Pet Sitting Insurance

Pet sitting insurance is a specialized insurance that protects the pet sitter business against liability claims for bodily injury and property damage.

Liability insurance is an essential requirement when starting a pet sitting business. Here is some practical advice about insurance, bonding and regulations that can impact on your pet sitting business.

What does pet sitting insurance cover?

• Bodily injury. This covers liability for bodily injury to pets and other people while the pet is in your care (officially referred to as care,custody and control). For example if the dog you are walking escapes and knocks someone over, bites someone or jumps up and injures someone then this insurance should cover you against the cost of any damages or injury.
• Property damage. Property damage liability is designed to pay for damage to the property of others that occurs in the operation of your pet sitter business. Pet sitting insurance should cover you if the pet you are caring for causes damage to any property while in your control. For example if the dog is out walking and tears someone's clothing or during the in-house visit chews the pet owner's carpet while in your care. If you back into the pet owner's garage door while on an in-house visit the insurance policy should cover the cost of the damages. Many pet sitting insurance policies cover lost house keys and the expense of changing locks.

What about bonding?

Bonding protects the home owner against dishonest acts by the pet sitter. Pet sitters have complete access to the pet owners house and bonding protects the home owner from theft. If the pet sitter is found responsible for the theft of an item the bonding company immediately reimburses the home owner up to the value of the bond and the pet sitter repays the money to the bonding company. Bonding also covers the client for failure by the pet sitter to perform services to the animal that results in injury. For example neglecting to administer medicine that results in veterinary expenses. Certain pet sitting insurance policies cover disappearance of property from a pet owners home making bonding uneccesary. It is worth looking at pet sitting insurance policies that offer special additional coverage for theft and accidents.

Where can this insurance be purchased?

You can do a quick search on the internet and find a policy which meets your particular needs in your area. Do some research and get different quotes to find the best policy for you. It is advisable to apply for membership to Pet Sitters International, Pet Sitters Associates or the National Association of Professional Petsitters, national organizations for the industry. Their websites have links to many different insurance providers you can use.

Does a pet sitting business need a business license?

Many city, county and state governments require business owners to register their small business and get a business license. Go to Small Business Licenses to find out about business licenses for your pet sitter business. There are, however, no professional licensing requirements to become a pet sitter. Anyone who wants to start a pet sitting business can do so without any formal training or qualifications.

Taking out pet sitting insurance makes good sense - it is fairly economical and easily purchased. It will protect you against claims that the pet owners and general population may bring against you if the animal in your care harms or injures an individual, property or another animal. Pet owners will regard you as a serious professional if you have followed all the right steps in setting up your business.

About a Pet Sitting Business

Start a Pet Sitter Business

How to Find Pet Sitting Jobs

Tips for a Successful Pet Sitter Business

Pet Sitter Fees

Turn your passion for pets into a thriving home business

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