pcCan we talk about insurance for just a moment? We have insurance for pretty much everything in our lives; automobiles, homes, health and life insurance. But did you know that a reputable pet sitting and dog walking company in Ogden, UT will also have insurance? Most people don’t understand the nuances, so I’d like to explain so you can better protect yourself.
The primary purpose of pet sitting insurance is to protect YOU, the client, from the negligence of a pet sitter or dog walker.
WHAT IS PET SITTER’S INSURANCE?
Insurance for a pet sitting and dog walking company is a specialized form of insurance to protect clients in the event of an unfortunate incident while their pets are in the care, custody or control of the pet sitter or dog walker. This is not “general liability” insurance that many businesses have. This is not an “umbrella policy”. You can’t get this insurance from any local insurance agent. There are only a few specialized companies in the United States that provide the correct type of insurance for pet care companies.
So how do you know if your pet sitter’s insurance is the “right type”? Look specifically for the phrase “Care, Custody or Control” in the insurance policy. This is the only type of insurance that protects pets that are in the custody of a pet sitter or dog walker.
WHO NEEDS TO HAVE PET SITTER’S INSURANCE?
Any reputable pet sitting and dog walking company will carry insurance that covers the custody, care and control of pets under their charge. If your pet care provider does not have this insurance, you need to walk away. A professional pet care provider won’t have any issue providing you proof of their insurance and you absolutely should ask for this proof.
IF YOUR DOG BITES SOMEONE – YOU’RE LIABLE
Have you ever considered what would happen if a pet sitter comes to your home and your dog dashes out the front door? Worse yet, what would happen if the dog bites someone, or runs out into the street causing a car accident. Who would be liable? As it turns out, YOU would likely be held liable in court.
WHAT DOES A PET SITTER OR DOG WALKER INSURANCE POLICY COVER?
The unfortunate circumstance that often first comes to mind when we think of pet sitter insurance is in the event your dog bites someone else. There are many situations where pet sitter insurance is important. Here are a few.
Medical Coverage
If your dog gets loose due to pet sitter or dog walker negligence and bites someone, this insurance will cover that person’s medical bills. If a sitter doesn’t have this coverage, you are likely on the hook if your dog bites someone else.
Animal Bailee
Animal bailee coverage applies is if your pet gets loose and sustains injuries requiring a veterinarian’s treatment. We all know how expensive medical care for your furry family members is and animal bailee coverage protects you and your pet should they become injured.
Lost Keys
Away Home & Pet Care of Ogden Utah handles keys for a large number of clients. At your meet & greet with your pet sitter, you will provide your pet sitter with 2 copies of your keys. These keys stay in our company safe when we’re not actively providing service. Accidents can occur, and if your pet care provider loses a key, lost key coverage will pay to install new locks in your home.
WHAT OUR POLICY LOOKS LIKE
This is a general overview of Away Home & Pet Care’s insurance coverage. You can also see proof of insurance here.
GENERAL LIABILITY
General Liability coverage for claims due to injury or damages sustained by a third party.
- $1,000,000 per occurrence
- $2,000,000 aggregate limit
- No deductible
ANIMAL BAILEE COVERAGE
Coverage for injuries or damages sustained by an animal in our care, custody, or control.
- $5,000 per occurrence
- $10,000 aggregate
LOST KEY LIABILITY COVERAGE
If we were to lose the keys to a client’s residence, this coverage will cover the cost of installing new locks or having the building rekeyed.
- $2,000 per occurrence
- $2,000 aggregate
ABOUT AWAY HOME & PET CARE
Away Home & Pet Care provides in-your-home pet sitting and dog walking services in Ogden, Utah and the surrounding communities. As the highest rated pet sitting and dog walking company in the area, Away Home & Pet Care has your pet’s best interest at heart. Visit our website at ogdenpetsitters.com to sign up and experience how convenient and stress-free our pet care services can be.
