The dog handler business is not without risks. Although starting a new dog handler business is an exciting time, be aware that you could be exposed to liability. Dog handler insurance should be central to your plan for your business. Insurance for a dog handler business includes the typical insurance a small business needs, plus some additional coverage specific to pet care. Business owner’s policies combine three types of insurance that provide protection for your business: general liability, commercial property, and business income. Believe it or not, things can go wrong in the dog handler business!
General Liability Insurance
You need general liability insurance, as many things can increase your liability risk in the dog handler business. For example, a third party could claim bodily injuries or property damage resulting from events when dogs are under your care.
General liability insurance is an important way to protect your dog handler business from lawsuits, which can arise during the course of your business operations. Injuries occurring to dogs or people can and do happen in the dog handler business. General liability insurance can help protect you from such issues during your business operations.
Business Property Insurance
Commercial property insurance is valuable protection for your dog handler business. This type of insurance protects the location or locations where you do business and protects the equipment that you use for your business. Such equipment could include crates, kennels, leashes, collar, tables, and training equipment.
Business Income Insurance
What happens if you cannot run your dog handler business because of property damage? You have a loss of income. Business income insurance helps you to cover the loss of income resulting from this type of scenario.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance (workers’ comp) is a must — and may be required for you, depending on what state you’re operating in. Workers’ comp covers expenses and a portion of salary for someone injured while on the job.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Commercial auto insurance protects against bodily injury or property damage to a third party (person or vehicles) caused by your business-owned or leased vehicle or vehicles. Non-owned auto coverage covers your business against claims arising from auto accidents involving your employees and independent contractors’ personal vehicles.
Umbrella Insurance
Umbrella insurance policies protect you from any gaps in your coverage. Umbrella insurance is typically used by businesses needing to protect many assets, but can also be used by start-up businesses that have exposure to risk.
Although you might not have thought about all of these issues when considering entering the dog handler business, it is important to protect yourself with proper dog handler insurance. Not only will you have peace of mind, but you can also provide your clients with additional security, comfort, and confidence as well.