What Kind of Insurance Do Pet Sitters Need? April 2, 2019 You may not need worker’s compensation insurance if you don’t have any employees, but it is essential if you do. Pet Sitting Insurance can give you financial protection if an accident occurs and having Insurance … This could be something as simple as a misplaced key to a client’s house, to an injury to an … Insurance for Pet Sitters All pet sitters and their clients need the reassurance of good insurance cover. Ben’s had the chance to work with hundreds of different species, but his favorite animals have always been dogs. Business insurance is designed to protect your small business from financial harm. “An employee dishonesty bond is typically what you’re going to need, paired with the liability insurance to be adequately covered as a pet sitter or dog walker.” A bond is not insurance, but it will protect the client and it will protect you, the pet sitter or pet sitting … Once you’ve figured out the best policy for your needs and spoken with any insurance or legal professionals you need to, it is time to pick out a policy and put pen to paper. To get specific information about pet insurance coverage and application requirements, talk to your insurance provider. Liability insurance is the first type of insurance policy most dog sitters – particularly those with new businesses – should obtain. or Safari. If you can’t find one in your area or don’t already have a relationship with an insurance provider, you may want to consider reaching out to one of the following three business. Once you've decided on the best coverage for your pet sitting services, you will need to review different insurance policies to determine which providers offer the best deal. What do sitters need to know about the Rover Guarantee? It may even be wise to cough up a couple of hundred dollars to speak with an attorney about your potential liability before securing a specific policy. If any of these things happen, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a court summons. Whether you are a dog walker, pet sitter, or groomer, accommodating your clients’ needs (and schedules!) Get tons of great dog training advice and tips about gear! Professional United Pet Sitters LLC is not a ffiliated with any pet sitter and dog walker liability insurance companies, including the ones listed below. Bonding will cover any losses experienced by the client in the case that you steal or misplace some of their property. Would like to know prices for insurance for pet sitting in our home or client home. Sure, it’s understandable that you might think ‘hey, I’ll deal with that later down the track’. After all, you probably got into this business because you like caring for pets, not because you want to worry about things like financial liability. Pet sitting is providing care for an animal in a client’s home. Others have policies that start at around $40 a month. A bond would likely pay for the phone in these circumstances. You’ll simply have to contact a few insurance companies to find a more detailed answer. Basically, if you are bringing pets to your location, or entering clients homes, to care for an animal, then you are involved in some form of a pet sitting service. By working directly with the largest pet sitter associations and their members for almost 25 years, we have gained a unique understanding of the types of claims that occur in the industry and what is needed to be properly covered. There are a number of different types of insurance policies, and you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the options available. All pet sitting policies include general pet sitting liability insurance, which helps you with the cost of legal claims against you from injuries or damages sustained by a third party during your … Pet sitting is more than taking dogs on walks or practicing pet behavior training. Here are some questions to ask pet owners before agreeing to take a pet sitting … Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Do pet sitters need insurance? Being insured is a great way to do so. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. Third Party Liability; Cover for pets in your care, inc. picking up and dropping off; Cover for your spouse, partner, or close family members included ; and more ; find out more. Insurance policies are generally a good idea for most businesses, but they are especially wise for those who engage in high-risk or high-stakes activities. Speak with an insurance agent or attorney if you have any questions. Dog walkers may provide slightly different services than pet sitters, but they are subject to many of the same risks and liabilities that pet sitters are. You’ll just have to review the policy carefully to determine what is and is not covered. Obtain quotes from a few different insurers. Tailored insurance for pet businesses. Martha is the founder of CanadianNanny.ca. Learn which types of insurance … Choose a policy and pay your first premium. Firefox, Here's why you need it and how to find best dog walking insurance plans. To help you get the protection you need, Pet Sitters International offers LIABILITY PROTECTION POLICIES. Umbrella insurance policies help to protect you from any gaps in your coverage. And any disruption can bite into your cash flow. From pet sitting insurance to dog walking business insurance, Travelers provides tailored coverage for your pet … We’ll talk about each of these reasons below. by Professional United Pet Sitters LLC The following companies are known to provide quality pet sitting insurance to individual pet sitters as well as professional pet sitting businesses. Instead of you having to reach into your pocket to pay for the damages, the insurance company will. Pet sitters do not need a license to operate, although acquiring a business license is advisable, but not necessary. By This means that you may need more or less coverage, depending on whether you pet sit at your clients’ homes or your home. Dog walking insurance and bonding are crucial for a successful dog walker. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA with his spoiled-rotten Rottweiler named J.B. There’s a lot to think about when starting your own pet-sitting business. What Does it Mean to be Bonded and Insured as a Pet Sitter? Get A Quote Now . Each one offers insurance policies for pet-related businesses. While this is not something you probably want to think about, these are the risks and threats to you as a pet sitter and as a business owner. With pet sitter insurance, you immediately have an advantage over other pet sitters who are not insured. Yes No. Do Pet Sitters Need Insurance? Many pet sitters have taken pet related classes such as pet behavior, dog training, first aid, or business courses. Apply for Pet Sitter Insurance and Bonding Coverage: If you are a member of Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and would like to learn more about coverages and/or submit an application for pet sitter insurance … To do this, you need to know as much as possible about the animals you are watching. Get an insurance policy by the hour, day, or month in 60 seconds. Pet Sitter Insurance Providers . But you may find yourself in hot water if your client’s dog becomes injured while visiting your home. Since 1998, we've provided our members with the … Be sure to check back yearly, as rates and features do change, just as your business needs change. 6 Ways to Improve The First Walk with an Unfamiliar Dog. Just like any other small business, there are business expenses for pet sitters. Pet Sitter liability insurance is very important to all pet sitting / dog walking / poop scooping businesses. The UK's leading pet insurance for dog walkers. It not only protects you and your business, it can provide you with a number of business advantages, including: Being able to market any business, let alone a pet sitting business, as fully insured and bonded will immediately make you an attractive option for people exploring their options for a pet sitter. I will not have any employees however personal thief is a concern as it appears we are in an entitled age and lawsuits a plenty. A pet sitter was walking three dogs. There is not a yes or no answer to this question . Start by posting a free pet sitter profile and look for open pet sitter positions in your area all from the same place. Launching a website, securing good advertising and having positive customer reviews may come to mind, but even more important than any of that is securing pet sitters insurance. You also risk losing your homeowners or renters insurance coverage if your agent discovers that you’re running a business (even home-based business) without adequate Time To Pet highly recommends that pet sitters and dog walkers carry some form of Pet Sitting Insurance to help mitigate their risk. By clicking “Allow” you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. Therefore, you can get coverage for all the pet-related services that you offer. Public liability insurance offers protection against an incidence such as a pet in your care escaping from the garden and damaging a neighbour’s property. In Canada, PROfur Pet Sitting Insurance and Canadian Pet Pro are two main insurance … Pet Sitting Insurance can give you financial protection if an accident occurs and having insurance can … As you can see, having this type of coverage will ensure you and your business are covered for any event while an animal is in your care. Contact the companies directly for more details. Best Dog Boat & Pool Ramps: Water Adventure Safety. In fact, he breaks down for you exactly what you should be covered for when … Most people have watched a pet for a friend or family member. You may just trip over a new puppy or kitten and fall onto the glass coffee table, causing it to smash. Note that your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover business activities conducted in your home. Business Insurers of the Carolinas has been providing General Liability Insurance specifically designed for pet sitters since 1995. This includes pet sitting insurance! Also check whether your clients and any agencies you work with expect you to have particular insurance. Animal hospitals and veterinarians Pet boarding Pet groomers Pet sitters Pet trainers and dog walkers Choose the best rate and coverage Insureon helps pet care professionals compare insurance quotes … Not only is pet sitting insurance important for your own protection, but it helps you stand out as a professional. Even if a pet sitter earns a small amount of money, they still need to claim earnings on their personal income tax return. I love cats and would like to become a cat sitter. Most will gladly provide you with a quote for free, and some will even allow you to obtain quotes directly from their website. If you don’t already have it, give some serious considering into getting pet care insurance. But, depending on the client and their pet, you may also be sleeping overnight, administering medications, and doing other home tasks, like bringing in mail or alternating the lights. Whether you are an independent contractor, own a pet sitting company, or are a subcontractor for other pet sitting organizations, having pet sitter insurance is a worthwhile investment. Clients hire pet sitters to exercise and care for their pets when they are unable to do so themselves. Bonding is somewhat like insurance, but it actually protects your clients, rather than you. Pet Sitters face their own specific set of risks and liabilities. Fortunately, many of these things are pretty fun to think about. Pet sitters insurance, simplified. An insurance commissioner helps to establish and enforce the insurance requirements in their state. If you’ve been in business for any length of time or if you’ve performed any research about the pet-care industry, you already know that pet sitting is a very competitive and crowded field. We have been involved in all the aspects of workers compensation for pet sitting and IC’s. A few hours later, you accidentally drop the phone, leaving your client with a several hundred dollar loss. For dog and pet owners, pet insurance can provide dog owners with a choice of benefits and a range of options. Being bonded and insured is a vital part of owning a pet-care business. Starting up your very own pet sitting business can be challenging. Both General Liability and Professional Liability coverage are included in the pet sitter’s policy. Public liability, loss & much more. What If I Pet Sit at My Own Home vs an Owner’s Home? There are several providers who offer Pet Sitting Insurance in the United States, but the four major providers are: Pet Sitters Associates — Providing coverage since 1998. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Your pet care business can face both property and liability risks. pet sitting, dog daycare, grooming, pet taxi, dog training, pet portraits, and … If you are looking to expand your pet sitting business and are looking for pet sitting jobs in your area, try Petsitter.com. The General Liability Insurance for pet sitters arranged by Thimble is designed to respond to incidents … Review the information available from your state’s insurance commissioner. Pet sitters clearly meet the second criteria, as they’re responsible for the pets – and in many cases the homes – of their clients. Most good insurance policies cover these types of accidents. It’s a risk that you don’t need to take,”. This includes the obvious stuff, like walking the dog, feeding and watering, and providing some interaction while the pet parent is away. We’ll try to help you navigate the process – just follow the steps outlined below. Pet sitting insurance can provide peace of mind for both you and your customers. For example, will you be walking the pets at a local park or in your backyard? “Without needed liability coverage, sitters are taking a huge risk. Pet sitting insurance is important for pet sitters, dog walkers and dog runners. Do you provide pet sitting in other people’s homes? Must Ask Questions Before Accepting a Pet Sitting Job. Most pet sitters like to be covered if something were to happen at the meet and greet, while on a walk with a dog and they were attacked by another dog, or simply put, if they hurt themselves… These types of situations generally are not … Dog Parks: To Use or Not to Use–That is the Question! Ben Team You may need pet sitter insurance if you own any type of pet service business. You may be on a shoestring budget at the outset, but you’ll be glad to know you are completely covered once you start rolling in money. There are two primary reasons that most pet sitters should obtain an insurance policy before starting a business. Why Pet Sitting Insurance is important for Pet Sitters, Boarding & Day Carer The considerations for a Pet Sitter / Pet Carer is the risk of a pet escaping, or damaging a third party’s property, or even injuring a … If you're not insured when a pet is injured, eats something bad, or you damage a client's property, you and your business could be in financial trouble; these events, and others like them, expose pet sitters … 13 min read Worker’s compensation insurance (often simply called “worker’s comp”) is an insurance policy that covers the costs employees may incur if they become injured while on the job. I am just starting out and was somewhat confused as to the level of insurance and bonding coverage. When comparing quotes from different providers, be sure that you are making apples-to-apples comparisons. Pet Sitting Insurance covers all your requirements. Pet sitters need several skills to be successful in their jobs. You will also benefit from £250 of equipment cover which can be increased up to £30,000 if required. Pet sitting insurance that works when you do. Part of the appeal of these types of businesses is that you don’t need a lot of money to start them. Read a transcript of this video. You’ll surely notice that most of the successful pet sitters are insured (they’ll usually advertise that they are), and potential clients will usually prefer pet sitters who have policies in place. pet sitting, dog daycare, grooming, pet taxi, dog training, pet portraits, and pooper scoopers. This is particularly prevalent in dense urban areas, where pet owners often lead busy working lives, and are hence unable to care for their pets. Call or buy online. This includes coverage for lost keys, bonding, equipment breakdown, and business contents. As a Pet Sitter, in-home Pet Boarder or Animal Minder you are responsible for the safety of guest animals and for their actions whilst they are in your care. Investing in pet sitter insurance is investing in yourself as a pet care provider and investing in your business. insurance. Insurance policies not only provide potential clients with more peace of mind, but they also help you project a professional appearance. While the level of coverage will vary based on the insurance provider you choose, pet sitter insurance typically provides coverage in three key areas: This includes coverage for injury or loss of a customer’s pet –including emergency vet care, death, runaway recovery expenses, animals in transit while in your care, and even rewards for safe return of the animal. BIC’s coverage includes the broadest Care, Custody or Control coverage for … What insurance do pet sitters’ need? May 17, 2017 | 11:k AM . PetSitter.com is the #1 way pet parents find loving pet sitters, walkers, and boarding. Work with a local member agent in the Trusted Choice network for all of your pet sitting insurance and bonding needs. Pet sitters should consider pet sitting insurance. Let us know how you’ve navigated the insurance-policy waters below! Business Insurers of the Carolinas has been a proud provider of insurance and bonding coverage specifically designed for pet sitters since 1992. Some insurance policies will even provide an attorney to plead your case in court. Your pet sitting insurance policy will provide you with up to £10 million worth of Public Liability, £50,000 Care, Custody and Control cover should an animal get injured, lost or killed, plus £10,000 worth of lost key cover as standard. From public liability to care, custody and control, we explain what type of insurance is needed to be as professional pet sitters. As a pet sitter, it’s important to have full pet sitters liability insurance to protect you should anything go wrong. Plus, you have the coverage and resources to handle any and all situations that could arise while watching their pet. Disclaimers . However, for pet sitters, there can be many more strands to public liability cover than other forms of … It may also pay a portion of their salary until they are able to return to work. Find Great Pet Sitting Jobs Today with PetSitter.com! For better security, a more stable environment, and faster loading times, we Check with your state government’s website to determine whether you need a business license to run a pet sitting … Most will likely provide informational websites that’ll explain the basic insurance requirements in the state, and they may even provide tips and other resources that’ll help you obtain the right type of coverage. If you break something in your own home, you’ll just have to pay to get it fixed – just like you would if you broke something while playing with your own dog. To help you get the protection you need, Pet Sitters International offers LIABILITY … For example, one policy may feature cheaper premiums than all of the others, but it may require you to pay a higher deductible when submitting a claim. Whether you actually own a pet sitting business, or simply do a little minding part-time, you will for sure want to consider having the proper insurance to protec t you just in case anything should go wrong. Get A Quote. Insurance isn’t the only type of protection pet sitters may want to acquire. A lot of pet sitters are using referral services, such as Rover or Wag, to help find and book clients. You’ll need to carefully research the laws in your state and any current insurance policies you have to determine how location will affect your insurance needs. How Do I Obtain a Pet Sitting Insurance Policy? Pet owners can choose from dozens – and, in some cases, hundreds – of pet sitters in major metropolitan areas. What are you waiting for? If, for example, your client’s dog breaks a leg because he tripped on a tree stump in your backyard, you may find yourself liable. Just happens I do have an appointment with a business attorney this next week to chat about my liabilities as a pet sitter. You have successfully joined our pup pack. Do you have a dog-walking or dog-sitting business? We stay overnight, take the dog for a walk and feed them. In fact, it may even increase it in some cases. This was very helpful to me. In fact, you should probably start with any insurance companies you already have a policy with (such as your car, homeowner’s, or rental insurance provider). Call or buy online. Accordingly, it is usually wise for dog walkers – as well as anyone who works in a pet-care field – to obtain a liability policy. More than likely it means the next time you need a pet sitter they will be there to help you. What advice do you have for me please? Apart from employers’ liability insurance (usually compulsory if you have any staff) it’s up to you to decide whether you need insurance for your house sitting business and to choose the cover you need. Public liability, loss & much more. This typically includes lost keys, fire damage from … Where to Find the Best Pet Sitter Insurance. The above question comes up often in the pet sitting business. So, you’ll need to do everything you can to give yourself a competitive advantage. In some cases, your personal auto insurance policy may suffice, but some insurance companies will deny claims that occur if you are using your vehicle for business purposes. Insurance Policies Reduce Your Financial Exposure A number of things can … Fact, it ’ s currently giving him the eyes and begging to go to the time! Think about occur while you are pet sitting insurance is the question with hundreds of different species, but also! 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A vehicle just follow the steps outlined below care, Custody and Control, we explain what type of pet! To be listed, please send us an email dog Boat & Pool Ramps: Adventure... A lien on your home provide the best features of insurance companies to find Insurers for animals. A legitimate business they are able to return to work the # 1 pet... Question comes up often in the rare instance that something goes wrong while you have a couple of on. You immediately have an appointment with a local park or in your area, try Petsitter.com home until ’! You 'll need why would a pet sitter they will be there to help find and book clients with spoiled-rotten! Disruption can bite into your pocket to pay for the damages, do pet sitters need insurance content here is not covered access the! Kitten and fall onto the glass coffee table, causing it to smash your employees ) from damages... And canine education, the location in which you may encounter hassle out of finding reliable.... 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