Why Pet Sitting Insurance Matters: Protect Your Business with Pet Sitting Insurance

If you want to make some extra cash pet sitting, you’re in luck: The global pet sitting market¹ is expected to be worth $2 billion in 2024. With pet owners ready to hire care for their animal friends, you need to be ready to promote — and protect — your pet sitting business.

Though you pride yourself on giving pets the best care while their owners are away, accidents can happen. As a pet sitter myself, I know firsthand the importance of making sure you’re prepared. Imagine you’re taking care of a dog who slips and injures its paw while on a walk, or a curious cat knocks over a vase and causes damage. Pet sitting insurance protects you during unexpected events like these. Read on to learn how it works and why you might need it, plus tips to minimize risks to your reputation and business.

What Is Pet Sitting Insurance?

As a pet sitter, you’re liable for any accidents, injuries, property damage, theft, or even death that occurs while a pet is under your care. Pet sitting insurance protects you in these situations, covering the costs if a claim is filed against you.

Types of coverage.

Pet sitting insurance covers general liability, which protects your business and its assets. However, general liability doesn’t cover everything. Third-party bodily injury liability covers you if a pet injures someone, and third-party property damage liability provides coverage if a pet damages property. Pet sitting insurance can cover pet transport, too, which is crucial if you’re driving pets to other locations.

If you plan to expand your pet sitting business with employees, you’ll also need workers’ compensation insurance. Some pet sitters opt to be bonded and insured, but a bond isn’t a substitute for insurance.

Benefits of Pet Sitting Insurance

As a pet sitter, you care about protecting pets, yet no matter your experience and knowledge, pets are unpredictable, and accidents happen. Without insurance, you could be held responsible for any legal liabilities. With insurance, you and your business are protected, and that added peace of mind can be worth it. Plus, having insurance highlights your professionalism — setting you apart from the competition.

Real-life examples of why insurance matters.

In spite of your best care, there will always be the escape artist dog that gets out of his yard, or the adorable hamster that gets sick unexpectedly.

I took care of a 13-year-old dog who was recovering from surgery after a cancer diagnosis. His bandaged paw started bleeding, leaving him in pain and the carpet stained. His cancer had come back. I took him to the vet, rebandaged his paw, and helped him stay comfortable until his owners returned. Because I had prepared for the worst by getting everything in writing, I was able to update the owners with solutions instead of frantic questions.

Here are a few more real-life scenarios that show just how important pet sitting insurance can be:

• Your client’s pet eats something toxic and requires veterinary services.
• A cat runs out of the house and gets lost or injured.
• Your client’s house or property gets damaged during a robbery.
• Another dog attacks your client’s dog.
• Your client’s pet damages a wall inside their house.

In these situations and others, you’ll be glad you had pet insurance.

Common Misconceptions About Pet Sitting Insurance 

Misconception: All pet insurance is the same.

Not all pet sitting insurance plans offer the same coverage. Some basic policies might cover things like property damage, such as if a dog chews through a client’s favorite pair of shoes, or accidents like a pet injuring itself while under your care. But more comprehensive plans could also include coverage for illness, like if a pet contracts a contagious disease while being boarded, or workers’ compensation if you hire additional help. So, compare policies to find one tailored to your business needs.

Misconception: You don’t need pet insurance.

While pet sitting insurance typically isn’t legally required, it’s still a smart move. And, in some cases, clients might even expect you to have it. Imagine this: you’re watching a dog at a client’s home, and it accidentally runs into a glass table, causing it to break. Not only would you be responsible for replacing the table, but if the dog gets hurt in the process, you’d also be on the hook for the vet bills.

Accidents happen, and they can get expensive fast. Between vet bills, medical costs, legal fees, and property repairs, it can add up quickly. Plus, accidents can take a toll on your professional reputation, which can be just as costly in the long run. Pet insurance protects you, your clients, and their pets.

Tips for Pet Sitters to Minimize Risks 

While having insurance is essential, you can also take steps to reduce the likelihood of accidents happening in the first place. Use these tips to minimize risks and protect yourself as a pet sitter.

Ask about each pet’s needs and supplies.

Knowledge is power. Understand each pet’s daily routine, including their feeding schedule and grooming requirements. Ask your client about whether their pet has any particular needs — does their pet have any health conditions or behavioral issues? Do they take medication? Finally, know where your client keeps their pet supplies, and ensure you have enough of everything you need for your stay.

Before taking care of a diabetic cat, I asked the owner to show me how to give Sherman his insulin shot. I reviewed where they kept their medication, asked about how and when they administer insulin, and made sure to have their veterinarian’s information. This gave the owner peace of mind — and I was relieved to know that if I needed more medication or veterinarian guidance, I knew where to go.

Prepare for emergencies.

Always have an emergency plan. For example, you may get locked out, or the pet may become sick. I was outside with a canine companion when the owner’s nine-year-old child accidentally locked us out of the house. It was no big deal because I knew the key code to the door. Know where to find an extra key and who to contact in an emergency.

Create written agreements with clients.

In writing, spell out exactly which services you’ll provide, when you’ll be paid, and your processes and policies. You can also include a certificate of insurance proving your business has pet sitting insurance.

This written agreement benefits you and your clients. It prevents miscommunication and clarifies how to handle emergencies or other special circumstances.

And if a disagreement happens down the road or you’re asked to perform additional tasks without more pay (known as scope creep), you can point to the written agreement to show the scope of work you agreed on.

Get pet sitting certifications.

Clients may look for credentials before hiring you. Becoming a member of Pet Sitters International² or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters³ can set you apart from more casual pet sitters. You can also get certified through these organizations, expanding your knowledge and proving to pet parents you know how to take care of their precious pets.

Additionally, you could add training and grooming to the services you offer to increase your rate and further assist clients. For example, getting certified with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers⁴ shows clients you can continue training their canine companion while they’re away.

Get Pet Sitting Insurance to Protect Your Business

When filling in for pet parents, unexpected situations can happen, and the last thing you want is to face financial and reputational damage when they do. Pet sitting insurance offers a safety net, covering you for a wide range of potential risks. By investing in insurance, you’re not just protecting yourself — you’re also building trust with your clients and setting your business up for long-term success. In an industry where responsibility and reliability are key, take this necessary step to protect both your livelihood and your peace of mind.

References:

(1) Learn more at coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-reports/pet-sitting-market

(2) Learn more at petsit.com/

(3) Learn more at petsitters.org/

(4) Learn more at ccpdt.org/