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What is pet services insurance?

Pet services insurance is a policy meant for businesses that specialize in providing pet services. Whether you are a sole proprietor or an employer with multiple employees working for you, getting a pet services insurance policy is the best way to protect yourself from incurring a large financial lost due to a liability or injury claim. 

If you provide any of the following services, you're business will be considered part of the pet services industry:

• Dog training
• Dog walking
• Kennel boarding
• Pet sitting, grooming or transportation

Since pets tend to be unpredictable – even when in the care of top professionals in the business – mistakes, misunderstandings and even lawsuits can arise. If your pet services business is your primary source of income, a single incident can put you under immense financial stress. Or worse – put you out of business. If, for example, a pet under your care bites someone, you might be required to pay for the resulting medical costs, and potentially for legal fees.

Yes, insurance is indeed an investment, but it is investment that can save you money in the long run. Not having adequate protection leaves you vulnerable to massive one-time losses that pose a very real threat to your business.

What pet services insurance includes

Pet services insurance will usually include the following coverages:

• General liability: This protects you against claims of bodily injury or property damage that might occur while providing pet services – whether it’s walking a dog, grooming a cat or feeding a hamster. 
• Professional liability: This one is also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, and it covers claims of negligence or mistakes in your professional services. For instance, you might accidentally feed a pet food that makes them sick, or be accused of putting an animal in harm's way by an owner. In either case, the expenses for medical bills and legal fees would be covered by this part of your pet services insurance policy.
• Property damage: If you own or lease a facility for your property (e.g., if provide pet boarding services), property insurance will cover damages to the building and its contents due to fire, theft or natural disaster. Not all pet services providers need property insurance, so be sure to decline this coverage if it's not relevant to your business (e.g. if you are a pet sitter who exclusively visits clients' homes).

Recommended add-ons for pet services insurance coverage

There are ways to enhance your pet services insurance with additional coverage, if you want more out of your policy. The following coverages are popular add-ons for pet service providers in Canada:

• Animal bailee: This covers animals in your care, custody or control against injury, theft or death.
• Cyber liability: This coverage will help you protect your data and client information from potential data breaches and cyber-attacks.
• Business interruption: Should your business operations be halted due to a covered incident, such as a fire or a natural disaster, this will cover any income losses you may experience.
• Workers' compensation: If you have employees, this insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages if they are injured on the job.
• Commercial auto: If you use a vehicle to provide pet services, this coverage will protect you in the event your vehicle is damaged or stolen on the job. Note that commercial auto coverage is needed even if your vehicle is protected by a personal auto insurance policy.

Common types of pet services insurance claims

Insurance comes in handy for a variety of situations in the pet services industry. The following list highlights some of the most common types of claims those in the industry face:

• Pet injury: A frequent claim involves injuries to pets. For example, a dog may get injured during a grooming session or while being walked. Even with the utmost care, accidents can happen, and insurance helps mitigate the financial impact.
• Third-party injury: Another typical claim is related to third-party bodily injuries. Imagine a scenario where a dog you’re walking bites someone passing by. Liability insurance can cover the medical costs and any resulting legal fees.
• Property damage: These types of claims are also common. Pets can sometimes cause damage to clients’ homes during visits or training sessions. Whether it’s a scratched floor or a broken vase, having insurance ensures that these damages don’t come out of your pocket.

How much does pet services insurance cost?

The answer will depend heavily on multiple factors, including the size of your business. If you operate on your own – for instance, you’re a dog walker who is a sole proproetor – then expect to pay about $200 to $1,500 per year. Bigger businesses with multiple employees can expect to pay insurance as high as $5,000 per year.

As you can see, there is a sizable variance. Here are some factors that impact the cost of a pet services insurance policy:

Business size: Larger businesses with more clients and employees typically pay higher premiums due to increased risk.

The type of services: Certain kinds of services may be riskier than others. For instance, grooming a dog may be considered riskier than simply looking after it at the client’s home, because the dog is more likely to act out in a higher-stress environment.

Location: The cost of insurance can vary depending on the location of your business. Urban areas, for example, usually have higher rates due to increased risk of accidents and claims. Areas with a higher number of natural disasters can also command higher insurance rates.

Experience: More experienced pet service providers may qualify for lower rates because they are perceived to be lower risk.

Claims history: A history of previous claims can increase your premiums. Insurance providers view businesses with fewer claims as lower risk.

Regardless of your specific factors, the best way to find out how much insurance will cost you is to simply get a quote. Beause the cost varies so much from one business to the next, getting a quote is the only way to gain an accurate understanding of what to expect.

How to get the cheapest pet services 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.

Pet services insurance in Canada: What you need to know

If you’re operating a pet services business in Canada, there are specific considerations to keep in mind. First, it’s essential to choose an insurer familiar with the Canadian market and regulations. This ensures that your coverage complies with local laws and meets industry standards.

In Canada, the climate can also affect your insurance needs. For instance, if you’re a dog walker in a region with harsh winters, consider coverage for weather-related incidents, such as slips and falls on icy sidewalks.

Additionally, Canadian pet owners often have high expectations for the care of their pets. Ensuring your insurance policy includes robust professional liability coverage can protect you against claims of negligence or substandard service.

Lastly, don’t forget to review your policy annually. As your business grows and evolves, so do your insurance needs. Regularly updating your coverage ensures that you remain protected against new risks and challenges.