Get a Pet-Sitter Insurance Quote

What is pet-sitter insurance?

Pet-sitter insurance is a specialized form of business insurance designed to protect individuals who provide pet-sitting services. This type of insurance safeguards pet sitters from potential damages and liabilities that may arise while caring for pets.

Pet-sitter insurance covers a wide range of scenarios, including injuries caused by animals, such as bites or scratches, property damage that might occur during pet care, and legal liabilities that could result from accidents or incidents involving the pet.

Additionally, pet-sitter insurance may offer coverage for lost or stolen pets, veterinary expenses and personal injury claims. With this protection in place, pet sitters can focus on providing quality care without the constant worry of unexpected financial burdens.

What does pet-sitter insurance cover my business for?

Pet-sitter insurance typically covers a range of incidents. Firstly, it includes liability coverage, which protects you if a pet in your care injures someone or damages property. This is crucial as medical bills and repair costs can be substantial.

Secondly, it offers coverage for injuries to the pets themselves. If an animal gets hurt while under your supervision, the policy can help cover veterinary expenses. Lastly, some policies cover personal injuries sustained while caring for animals, such as bites or scratches.

What add-ons are recommended?

In addition to basic coverage, several add-ons can further protect your business. One of the most important is professional liability insurance. This provides protection if a client claims negligence or failure to provide services as promised.

Another valuable add-on is lost key coverage. If you lose a client's keys, this can cover the cost of replacing locks and keys. Additionally, commercial property insurance can protect your business equipment and supplies against theft, fire, or other damages.

How much does pet-sitter insurance cost in Canada?

The cost of pet-sitter insurance varies. Someone running a business with several employees and hundreds of clients will pay more for their coverage than a person who watches pets for four or five clients a few times each year.

It can cost as little as $100 per year for pet-sitter insurance, but those with multiple employees and a large number of clients may pay well over $1,000.

What factors determine the cost of pet-sitter insurance rates?

Several factors play a role in determining your insurance rates. The first factor is the scope of your services. If you offer additional services like grooming or training, your risk increases, and so do your premiums.

Your business location is another significant factor. Urban areas with higher accident rates may lead to higher premiums. Additionally, the number of employees you have can impact your rates, as more employees mean a greater risk of incidents.

Lastly, your claims history is crucial. If you have a history of frequent claims, insurers may see you as a higher risk and charge higher premiums. Maintaining a clean claims record can help keep your insurance costs down.

How does pet-sitter insurance work?

Pet-sitter insurance can protect your business in several scenarios:

• Injury to a pet: If you're playing with an overexcited puppy who takes a tumble and injures its leg, pet-sitter insurance will protect you against the pet-owner suing you.
• Personal iability: If a pet you’re watching bites someone, leading to medical expenses or legal fees, your insurance can help cover the costs, safeguarding your finances during such incidents.
• Lost pet: In the unfortunate event that a pet escapes your care and is lost, your insurance may assist with advertising costs to help locate the pet, alleviating some of the stress and costs involved.
• Accidents or injuries: If you sustain an injury while caring for a pet, and require medical attention, your insurance can help cover associated expenses.

How to get the cheapest pet-sitter insurance quote

The cost of your pet-sitter insurance policy will be heavily impacted by your location, the number and type of pets you watch, and whether or not you are a sole proprietor or have employees on staff. But, there are still things you can do to help lower the premiums you pay for insurance.

One thing you can do is bundle. Some insurance providers may let you combine your business policy with a personal policy. For example, if the insurance provider you're with for auto insurance also offers business coverage, they might offer a discount for sticking with them when it's time to get protection for your pet-sitting services.

A second thing you can do is compare the market. Different insurers assess risk differently, so the rate you get from one provider may not be the same as the rate you'll get from another. Shop around, get quotes and find the policy that offers the best coverage at the cheapest rate.