Do I need a Business Owner's Policy for my pet care business?
Find out why a business owner's policy is crucial for your pet care business and which other insurance policies are worth considering.
Published June 5, 2023.
A business owner's policy (BOP) for your pet care business can protect it against potential financial losses and ensure your ability to provide the care that pets and their families rely on.
Whether you're a veterinarian, own a pet store or run a dog walking business, you need to secure its longevity and success.
Exploring BOP coverage for pet care businesses
BOP combines two types of coverage into one package: general liability insurance and commercial property insurance. This can give you more comprehensive protection as part of your pet care insurance. BOP can help cover costs associated with:
- Property damage This refers to damage to both your property and your client's property. For example, if a fire damages your pet grooming salon, BOP can cover the costs to repair or replace your damaged property.
- Inventory damage Suppose a water leak in your pet store damages the pet food stocks. BOP can cover the loss of inventory.
- Bodily injury If a dog you're training bites someone in your facility, BOP can cover legal and medical expenses.
- Advertising mistakes If you accidentally infringe on someone's copyright in your pet training promotional materials, BOP can cover legal fees and potential settlements.
- Business income interruption If an unforeseen event forces your pet boarding service to shut down temporarily, BOP can compensate for the lost income.
What other insurance policies should I consider for my pet care business?
Here are some other types of insurance coverages that can be important for pet care businesses:
Professional Liability insurance
Professional liability insurance is also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. This coverage protects against negligence claims or failure to perform your professional duties. If a pet owner claims their dog became ill because of poor advice from your pet nutrition consulting, professional liability insurance can cover legal costs.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is typically required if you have employees. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets injured or falls ill due to their job. For example, if an employee at your pet grooming business gets bitten by a dog and needs medical treatment, workers' compensation can cover the related costs.
Customized insurance for your pet care business
BOP can offer your pet care business broad protection from potential risks. But it's still important to remember that your pet care business is unique, so your insurance coverage should be tailored to match your specific needs.
With NEXT, you can get affordable, tailored small business insurance. Simply complete a short online questionnaire to tell us what you need. Within minutes, you'll receive a custom quote. Once you've purchased your coverage, you can instantly access your certificate of insurance and share it as necessary with others through the NEXT app.
