As a pet care professional, the last thing you want to happen is for an injury or illness to occur while you’re taking care of someone else’s animal. But accidents happen, so it’s a good idea to have a pet care insurance policy if you’re in this line of work.
Whether you’re a dog walker, pet groomer, or dog trainer, having pet care insurance can give you (and your valuable customers) peace of mind in case something terrible happens under your supervision. In this post, we’ll look at what pet care insurance includes and list some of the providers that offer these policies.
What is pet care insurance?
If you’re interested in working with other people’s pets (even on a part-time basis), you need to have a plan in place if an accident occurs. Not only does it protect you from liability, but it can also help you earn more clients if they feel that their precious pets will be under the best possible care with you — especially if they don’t have their own insurance policy.
Pet care insurance policies vary by provider, but here’s a quick overview of what they typically cover.
Vet bill coverage
Let’s say a dog or cat gets sick or injured while you’re grooming, training, or walking them. Depending on the situation, you would likely be liable for medical costs. However, if you have insurance, your policy could cover at least some of the vet bills associated with treatment.
Animal bailee coverage
When you agree to take responsibility for someone else’s pet (even temporarily), you become a bailee of that animal. If you damage or lose the pet, you would be held responsible in the eyes of the law. Animal bailee coverage helps cover these expenses.
Business property coverage
This part of coverage is really for pet groomers. In this industry, professionals have to purchase quite a bit of equipment, including grooming tables, dryers, washing equipment, kennels, and more. Depending on your policy, some insurers can also work with you to extend your coverage to protect your mobile grooming vehicle, as well.
Where can you purchase pet care insurance?
Numerous providers sell pet care insurance, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and requirements. Before buying a policy, make sure you understand all of the fine print. Contact the insurer if you have questions about your coverage.
Here are some of the insurance providers that might be right for your business.
- Pet Care Insurance. Unlike other companies that offer several different insurance policies, PCI specializes in coverage for pet care providers. Policies begin at $139 per year.
- The Hartford. The Hartford is a well-known insurance provider that offers home, auto, and business insurance across the United States. Head to the company’s website for a quote.
- Progressive. Another popular insurance provider in the US, Progressive also has an insurance offering for grooming professionals.
If you run a pet care company, your business is probably driven by your passion and love for animals. Having an insurance policy is a great way to protect your business, yourself, and the animals you care for.
For more resources on pet ownership, check out the PetPonder blog.
