Buy Pet Sitting Insurance

Pet sitting insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for pet sitters and dog walkers in case of accidents or incidents that may occur while they are caring for animals. This can include things like injuries to the pet, damage to property, and liability in case of accidents or injuries caused by the pet.

Pet sitting insurance typically includes coverage for medical expenses, property damage, and liability, and may also include coverage for legal expenses and lost income.

It is important for pet sitters and dog walkers to have this insurance to protect themselves financially in case of unexpected incidents while on the job.

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small pet sitting businesses ranges from $27 to $39 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.

Pet sitters need insurance for a number of reasons. First and foremost, insurance provides protection for both the pet sitter and the pet owner in case of accidents or injuries. Accidents can happen at any time, and having insurance can help cover the costs of medical treatment or damages.

Additionally, pet sitters often work with multiple clients and handle a variety of pets, each with their own unique needs and behaviors. Insurance can help protect against liability in the event that a pet causes damage to someone else's property or injures someone while under the care of the pet sitter.

Insurance also offers financial protection for pet sitters in case of unexpected events, such as natural disasters or illness that prevent them from being able to fulfill their duties. Without insurance, pet sitters may face significant financial burden in these situations.

Overall, insurance provides peace of mind for both pet sitters and pet owners and helps ensure that all parties are protected in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

General liability insurance is important for pet sitters to protect against any accidental injuries that may occur while caring for pets. This can include injuries to the pet, injuries to the pet sitter, or injuries to any third parties that may be involved.

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, is important for protecting against any mistakes or oversights that may occur while providing pet care services. This can include misplacing a key, forgetting to feed a pet, or any other mistakes that may result in harm to the pet or the pet owner.

Pet care insurance is designed specifically to cover medical expenses for pets that may occur while in the care of a pet sitter. This can include emergency medical treatment, surgery, or any other necessary medical care that may be required.

In addition to these types of insurance, pet sitters may also want to consider personal liability insurance to protect themselves against any personal injuries or property damage that may occur while caring for pets. This can include accidental damage to the pet sitter's own property, such as a broken window or damaged furniture, as well as injuries sustained while caring for pets.

Overall, it is important for pet sitters to have the necessary insurance coverage to protect themselves and the pets in their care against any potential accidents or injuries. Proper pet sitting insurance coverage can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an unexpected incident.

Premises liability exposure Leashes and carriers should be required to protect customers and other animals. Veterinary records confirming appropriate inoculations should be required of any animal being boarded to prevent the spread of disease. Enclosures should be secured to prevent escape, with each animal boarded separately to prevent attacks by other animals.

Escaped animals could attack people or other animals, or cause damage to neighboring properties. Daytime open kenneling can result in serious injuries. Precautions such as temperament testing, adequate staff monitoring, requiring participating dogs to be spayed or neutered and divided play areas by the size of dog are helpful.

Products liability exposure is moderate if the pet sitter sells animal food and supplies. The exposure increases to that of a manufacturer if the sitter modifies or sells a directly imported product.

Environmental impairment exposure is moderate due to the potential for air, surface or ground water, or soil contamination from the handling and disposal of biological waste material. The pet sitter must follow all federal and state procedures for disposal.

Workers compensation exposure is high due to the unpredictability of even the most domesticated animal. Workers may be injured by biting, scratching, kicking, or other attack. All employees must be trained in appropriate restraint techniques. Problem animals should be clearly identified so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Other common injuries include lifting that results in back strains or sprains, trips and falls, respiratory ailments from inhaling dander, and communicable diseases transmitted by animals. Special training in separating fighting dogs is required in facilities where daytime kenneling occurs.

Property exposure includes an office and boarding facilities for animals. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning. There may be laundry equipment used to clean bedding which can overheat. All should be well maintained and meet current codes. Food and bedding supplies are combustible and should be stored away from heat sources. Poor housekeeping is a serious fire hazard. Animals may be a target for theft or vandalism.

All enclosures must be properly secured. Controls should be in place to prevent access to the premises after hours. Alarms are recommended.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money.

Inland marine exposure is from accounts receivable for credit customers, bailees customers for animals boarded, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. There may be computers used for recordkeeping.

Business auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees running errands. If the kennel provides pickup or delivery services, all drivers must be licensed with acceptable MVRs. All vehicles must be well maintained with documentation kept in a central location.

Pet sitters can be sued for various reasons, such as injuries to pets, property damage, negligence, and breach of contract. Here are some examples of how insurance can protect them in each case:

1. Injuries to pets: If a pet gets injured while under the care of a pet sitter, the owner may sue the sitter for negligence. For example, if a dog escapes from a pet sitter's care and gets hit by a car, the owner may hold the sitter responsible. Pet sitter insurance can cover the costs of legal fees and settlements in these cases.
2. Property damage: A pet sitter may be held liable for any damage that a pet causes to someone's property. For example, if a dog chews up a neighbor's furniture while under the sitter's care, the sitter may be sued for the cost of the damage. Pet sitter insurance can help pay for these damages and protect the sitter from financial ruin.
3. Negligence: If a pet sitter fails to provide the agreed-upon services or acts in a careless manner, they may be sued for negligence. For example, if a pet sitter forgets to feed a pet or fails to administer medication, the owner may hold them responsible for any resulting harm. Pet sitter insurance can help cover legal fees and settlements in these cases.
4. Breach of contract: If a pet sitter violates the terms of their contract with the pet owner, they may be sued for breach of contract. For example, if a pet sitter agrees to walk a dog twice a day but only does so once, the owner may sue for breach of contract. Pet sitter insurance can help pay for legal fees and any resulting settlements.

In summary, pet sitter insurance can protect pet sitters from the financial consequences of lawsuits by covering legal fees, settlements, and damages resulting from various liability issues. By having proper insurance coverage, pet sitters can run their businesses with peace of mind and focus on providing quality care for their clients' pets.