Pet Boarding Insurance
Pet Boarding Insurance
Running a pet boarding facility means taking responsibility for pets when their owners are away. Every day you manage feeding schedules, exercise routines, playtime, medication, cleaning, and behavioral challenges — all while ensuring every animal stays safe, happy, and healthy. With so many moving parts and such high responsibility, unexpected accidents or incidents can easily occur.
A pet may escape from a kennel, injure another animal, or damage property. An employee could get hurt while caring for a pet, and a client could file a claim if something goes wrong during their pet’s stay. Even if you follow strict safety procedures, these risks are part of the job — and they can lead to expensive claims that threaten your business.
That’s why Pet Boarding Insurance is essential. It protects your facility from liability, property damage, injuries, legal claims, and financial losses. A proper insurance plan ensures your business stays secure, trustworthy, and compliant, allowing you to focus on delivering exceptional care and a stress-free experience for both pets and their owners.
Why Pet Boarding Businesses Need Insurance
Pet boarding involves caring for animals around the clock — which means risk is always present. Even with perfect planning, animals act unpredictably and accidents can happen fast. Without the proper insurance coverage, even one major incident could lead to financial hardship, legal obligations, or loss of customer trust.
Insurance is essential because it:
Protects your business from costly lawsuits
Covers injuries to pets, employees, or visitors
Safeguards equipment and property
Helps you meet legal requirements
Builds credibility with pet owners
Ensures long-term business stability
Pet owners trust you with their family animals — and strong insurance coverage helps you uphold that trust.
General Liability Insurance for Pet Boarding Business
General Liability Insurance is one of the most important coverages for pet boarding businesses. With multiple pets interacting, staying in shared spaces, and being handled throughout the day, the risk of an accident is always present. General Liability helps protect you from third-party claims involving injuries, property damage, or unintentional harm caused by your operations.
► Learn more about General Liability insurance
General Liability may cover:
A pet owner slipping in your lobby while dropping off their pet
A boarded pet damaging another guest’s belongings
Claims of accidental injury caused by equipment or facility hazards
Reputational or advertising disputes
For boarding facilities where animals, staff, and customers are all present, General Liability is a foundational layer of protection.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Pet Boarding Business
Pet boarding requires hands-on care — feeding, lifting, walking, cleaning, and supervising pets. Employees may face bites, scratches, slips, or physical strain while performing their duties. Workers’ Compensation Insurance is crucial for protecting your staff and complying with state requirements.
► Learn more about worker compensation
Workers’ Compensation usually covers:
Medical expenses for work-related injuries
Lost wages during recovery
Rehabilitation or therapy costs
Legal protection if an employee files a claim
If your pet boarding facility employs staff members, this coverage is not optional — it’s essential for creating a safe, stable, and legally compliant workplace.
Business Owners Policy (BOP) for Pet Boarding Business
A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is a smart and cost-effective package for pet boarding businesses. It combines essential coverages — typically General Liability and Commercial Property — into one policy designed to protect your building, equipment, and daily operations.
► Learn more about BOP
A BOP may include:
Property coverage for kennels, crates, fencing, cleaning tools, office equipment, etc.
Protection against fire, vandalism, storms, or theft
Coverage for business income lost during repairs
Liability protection for customer-related incidents
Because boarding facilities rely heavily on secure environments, supplies, and specialized equipment, BOP coverage is ideal for complete protection.
🐾Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
General Liability may cover some incidents, but many boarding facilities also add Animal Bailee Coverage for expanded pet protection.
Most states require Workers’ Compensation if you have employees. Other insurance types, while not mandated, are critical for financial protection.
Yes — a BOP typically protects your property, including kennels, crates, cleaning tools, office items, and other boarding essentials.
Yes. If you board animals at home, you still face the same risks and should protect yourself with liability and property coverage.
Costs vary based on your location, the number of animals you board, staff size, and your claims history. Bundled packages like BOP can reduce expenses.
