Why do animal shelters need insurance?
Providing refuge for animals is selfless work, but it’s not without its hazards. If a dog or cat injures a visitor or staff member, it could trigger a hefty lawsuit. Animal rescue insurance covers legal fees and other costs that might otherwise derail your goal of rehoming pets.
Find the right coverage
Insureon helps animal shelters and humane societies find insurance quotes that match their unique risks.
Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right property and liability coverage for your small business.
What types of business insurance do animal shelters need?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks at animal shelters.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic risks involving the public, such as an overly excited puppy tripping a visitor at a fundraiser. Bundle it with property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Damaged visitor property
- Libel and slander lawsuits
Business owner’s policy
A business owner’s policy, or BOP, bundles general liability coverage and commercial property insurance at a discount. It protects against common lawsuits and business property damage.
- Visitor injuries
- Damage to visitor property
- Stolen or damaged business property
Professional liability insurance
This policy, also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), can help cover expenses if someone sues your animal rescue center for improper care of a dog, cat, or other animal.
- Accusations of negligence
- Failure to rehome animals as promised
- Failure to recognize an animal’s injury
Directors and officers insurance
D&O insurance protects board members and officers against legal expenses if they are sued for a decision they made on behalf of your animal shelter that led to financial loss.
- Mismanagement of funds
- Failure to perform official duties
- Defamation by a board member or officer
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for animal rescue groups that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits from employee injuries
Employment practices liability insurance
If an animal shelter is sued by an employee over a violation of employee rights, employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) can help pay for legal costs.
- Sexual harassment lawsuits
- Discrimination claims
- Claims of wrongful termination
How much does business insurance cost for nonprofit organizations?
A small animal welfare organization will pay less for insurance than a larger one.
Factors that affect nonprofit premiums include:
- Services offered, such as adoption events or spay and neuter clinics
- Business property and equipment
- Business income
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
How do I get animal shelter insurance?
It's easy to get animal shelter business insurance and fidelity bonds if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your nonprofit, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance coverage for your animal rescue organization, whether you work independently or hire employees.
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.