Navigating the world of pet sitter insurance is crucial for any professional in the industry. Ensuring you have adequate coverage protects not only your business but also your clients’ beloved pets and property. This guide provides a detailed comparison of leading pet sitter insurance providers, helping you make an informed decision to safeguard your professional services. Discover essential tools for your pet sitting business.
Understanding Pet Sitter Insurance Needs
Professional pet sitters require specialized insurance to cover a range of potential liabilities. This includes damage to client property, injury to pets under their care, and business-related risks. It’s important to distinguish between different types of coverage, such as general liability, animal bailee (care, custody, and control), bonding, and theft insurance. Many companies offer comprehensive packages, but understanding the specifics of each policy is vital.
Leading Pet Sitter Insurance Providers
Several companies are recognized for providing quality pet sitter insurance. The following providers offer various levels of coverage, tailored to individual sitters and businesses.
Professional United Pet Sitters (PUPS)
Professional United Pet Sitters LLC (PUPS) offers a membership that provides access to pet sitter insurance. Their offerings are facilitated through partnerships with other insurance providers.
- Membership Requirement: A free membership with PSA (Pet Sitter Associates LLC) is required.
- Annual Cost: Starts at $210 for a base rate for one member, with additional charges for each extra covered person. Optional coverages are available.
- Key Features: Includes optional “Broadened Property Damage Coverage & Bond” for an additional $100, which is highly recommended by PUPS.
Choice Plus Insurance Services
Choice Plus Insurance Services provides pet business insurance with a focus on comprehensive protection.
- Membership Requirement: None.
- Annual Cost: Premiums start at $425.
- Key Features: Offers coverage for employees and spouses within the base rate and includes options for additional coverage.
Mourer-Foster, Inc. (Kennel Pro)
Mourer-Foster, Inc., operating under the Kennel Pro brand, offers multiple insurance plans for pet sitters.
- Membership Requirement: None.
- Annual Cost: Multiple plans are available, with the “Silver” base plan starting at $425.
- Key Features: Includes coverage for employees and spouses, with flexible options for additional coverage and limits.
Veracity Insurance
Veracity Insurance offers competitive premiums and a range of coverage options for pet businesses.
- Membership Requirement: None.
- Annual Cost: Premiums start at $139 per year or $13.33 per month.
- Key Features: Offers a discount for PUPS members and provides various coverage levels.
Detailed Coverage Comparison
| Feature | PSA, Pet Sitter Associates LLC | Choice Plus Insurance Services | Mourer-Foster, Inc. (Kennel Pro) | Veracity Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provided through: | RPS Eau Claire | Options depend on individual needs | Talisman Insurance, or others | Lloyds of London |
| Website | PetSitsLLC.com | ChoicePlusIs.com | KennelPro.net | PetCareIns.com |
| Membership Required | PSA (free) | None | None | None |
| Annual Cost (Base) | $210 + $10 handling fee | Starts at $425 | $425 (Silver Plan) | $139/year or $13.33/month |
| Deductible | $500 off-leash deductible (optional) | Varies | $250 for CCC claims only | $500 for Vet Expense Reimbursement |
| Discount Available | Yes ($15 for PUPS members) | No | Yes ($25 for annual pay, $75 for Payway) | Yes ($5 for PUPS members) |
| Bonding Available | Optional ($100) | Optional ($10k – $50k limits) | Optional ($10k – $50k limits) | Optional ($10k coverage) |
| Theft Insurance | Optional ($100) | Optional | No | Possibly (verification pending) |
| Liability Limits | Varies (see website) | $1M – $4M+ | $2M – $10M+ | $1M – $2M+ |
| Care, Custody, Control | Yes (up to $30k annually) | Yes (up to chosen limit) | Yes ($5k/$10k aggregate) | Yes ($5k/$10k aggregate) |
| Non-negligent Vet Care | Yes (optional add-on) | Yes (part of CCC) | Yes (part of CCC) | Yes (part of Animal Bailee) |
| Effective Date | Immediate (credit card) or future | Determined by user | Determined by user | Determined by user |
| ICs, Spouse, Employees | Covered (extra fee for each) | Covered (optional for ICs) | Covered (fee for ICs) | Covered (optional for ICs) |
| Under 18 Employees Alone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kids at Sits | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| All Animals Covered | Yes (with limitations for business use) | Yes (with limitations) | Yes (with limitations) | Yes (with limitations) |
| Medicating Covered | Yes (state law compliant) | Yes | Yes (state law compliant) | Yes |
| House-Sitting (No Pets) | Optional ($100, <45% income) | Yes (<25% gross receipts) | Yes (<25% gross receipts) | Optional |
| Pet Taxi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overnights at Client Home | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boarding/Daycare at Home | Optional ($160+) | Yes | Yes (with pet limits) | Yes (with pet limits) |
| Grooming | Optional ($100) | Optional | Yes (basic) | Yes (basic, consult for majority revenue) |
| Poop Scooping Only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dog Training | Yes (basic) / Optional ($155+) | Optional | Yes (basic) | Yes (basic, no guard/protection) |
| Online Listing | Optional (+ $10) | No | No | No |
Important Considerations for Pet Sitters
When selecting pet sitter insurance, several crucial factors must be considered:
- Injury to Self or Belongings: Generally, pet sitter insurance does not cover injuries to yourself, your companions, your personal pets, or your belongings. For self-inflicted injuries on the job, worker’s compensation or personal savings may be necessary. Health insurance typically does not cover work-related injuries.
- Client Negligence: Insurance typically covers you only if you were negligent. However, all four listed insurers include vet coverage for non-negligent situations, allowing reimbursement even if the pet’s illness or injury wasn’t due to your direct actions.
- Reporting Claims: Even if you are unsure about coverage, it’s advisable to file a claim. Adjusters can help clarify your policy’s scope.
- Vicious Animal Incidents: If a pet bites you, reporting it to a doctor may trigger legal reporting requirements, potentially leading to hearings. Be honest about the circumstances to avoid complications.
- Geographic Coverage: Ensure the insurance provider covers your service area. The provided list includes states and territories where coverage is generally available.
Choosing the right insurance is a critical step in establishing a reputable and secure pet-sitting business. Reviewing these options thoroughly will help you find a policy that aligns with your business needs and provides peace of mind.
