Pet Services (Boarding/Grooming/Walking) Coverage Guide
Pet boarding and grooming face bailee liability (the animal in your care is your responsibility), bite injuries to staff (WC) and to other animals (GL), and vet-bill-reimbursement claims. Most BOPs exclude animals — get a pet-specific policy.
Critical Coverage
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
What it covers
Bites/scratches to other animals or people, premises injuries, advertising injury.
Common misconception
Most BOPs exclude animals — pet boarding/grooming need a pet-specific policy.
What it does NOT cover
Animal injury without specific endorsement. Employee injuries.
The gap — what happens without it
Boarded dog escapes and bites passerby — $14K medical. Pet-specific GL pays.
What drives your premium
Animals served, services mix, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Animal bailee / care/custody/control. Boarding endorsement. Grooming professional liability.
Workers' Compensation
Covers employee injuries and illnesses on the job
What it covers
Animal bites/scratches (top loss type), lifting injuries, slip/fall.
Common misconception
Bites are covered as work injuries; high frequency.
What it does NOT cover
Owner exemption.
The gap — what happens without it
Groomer bitten by dog — $12K medical. WC pays.
What drives your premium
Payroll, state, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Voluntary comp.
Professional Liability (E&O)
Covers claims of negligence or mistakes in professional services
What it covers
Care-provided claims — animal injury or death during boarding/grooming, missed medication, escape, fight injuries.
Common misconception
Pet sitters/boarders face bailee liability — the animal in your care is your responsibility.
What it does NOT cover
Pre-existing animal conditions. Intentional acts.
The gap — what happens without it
Boarded dog dies during stay due to alleged negligence — $8K vet bills + emotional damages. Bailee/professional pays.
What drives your premium
Animals served, services, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Bailee with vet-bill reimbursement. Trip and fall (escape).
Important Coverage
Commercial Property
Covers your building, equipment, and inventory
What it covers
Buildout, kennels, equipment.
Common misconception
Pet boarding facilities have specific buildout (kennels, runs) that are expensive.
What it does NOT cover
Flood. Earthquake.
The gap — what happens without it
Fire damages kennels and grooming equipment — $50K. Property pays.
What drives your premium
Buildout, equipment
Endorsements to ask about
Equipment breakdown. Business income.
Situational Coverage
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicles used for business purposes
What it covers
Mobile groomers, transport vehicles.
Common misconception
Mobile grooming requires special auto consideration.
What it does NOT cover
Off-policy vehicles.
The gap — what happens without it
Mobile grooming van accident — $90K. Auto pays.
What drives your premium
Vehicles, animals transported
Endorsements to ask about
Hired/non-owned. Animal transit.
Not sure what you need?
Text us your trade and state — we'll tell you exactly what coverages apply to your business and shop the market for the best rate.