Pet Sitting Insurance
Insurance for pet sitters from only £5.41* per month.
- Protecting over 30,000 pet care professionals**
- Flexible payment plans at 0% APR
- Public Liability up to £10 million
- Vet bills & equipment covered
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From £5.41* per month
What does pet sitting insurance cover?
Our insurance for pet sitters provides essential protection against everyday risks, including standard public liability cover. You can select the level of cover that matches your business needs.
We offer specialist options such as loss of key cover, equipment cover, and care, custody, and control, all can be customised to meet your specific needs. Whether you operate an ad hoc pet sitting service or day to day, at your home or at your clients’ homes, our customer support team is ready to help you choose the right coverage and answer any questions you may have.
Our policy includes 11 pet care activities, all our Pet Business Insurance policies include cover for dog walking, dog grooming, cat grooming, mobile dog grooming, mobile cat grooming, dog training, dog hydrotherapy, pet behaviourist, pet home boarding, pet microchipping and pet minding.
Make sure you have the correct insurance for the activities you offer and be sure to check if any exclusions are relevant to what you have planned in policy documentation.
Public Liability
Loss of Keys
Care, Custody & Control
Equipment
Close Family Extension
11 Pet Care Professions Covered
- Pet home boarding, Pet Sitting and Pet Minding
- Dog walking
- Dog and cat grooming
- Pet taxi and Pet Transportation
- Dog training and Pet behaviourist
- Pet microchipping
- Dog hydrotherapy
Public Liability
- Up to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims by a third-party who sustains injuries or has their property damaged, whereby you or your business is responsible.
Loss of Keys
- Key Cover up to £10,000.
- Cover includes new keys and locks, the cost of re-setting intruder alarms and associated call-out costs if you were to lose them.
Care, Custody & Control
- Cover up to £100,000 – £25,000 limit for any one Animal.
- If an animal in your care (or your staff) is: Accidentally lost, suffers an injury, becomes ill, suffers a fatality.
Equipment
- £250 of equipment included.
- Increase up to £30,000 of equipment cover.
- Grooming, training and other business tools covered.
- Protection against theft, loss and accidental damage, allowing you to replace items to the value you select.
Non-Negligent Cover
- Similar to the Care, Custody and Control protection If an animal suffers during the course of service delivery through no fault of your business:
- Accidental loss, injury & illness, death of an animal in your care.
Close Family Extension
- Close family members are covered within the Public Liability, to assist you with your business. This includes your husband, wife, son, daughter or other close family.
- You don’t need to take out Employers’ Liability with this extension.
Loss of Money
- Cover for losses up to £1,000 or £5,000 of physical money (coins or notes) obtained through your insured activities. This money is covered while at your business premises, your home, or the home of any partner, director, or authorised employee, as well as when in transit for business trips.
- Up to £1,000 of cover for losses due to dishonest acts by any employee. Claims must be made within 14 days of discovering the loss, and you should take all reasonable steps to prevent such losses.
Travel Expense Reimbursement
- If a pet in your care is accidentally killed, stolen, or goes missing for more than 48 hours, we’ll cover the owner’s extra travel expenses. So, if the owner has to cut their holiday short because of their pet’s death, for example, we’ll reimburse up to £1,000 of their extra costs.
Employers’ Liability
- Up to £10 million of cover.
- Protection from claims against employee incidents if someone suffers a work-related injury and brings a claim against you.
Legal Expenses
- Up to £100,000 indemnity for legal defence and tax protection.
- Access to 24-hour helpline, for legal, tax, or counselling, to support you in running your business.
Professional Indemnity
- Up to £1 million.
- This protects you from damages caused by your mistakes, errors, or negligence in your professional work, including those made by your employees.
Personal Accident
- Up to £25,000, subject to those insured being under eighty (80) years of age.
- This policy covers specified individuals for any accidents that may occur while conducting the insured business activities. It is a benefit policy that provides fixed amounts based on the type of injury sustained, including coverage for accidental death, loss of sight or limbs, and temporary total disablement.
- Dog walkers are limited to walk a maximum of 6 dogs at one time.
- Dogs or crossbreeds of dogs classified under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Refer to government websites for updates in the law.
- Pre-existing medical conditions in animals.
- Injuries to animals you own can occur during incidents that happen while caring for other animals or during your personal time.
- Caring for non-domestic animals.
- Your business operating without a licence when a licence is a mandatory requirement e.g. animal boarding.
For further information on exclusions in your cover please refer to policy documentation.
Why do you need pet sitting cover?
Your clients trust that their pets are in safe hands while under your care. To fulfil this responsibility, it’s crucial to prepare for the unexpected.
Specialist pet sitting insurance provides essential protection against unforeseen events. It helps you avoid costly losses from potential claims. You can read our blog addressing Do you need insurance to pet sit?
Here are some typical scenarios illustrating why insurance is vital for pet businesses:
Protection against claims if a member of the public gets injured.
In case a dog in your care causes injury to a member of the public or you cause accidental damage to your clients’ property whilst delivering your services, public liability will protect you if claims arise from these incidents.
Vet expenses if accidents happen.
Even if an animal is insured by their owners any accident, illness, or loss in your care will be deemed your responsibility. Whilst no one wants harm to come to any animal it’s important to ensure you are covered to get them treatment if accidents happen.
Care, Custody, and Control offers you protection if an animal is lost, injured, becomes ill, or suffers a fatality while in your care.
Cover for costly pet care equipment losses.
Not only could equipment be expensive to replace but any losses could also impact on the service you offer if it’s not available. For example, grooming salon equipment becomes damaged or training equipment goes missing during a session.
Loss of a client’s key.
If you access your clients’ property and are responsible for their door keys, losing them could be a significant issue. Loss of key cover covers the cost of new keys and locks, the cost of re-setting intruder alarms and associated call-out costs, so a simple mistake doesn’t lead to substantial costs.
Protect family members who work for you.
If your close family works for you such as your husband, wife, son, daughter or other close family you can get cover to protect them against liability claims, whilst assisting with your business operation, under your policy without the need of including Employers’ Liability.
Any workers other than a family member would need to be covered under Employers’ Liability. If employees work for you, employers’ liability is a legal obligation with fines of £2500 per day for failing to comply.
Our experts explain why...
“Caring for an animal carries a risk and this is heightened further so when caring for another person’s animal, even if they are domestic. Our policy ensures that if that animal were to harm you, a person in your employment, a member of the public or themselves, that you can stay protected against potential financial losses related to reimbursing those that try to claim damages from you. Whether it be reimbursing the owner of the animal for vet bills arising from an injury when walking a dog or a claim costing thousands of pounds caused by a dog in your care, biting a member of the public, you can rest assure our claim experts will handle your claim with care and priority.”
Mandy Czyz, Protectivity Underwriter
How much does pet sitting insurance cost?
The cost of pet sitting insurance can vary depending on the type of business you operate, the size and additional factors. For instance, if you employ staff, it is a legal requirement to include employers’ liability insurance. Adding this will increase the cost of your premium.
At Protectivity our cover starts at £5.41* per month, providing comprehensive cover for a small price.
Prices from
£5.41* a month
Explainer quote
Policy cost
£5.41* a month
Policy type
Pet Sitting Insurance
Policy duration
Annual
Public Liability
£1,000,000
Care, Custody and Control
£100,00
Loss of Keys
£10,000
Equipment cover
£250
Close family cover
Included
This example is based on a real quote from our website on 1/10/2024. If your circumstances and cover needs differ, your quote may be more or less expensive than the above example. The quote you receive will reflect the information you share about your event. The quoted price may vary from those displayed here.
Have a question?
For further information on your policy, renewals, making a claim and contacting us, you’ll find an extensive list of FAQs on our Help & Support page.
Why choose Protectivity for your pet sitting insurance policy?
Let the reviews of over 3,500 customers explain why you should choose us.¹
Trusted by over 150,000 customers.
Experienced insurance providers for over 30 years.
Over 3,500 highly rated reviews.
Proof of our excellent customer service.
Experienced Claims Handling
A smooth and efficient claims process.
UK Based Customer Support
Our UK sales team are here to help.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What happens if a pet is injured while under my care?
Care, Custody & Control provides cover up to £100,000 (with a £25,000 limit per animal) if a pet in your care is accidentally injured, becomes ill, is lost, or dies. Non-negligent cover also applies where no fault is found.
What happens if I lose a client’s house keys while pet sitting?
You are covered. Key Cover provides up to £10,000 for replacement locks, keys, intruder alarm re-setting, and associated call-out costs.
Am I covered if I transport pets in my own vehicle as part of pet sitting?
Yes. Pet Taxi & Transportation is included within the policy, provided the service is part of your insured activities. You should also ensure your motor insurance allows for business use. This only covers the animal; we do not cover the vehicle they are being transported in.
Can I employ staff or helpers under my current pet sitting insurance policy?
Yes, but only if you add Employers’ Liability (up to £10 million). Without this, helpers or employees are not covered unless they are close family members, who are included under the Close Family Extension.
Does my insurance cover public liability for accidents at a client’s home?
Yes. Public Liability (up to £10 million) applies when you are working in a client’s home, covering third-party injury or property damage.
Am I covered if I accidentally damage a client’s home while pet sitting?
Yes. This falls under Public Liability cover, which includes accidental property damage at a client’s premises.
Am I insured if I need to give a pet routine medication or basic first aid?
Yes. Administering routine medication and providing basic first aid is included as part of your professional pet sitting duties, provided you follow the owner’s instructions.
Do I need to keep records like pet care logs or signed agreements for my insurance to be valid?
It is not a strict requirement of cover, but keeping written records, care logs, or signed agreements is strongly recommended. Good record-keeping can help support your defence if a claim arises.
What happens if a pet damages my own property?
We cannot cover if an animal was to damage your own property, we can cover if they damage a third party or their property.
What pets are covered?
At Protectivity, we cover most domestic animals as standard as part of our pet sitting insurance cover including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles, fish and more. If you’re unsure as to what cover you need, give us a call today on 01494 887909
Do you need a licence to be a pet sitter?
In the UK, you generally do not need a specific license to be a pet sitter. However, if you’re planning to operate a business that involves the care of animals, there are certain regulations and guidelines you should be aware of:
Animal Welfare Act 2006: Any person responsible for a pet must ensure the welfare needs of animals are met. This includes providing a suitable environment, food and water, the ability to exhibit normal behavior patterns, appropriate companionship, and protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.
Local Council Regulations: Depending on the specific services you provide and how you operate your business, you might need to comply with certain local council regulations. For example, if you look after dogs from multiple households at your own home, you may need a home boarding license.
DBS Check: Although not mandatory, having a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check can be beneficial for building trust with your clients, as it shows you do not have a criminal background.
Do you need insurance to be a pet sitter?
As a pet sitter, you’re responsible for the care and protection of your client’s pets whilst they’re in your care. It is strongly advised that you get adequate cover for your business to protect against things like injury to yourself, another person or the pet, equipment damage, or loss of client’s keys.
Am I covered if I transport pets in my own vehicle?
Yes, if you add pet taxi & transportation is included within the policy, provided the service is part of your insured activities. You should also ensure your motor insurance allows for business use. This only covers the animal; we do not cover the vehicle they are being transported in.
How does the policy work if I subcontract work to other pet professionals?
If you subcontract work the other pet professional will need their own insurance policy. We can only cover staff members you employ and have listed under employers’ liability cover.
Can I employ staff under my current policy?
Yes, you can add staff under Employers’ Liability cover.
What happens if I lose a client’s house keys?
You are covered under our loss of keys cover, up to £10,000, which can cover replacement keys and locksmiths.
What happens if a pet is injured while under my care?
You are covered by our Care Custody and Control cover or non-negligent cover depending on what the situation of the injury is and provided you have complied with any endorsements.
Do I need different insurance if I work from home or have a business premises?
Our policy can cover you if your home is your business premises or you rent a business premises. When working from home, do check with your home insurance that it can be used for business use.
Do I need to keep specific records for insurance purposes?
You are not obliged to keep specific records, but it could be useful in the event of claim against you.
Do I need to inform you if I add new services to my pet business?
Yes, if you add new services, you need to amend your policy so these activities are listed. Our policy can cover 11 different pet care activities on one policy. (Although, you are automatically covered for the following activities as long as they are under the same business name):
- Dog Walking (For walking up to six dogs)
- Dog and Cat Grooming
- Dog Hydrotherapy
- Dog Training
- Pet Behaviourist
- Pet Boarding
- Pet Microchipping
- Pet Minding
- Pet Sitting
- Pet Taxi
- Pet Transportation
Will my pet business policy cover XL Bullies?
We are no longer able to cover XL Bullies under our Pet Business insurance for our customers based in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is due to their addition to the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Am I covered for working outside of the UK?
No, our policy will only cover you for working in the UK.
What pet business activities are included?
The pet business insurance policy is valid anywhere in the UK and covers the following business activities:
Dog Walking
Dog Training
Pet Behaviourist
Pet Minding
Pet Sitting
Pet Boarding
Pet Taxi
Pet Grooming
Pet Microchipping
Included within the grooming activities are; hand scissoring, clipping, wash and blow drying, hand-stripping, de-shedding, nail cutting, ear plucking and cleaning, and anal gland expression.
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About our service
This page content has been created for general information and should not be taken as advice.
*Prices quoted refer to a quote raised from our website 01/10/2024. Prices will differ depending on requirements. Make sure you have the correct level of cover for what you need. For the most accurate pricing, please get a quote and for full details on what is covered refer to our policy documentation with your quote.
** Based on Protectivity sales data from 1st Jan ’24 to 31st Dec ’24
ˆ10% discount for policies bought online and applies only to the first-year of your policy premium. This discount does not apply to the optional “Legal Expenses” benefit. Protectivity reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Available to UK residents only.
¹Based on live Feefo data