Welcome, pet sitters! If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering about protecting yourself and your pet sitting business from unexpected mishaps.
Whether you’re worried about a client’s dog escaping during a walk or accidentally breaking something in a client’s home, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post we will walk you through everything you need to know about pet sitter insurance, helping you find the perfect policy to keep your business safe and your mind at ease.
Contents
- Why Pet Sitter Insurance Matters?
- What Is Pet Sitter Insurance?
- Do I Really Need Insurance as a Pet Sitter?
- What Does Pet Sitter Insurance Cover?
- How Much Is Pet Sitter Insurance?
- Common Claims Pet Sitters Face
- What Is the Best Pet Sitter Insurance?
- How to Get Pet Sitter Insurance
- Pet Sitter Insurance and Bonding
- Pet Sitter Business Insurance Coverage
- Can I Get Insurance If I Work Through Platforms Like Rover?
- How Pet Sitter Insurance Builds Your Business
- Tips for Maximizing Your Pet Sitter Insurance
- Conclusion
Why Pet Sitter Insurance Matters?
Picture this: You’re taking care of an energetic Labrador who accidentally knocks over and breaks an expensive vase in your client’s home. Or worse, a cat under your care becomes ill and needs emergency veterinary treatment.
Without proper insurance, these situations could cost you thousands of dollars out of pocket and potentially ruin your reputation and business.
That’s where pet sitter insurance comes in—it’s not just paperwork; it’s peace of mind.
What Is Pet Sitter Insurance?
Pet sitter insurance is specialized coverage designed specifically for people who care for others’ pets. It protects you financially from accidents, injuries, or damages that might occur while you’re on the job.
Think of it as a safety blanket that covers:
- Injuries to pets in your care
- Damage to clients’ property
- Emergency veterinary care
- Lost keys to clients’ homes
- And much more
Pet sitter Melissa from Denver shares, “I never thought I’d need my insurance until a dog I was watching had a seizure. The emergency vet bill was over $1,800, but my policy covered it. My client was grateful, and I didn’t have to worry about the financial burden.”
Do I Really Need Insurance as a Pet Sitter?
The short answer? Absolutely.
Even the most experienced pet sitters can face unexpected situations. A dog might slip its leash and cause a car accident. A curious cat could knock over and break valuable items. A pet might have an allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.
Without insurance, you’re personally liable for all costs associated with these incidents. Plus, many clients now specifically look for insured pet sitters, viewing it as a mark of professionalism and responsibility.
What Does Pet Sitter Insurance Cover?
Understanding coverage options is crucial for selecting the right policy. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included:
General Liability Coverage
This is the foundation of any pet sitter insurance policy. It protects you if:
- A pet in your care injures someone else
- You accidentally damage a client’s property
- A client slips and falls during your visit
To know more information about the General Liability!
Animal Bailee Coverage
This specialized protection covers injuries or illnesses that happen to pets while they’re in your care, including:
- Emergency veterinary visits
- Treatment for injuries or sudden illnesses
- Medication costs
Lost Key Coverage
If you lose a client’s house keys (it happens to the best of us!), this coverage helps pay for:
- Replacement keys
- Changing locks if necessary
- Other associated expenses
Additional Coverage Options
| Coverage Type | What It Protects | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Care, Custody & Control | Pets specifically under your supervision | Fills gaps in general liability |
| Business Personal Property | Your equipment and supplies | Covers leashes, toys, etc. if damaged |
| Employee Dishonesty | Protection from staff theft | Important if you employ others |
| Cyber Liability | Online data breaches | Protects client information |
| Business Income | Lost income due to covered claims | Keeps money flowing during issues |
How Much Is Pet Sitter Insurance?
The million-dollar question: what will this cost you? Pet sitter insurance is surprisingly affordable, especially considering the protection it provides.
Costs typically range from $199 to over $1,000 annually, with most independent pet sitters paying around $229-$450 per year for basic coverage.
Factors affecting your premium include:
- Coverage limits (typically $1 million to $2 million)
- Additional coverage options you select
- Number of employees or staff members
- Your location and business size
- Your claims history
Pet Sitter Insurance Cost Comparison
| Provider | Basic Annual Cost | Coverage Limit | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Care Insurance | $229 | $1 million | 24/7 emergency claims |
| Pet Sitter LLC | $269 | $1 million | Includes vet expense coverage |
| PSI Insurance | $299 | $2 million | Added bonding protection |
| Pet Sitters Associates | $240 | $1 million | Discount for certification |
I always recommend getting quotes from at least three different providers to compare coverage options and prices. Many companies offer free quotes online, making it easy to shop around.
Common Claims Pet Sitters Face
Understanding what could go wrong helps you appreciate why insurance is so important. Here are real scenarios pet sitters have encountered:
Escape Artists
Dogs and cats sometimes make a break for it, even under watchful eyes. If a pet escapes and gets injured or causes damage, you could be liable.
Property Damage
From knocked-over wine glasses to scratched furniture, pets can accidentally damage clients’ possessions during your visits.
Pet Injuries
Sometimes pets get hurt while playing, have accidents on walks, or become ill while in your care.
Lost Keys
Misplacing a client’s house key happens more often than you might think and can be costly to resolve.
As pet sitter Jordan from Houston explains, “A cat I was watching knocked over a laptop. The repair cost was $600, but my insurance covered it completely. My client stayed with me because I handled it professionally.”
What Is the Best Pet Sitter Insurance?
While “best” depends on your specific needs, several providers consistently receive high marks from professional pet sitters:
Top Providers to Consider
- Pet Care Insurance (PCI)
- Known for comprehensive coverage tailored specifically for pet sitters
- Offers flexible plans for both part-time and full-time sitters
- 24/7 claims support
- Pet Sitters Associates (PSA)
- One of the longest-running providers in the industry
- Offers discounts for certified pet sitters
- Known for excellent customer service
- Pet Sitters International Insurance Program
- Comprehensive coverage with membership benefits
- Educational resources included
- Strong reputation in the industry
- Business Insurers of the Carolinas
- Partners with NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters)
- Customizable coverage options
- Competitive rates for members
When evaluating providers, consider:
- Coverage limits and exclusions
- Customer service reputation
- Claims process efficiency
- Additional benefits and resources
- Cost vs. coverage value
How to Get Pet Sitter Insurance
Ready to get covered? Follow these steps:
- Assess Your Needs
- Consider the types of pets you care for
- Evaluate potential risks specific to your services
- Determine your desired coverage limits
- Research Providers
- Request quotes from multiple companies
- Read reviews from other pet sitters
- Check with professional associations for recommendations
- Compare Policies
- Look beyond just the premium cost
- Check coverage limits and exclusions
- Understand the claims process
- Apply
- Most applications can be completed online
- Have your business information ready
- Be honest about your experience and services
- Review Your Policy
- Read the fine print before signing
- Understand what is and isn’t covered
- Ask questions about anything unclear
Most insurers can provide same-day coverage, so you don’t have to wait long to be protected!
Pet Sitter Insurance and Bonding
People often confuse insurance and bonding, but they serve different purposes:
Insurance protects you from third-party claims, accidents, and unexpected events.
Bonding specifically protects clients from employee theft or dishonesty. If something goes missing from a client’s home during your visit, a bond would cover the loss.
Many professional pet sitters choose to be both insured and bonded for maximum protection and credibility.
As Janet, a professional pet sitter for 15 years, explains: “Being bonded and insured has helped me win premium clients who want the absolute highest level of service and protection.”
Pet Sitter Business Insurance Coverage
If you’re running a larger pet sitting operation or employing others, you may need additional business insurance components:
Worker’s Compensation
If you have employees, this coverage is often legally required and protects your business if staff members are injured on the job.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Personal auto policies typically don’t cover business use. If you transport pets in your vehicle, commercial auto insurance is essential.
Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
This combines general liability with property insurance and often comes at a discounted rate compared to purchasing policies separately.
Can I Get Insurance If I Work Through Platforms Like Rover?
This is a common question for modern pet sitters who use popular apps and platforms.
While services like Rover offer some protection through their guarantee programs, these aren’t comprehensive insurance policies. They typically have significant limitations and exclusions.
For example, Rover’s guarantee:
- Has specific claim filing deadlines
- May not cover all damages or injuries
- Often has high deductibles
- Doesn’t replace professional liability insurance
I always recommend that pet sitters on platforms maintain their own insurance policies for complete protection. This gives you control over your coverage and claims process.
How Pet Sitter Insurance Builds Your Business
Beyond protection, insurance is a powerful business tool:
Client Trust
When clients know you’re insured, they feel more confident leaving their beloved pets and homes in your care.
Competitive Advantage
In crowded markets, insurance helps you stand out from uninsured competitors.
Peace of Mind
Working without worrying about potential financial disasters allows you to focus on providing excellent care.
Professional Network Access
Many professional organizations require membership insurance, opening doors to referrals and resources.
Pet sitter Alex from Portland shares: “When I mention I’m fully insured during client consultations, I can literally see people relax. It’s an instant trust-builder.”
Tips for Maximizing Your Pet Sitter Insurance
Once you have insurance, follow these best practices:
- Document Everything
- Take before/after photos of clients’ homes
- Keep detailed notes about pet behavior and health
- Save all client communications
- Create Solid Contracts
- Have clients sign service agreements
- Clearly outline responsibilities and limitations
- Include emergency protocols
- Stay Updated
- Review your policy annually
- Adjust coverage as your business grows
- Report changes in services offered
- Know Your Policy
- Understand claim filing procedures
- Keep your insurance contact information handy
- Be aware of coverage limitations
Conclusion
Pet sitter insurance isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in your business’s longevity and your financial security. Whether you’re just starting or have been caring for pets for years, the right insurance policy gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most: providing exceptional care to your furry, feathered, or scaly clients.
Don’t wait for an incident to occur before getting covered. As we’ve seen, the cost of proper insurance is minimal compared to the potential financial impact of being uninsured when something goes wrong.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to several providers today for quotes tailored to your specific pet sitting business. Your future self (and your clients) will thank you!
Your Action Plan:
- List all services you provide and potential risks
- Research and contact 3-5 insurance providers this week
- Compare quotes and coverage options
- Select and purchase your policy
- Update your marketing materials to highlight your insured status
Have questions about pet sitter insurance or want to share your experiences? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!