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What is boarding kennel insurance?

Boarding kennel insurance is designed for businesses that specialize in pet boarding. If that's your industry, then you know how unpredictable animals can be - and by extension, how unpredictable operating a boarding kennel is.

That volatility is exactly why insurance is so useful to boarding kennel operators. There's always a chance that employees, as well as the pets in your care, may suffer an injury or illness, despite your best intentions. And when things like this happen, they can be incredibly costly - we're talking thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Being found liable for professional mistakes or negligence can significantly impact your revenue. It can even force you to shutter your business altogether. But that's where boarding kennel insurance comes in.

Insurance can help pay for everything, ensuring you continue operating without a hitch. Furthermore, having insurance makes you look more legitimate to your customers, since it shows that you’re serious about your business. This may put them at ease and potentially attract more customers down the road.

What boarding kennel insurance includes

A typical boarding kennel insurance policy includes the following:

• General liability coverage: Should a pet or a third party get injured, this coverage will pay for their medical bills – or potential lawsuits that my arise. This coverage will also cover unintentional damage to someone else’s property.
• Professional liability coverage: If you get accused of professional misconduct or potentially even sued for it, you’ll get the coverage you need to protect yourself. For instance, if you accidentally feed something to a pet that doesn’t align with their diet, you might make them sick and be forced to pay for their medical bills. This coverage will provide you with the necessary funds.
• Property coverage: If you own or lease a facility – which you likely do, given the nature of your business – property insurance will cover damages to the building and its contents due to fire, theft or natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.

Recommended add-ons for boarding kennel insurance

If you’re not satisfied with the standard coverage for your boarding kennel insurance, you can always enhance it with add-ons. Some of the most common add-ons include:

• Cyber liability coverage: If you handle online bookings, payments, or maintain digital records of your clients, cyber liability insurance protects against data breaches and cyber-attacks.
• Business interruption coverage: This covers lost income if your kennel operations are halted due to a covered incident, such as a fire or a natural disaster like an earthquake or flood.
• Workers' compensation coverage: If you have employees, this insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who get injured on the job.
• Commercial auto insurance: If you use a vehicle for your kennel, this coverage will protect you in the event that the vehicle is damaged during your business operations.

Common types of boarding kennel insurance claims

Some claims are more common than others in the boarding kennel industry. Here some of the most common incidents that lead to insurance claims:

• Bites and injuries: Pets can bite and cause all kinds of injuries. They can injure your staff – and themselves. If either of the two were to happen under your roof, it’s your business that would be held liable – not the pet and not the employee.
• Professional negligence: If charged with taking care of a sickly pet, you might be responsible for ensuring the animal gets proper care and medication. If you miss the appointment or administer the medication incorrectly, you could be sued for neglect. Thanks to professional liability coverage, you can pay the necessary legal fees. Otherwise, you’d be stuck paying them yourself.
• Property damage: Your kennel is susceptible to the same dangers as your home. Floods, storms, earthquake and other disasters can all damage or outright destroy your facility. If not covered by insurance, a single disaster can strip you of your business and income.
• Theft and vandalism: Your facility can get vandalized, and your equipment can get stolen. Depending on where you operate, this may be a common occurrence. Again, without insurance you’d have to pay for everything yourself.

How much does boarding kennel insurance cost?

If you’re a small operation, run by one or two people, then your premium would probably be no more than $2,500 a year. If you run larger operation that can afford a dozen employees or more, then your insurance can be as high as $5,000 or even $10,000 per year.

That said, there are numerous factors that can affect your premium, all of which would be specific to your business. Here are some examples:

• Business size: Larger businesses with more clients and employees typically pay higher premiums due to increased risk.
• Number of animals: The bigger your kennel and the more animals it stores, the higher the risk of an incident occurring. This can result in a higher premium.
• Types of services: Are you just a kennel business? Or do you provide other services, such as pet grooming or training? The more services you provide – and the type of services you provide – the more insurance will cost you.
• Location: The cost of insurance can vary depending on where your business is located. Urban areas may have higher rates due to increased risk of accidents and theft.
• Claims history: A history of previous claims can increase your premiums. Insurance providers view businesses with fewer claims as lower risk.

How to get the cheapest boarding kennel insurance rates

Finding the cheapest insurance rates requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you secure the best deals:

• Shop around: Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Compare rates from multiple insurers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price. Online comparison tools can simplify this process.
• Bundle policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies together. Consider purchasing general liability, property, and workers' compensation insurance from the same provider to save on premiums.
• Increase deductibles: Opting for higher deductibles can lower your premium costs. Just ensure that you can afford the deductible amount in case of a claim.
• Implement safety measures: Insurers often provide discounts to businesses that implement robust safety measures. Regularly inspect your facilities, train your staff, and maintain detailed records to demonstrate your commitment to safety.

Boarding kennel insurance in Canada: What you need to know

In Canada, boarding kennel insurance requirements can vary by province. It's crucial to understand local regulations and ensure your coverage complies with provincial laws. For example, Ontario has specific guidelines for kennel operation and insurance requirements.

Additionally, Canadian boarding kennels should consider coverage for extreme weather conditions. Harsh winters and unpredictable weather patterns can pose unique risks, making robust property and business interruption insurance essential.

Finally, staying informed about industry trends and emerging risks is key. Regularly reviewing and updating your insurance policy ensures you remain adequately protected as your business evolves and new challenges arise.