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What is pet sitter insurance?

If you are in the business of caring for cats, dogs or other pets, at clients’ homes or your own, then you need commercial insurance. Pet sitter insurance is a package of commercial insurance that addresses the risks unique to the pet car industry., which you can customize with the guidance of an insurance professional. Whether you care for pets in your clients' homes or your own, this coverage helps protect your business from unexpected events such as accidents, injuries, or property damage.

Working with a professional ensures your policy includes the right protections, so you can focus on providing quality care with confidence.

What pet sitter insurance includes

A commercial insurance broker or agent can help you build your policy. They will likely recommend the following coverages as a strong foundation for your protection:

• Commercial general liability (CGL): General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage. For example, if a dog you're walking bites someone or damages a neighbour's property, this coverage helps pay for medical bills and legal fees. Sometimes, it’s also referred to as ‘slip-and-fall’ coverage.
• Animal bailee insurance: This insurance covers injury, loss, or death of pets while in your care, custody, or control.
• Professional liability: Professional liability protects you if a client claims you failed to provide the level of care promised, resulting in harm to their pet. If instance, if a cat falls sick while under your care or if you neglect to do something asked by the client (e.g., give the pet a bath). Fittingly, this coverage is sometimes known as errors and omissions (E&O).

Recommended add-ons for pet sitter insurance coverage

If you’d like to make your pet sitter insurance policy even more robust, you can add the following coverages to it:

• Home-based business: If you care for pets from your own home, this will add protections to your home insurance coverage for liabilities arising from business operations. For instance, if a cat or dog gets injured on your property or your pet care activities lead to property damage, this would cover the costs. This would also cover your legal fees if a pet owner files a claim against you.
• Cyber liability: Protects your business if client data is compromised due to a cyberattack or data breach.
• Commercial auto: Essential if you transport pets in your vehicle as part of your services. Personal auto policies typically don't cover business-related accidents.

Common types of pet sitter insurance claims

Understanding common pet sitter claims can help you assess your risk and choose appropriate coverage:

• Dog bite incidents: A dog you're walking bites another person or pet, resulting in medical bills and potential legal action. If you have general liability coverage, you’d have the necessary funds to cover your legal fees.
• Pet injury or illness: A pet becomes injured or falls ill while under your supervision, and the owner holds you responsible. Thanks to professional liability coverage, you’d the funds needed to cover medical or legal costs that could arise.
• Lost or escaped pets: A pet escapes your care and is lost. The client holds you accountable for the loss. In this case, professional liability would come in handy, covering the cost needed to settle the dispute.

How much does pet sitter insurance cost?

On average, pet sitters in Canada can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 annually for a basic business insurance policy, which is likely to include general liability coverage at minimum. Comprehensive coverage with higher limits and add-ons may cost more.

There are factors that could influence the amount you pay, including the following:

• Type of coverage: More coverage equals higher premiums. For instance, if in addition to general and professional liability coverages, you decide to include cyber liability, your premium would be higher.
• Coverage amount: Higher coverage limits result in higher premiums. That’s because the financial risk assumed by the insurer is also higher.
• Location: Depending on where you’re located, your rates will be either higher or lower. If there is a higher chance of theft in your area, for example, there’s a higher chance of higher premiums.
• Experience level: If you, as a pit sitter, have many years of experience under your belt, then there’s a lower chance of you making mistakes on the job. This often translates to lower premiums.
• Claims history: The more claims you make, the more you’ll pay in premiums. The opposite is true if you make no claims. Make a claim only when you know you can’t pay for it out of pocket and only when you’re absolutely sure it’s something your insurance covers.

How to get the cheapest pet sitter insurance rates

Here are practical ways to reduce your pet sitter insurance costs without sacrificing protection:

• Bundle policies: Many insurers offer discounts if you purchase multiple types of coverage together, such as general liability and commercial property insurance.
• Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible lowers your premium, though you'll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
• Maintain a good record: Avoiding claims and demonstrating safe business practices can help you qualify for lower rates over time.
• Implement risk management practices: Installing security systems, using pet care contracts, and obtaining client waivers can reduce your risk profile and lower premiums.