- 3What is your procedure if my dog is injured during a walk — and do you have emergency veterinary authorisation in the contract?
- 4If you need to cancel at short notice, do you provide a replacement walker, and is there a cancellation obligation on your side?
- 5What happens if your dog causes injury to my dog or another dog during the walk?
- 6Are you a member of any professional association — such as Pet Industry Association of Australia — and do you hold any relevant certifications?
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.