Insurance, Safety, and Liability

We know that insurance is an important consideration for Hosts. Whether you're welcoming Guests to a backyard, forest trail, or indoor training space, it’s essential to understand how your coverage applies to off-leash experiences—and how safety plays a central role in reducing risk for everyone involved.

Private dog parks are a new and exciting business model in Canada—and as a Host, you’re helping to shape it from the ground up. This is uncharted territory, and with that comes both opportunity and responsibility. You’re not just offering space—you’re building trust, setting standards, and creating safe, joyful experiences for dogs and their humans.

We also understand that Canada is a risk-conscious country. Insurance providers, municipalities, and property owners often take a cautious approach to new ventures—and that’s a strength. It means we have the chance to lead with clarity, care, and credibility.

That’s why Off-Leash Network is committed to supporting Hosts with transparent policies, proactive safety guidance, and third-party liability coverage for eligible Canadian properties. When Hosts understand their insurance needs and take steps to reduce risk, everyone benefits—Guests feel confident, Hosts feel protected, and the platform thrives.

This section outlines what you need to know about insurance, liability, and how safety plays a central role in protecting both Hosts and Guests.

Property Insurance: Start with Your Provider

Every property is different, and so are the insurance needs that come with hosting. That’s why we encourage all Hosts to speak directly with their insurance provider to review their current policy, discuss any hosting-related implications, and identify potential gaps. If you're unsure whether your homeowner’s insurance allows for short-term rentals or recreational use through the K9 Off-Leash Network, checking with your provider is the best first step.

Talk to Them About Insurance and Safety

When you connect with your insurance provider, don’t just ask about coverage—have a full conversation about safety. This is where you become your own strongest advocate:

• Explain the Venture Clearly: Share that you’re part of the K9 Off-Leash Network, a platform designed to provide safe, private, off-leash experiences for dogs and their owners.
• Highlight Safety Measures: Walk them through the proactive steps you’re taking to reduce risk—secure fencing, clear signage, hazard inspections, dog limits, and Guest waivers.
• Emphasize Platform Safeguards: Mention the built-in protections K9 Off-Leash Network provides, such as private bookings, buffer times, and automated reminders. These demonstrate that safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into the model.
• Discuss Liability Coverage: Talk to them about the $1M third-party general liability insurance offered by K9 Off-Leash Network to eligible Canadian Hosts. A Certificate of Insurance will be available to Hosts for documentation purposes.
• Frame Safety as Risk Reduction: Make it clear that your safety practices aren’t just about compliance—they actively reduce the likelihood of incidents, which benefits both you and your insurer.

By having this conversation, you’re not only clarifying your coverage—you’re showing your provider that you take risk management seriously. This builds confidence, strengthens your credibility, and helps position private dog parks as a responsible, forward-thinking venture in Canada.

Independent Agents

If you're exploring new coverage options, consider reaching out to a local independent insurance agent. These professionals represent multiple companies and can help tailor a policy that fits your land, your hosting style, and your comfort level. They’ll also factor in the additional $1M third-party general liability insurance provided by K9 Off-Leash Network to Canadian Hosts.

Safety First — Reducing Risk, Building Trust

Safety is the cornerstone of every successful off-leash experience. In a country like Canada—where caution and compliance are deeply valued—proactive safety measures aren’t just good practice, they’re essential. They help Hosts reduce risk, protect their property, and create a welcoming environment that Guests can trust.

At K9 Off-Leash Network, we see safety as a shared responsibility. When Hosts lead with care, Guests respond with respect—and together, we build a culture of kindness, accountability, and joy.

What K9 Off-Leash Network Is Doing to Support Safety

We’ve built platform-wide safeguards to help Hosts maintain a safe and stress-free experience:

• Private Bookings Only: All bookings are private—no overlapping visits, no shared access. This reduces the risk of dog-to-dog conflict and ensures a peaceful experience.
• Buffer Time Between Bookings: We automatically include buffer time between bookings to allow for cleanup, reset, and a smooth transition.
• Dog Limits: Hosts can set a maximum number of dogs per visit. This helps manage space, noise, and safety—especially for smaller or more sensitive environments.
• Waivers: Guests must agree to the Release and Waiver of Liability before booking 
• Host Controls: You can approve or decline bookings, set blackout dates, and update your rules anytime.
• Automated Reminders: Guests receive timely reminders before each visit, including your access instructions, rules, and any seasonal notes you’ve added.
• Booking Notifications: Hosts are notified via email when a booking request comes in, with the option to accept or decline based on your schedule.
• Built-in Messaging: Hosts and Guests can communicate directly through the platform to clarify details, ask questions, or share updates.

These built-in features are designed to reduce risk, support your peace of mind, and uphold the high standards of care that define our community.

What Hosts Can Do

• Inspect your space regularly for hazards (e.g., broken fencing, sharp objects, toxic plants).
• Clearly communicate rules, boundaries, and access instructions.
• Post clear signage for boundaries, leash-only zones, or restricted areas.
• Communicate seasonal concerns (e.g., ticks, flooding, icy paths).
• Provide poop bags and waste bins when possible.
• Set clear rules in your listing and reinforce them in your welcome message.
• Follow all local laws, zoning regulations, and property requirements.

Safety isn’t about perfection—it’s about preparation. And it’s one of the most powerful tools you have as a Host.

Guest Liability

All Guests are required to read and sign a release and waiver of liability before booking any off-leash experience. This document outlines that:

• Hosts are not responsible for Guests or their dogs during visits
• Guests agree to indemnify Hosts from any liability
• Guests are not covered by any insurance or protection while using K9 Off-Leash Network locations

You can view the Guest Release & Waiver of Liability here. It’s designed to ensure clarity, safety, and shared responsibility.

$1M Host Liability Insurance (Canada Only)

K9 Off-Leash Network provides Canadian Hosts with third-party general liability coverage at no additional cost. This coverage is designed to protect Hosts in the rare event that someone is injured during a booked visit.

Coverage highlights:

• Available to Hosts with property located in Canada
• Applies only to incidents during booked visits made through the K9 Off-Leash Network platform
• Covers up to $1,000,000 aggregate ($1,000,000 per occurrence)
• Hosts must comply with K9 Off-Leash Network’s Terms of Service to be eligible

Limitations:
 This coverage does not include:

• Injuries to Hosts or their animals
• Damage to Host property
• Injuries caused by Host-owned animals
• Injuries to animals (including dogs)
• Privacy violations (e.g., unauthorized recording)
• Intentional acts or criminal activity
• Injuries caused by firearms, weather events, fungi, or bacteria

Hosts in the United States

At this time, K9 Off-Leash Network is unable to provide liability insurance for Hosts with property located in the United States. If you are hosting in the U.S., it is your responsibility to secure appropriate liability coverage for any incidents that may occur on your property. Please note that K9 Off-Leash Network cannot be held liable for occurrences at U.S. locations.

Insurance Options for U.S. Hosts

While we cannot provide coverage directly, several American insurance companies offer liability insurance suitable for private dog parks:

• XINSURANCE
  • Specializes in customized liability insurance for animal-related businesses.
  • Covers dog bites, injuries, property damage, and legal defence costs.
  • Flexible policies that can be tailored to the unique risks of private dog parks.
• Mainstream U.S. Carriers (e.g., State Farm, Nationwide, Hartford)
• Offer general liability insurance that can be adapted for recreational businesses.
• Coverage typically includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and umbrella liability for catastrophic claims.
• Policies may require negotiation to ensure dog-park-specific risks are included.

As we continue to grow, expanding insurance coverage to Hosts in the U.S. is a top priority, and we look forward to offering broader support in the future.

Final Thoughts

As a Host, you’re not just offering space—you’re helping build a new standard for safe, respectful, and joyful off-leash experiences. By understanding your insurance needs, prioritizing safety, and staying informed, you’re protecting yourself, your Guests, and the future of this growing community.

K9 Off-Leash Network is here to support you every step of the way—with transparent policies, practical resources, and a shared commitment to care. Together, we’re creating something new, meaningful, and built to last.