Public liability insurance

[Josie555]

I sometimes look after my friend's dog when they go away. No payment involved, she's a well-behaved, lovely Lab and I enjoy having her. For various reasons I may be doing this a bit more often and I wondered if I would be legally considered the "keeper" of the dog while she's with me and thus liable in the very unlikely (but not impossible) event she got scared and managed to pull me into the road, causing an accident? Or some other unexpected thing. It's quite likely they don't have insurance. I was thinking I (or they) could get the Dog's Trust membership and be covered that way. Should I have it for me or should they as the owners have it?

I always used to buy liability insurance for my dog (now dead) for peace of mind. I'd be grateful if anyone has any insight into this question; googling has so far failed! Thank you.

The person 'in charge' of the dog at the time of any incident or accident would be the one liable. Not sure if you could get liability insurance not being the owner or a pet walker, but they could probably get it

I don't think the owners policy would cover an incident as the public liability cover is probably for named policyholders rather than the dog (if that makes sense). Maybe consider asking your friend to get insurance and you being named on the policy? (In a similar way as a named second driver being on a motor policy).

OK thanks, I've just been looking at the Dog's Trust website and it seems if the owner is a member I would be covered while looking after their dog so I think I'll suggest that. I would have thought it was the other way round but the FAQs seem quite clear. I'll phone them and double check on Monday. Thanks!