Business owner’s policy for pet care businesses

A business owner’s policy provides an affordable, broad defense against the unique risks facing pet care professionals. A BOP bundles general liability insurance and commercial property insurance, usually at a lower rate than purchasing both policies separately.

A BOP safeguards against:

• Customer injury lawsuits
• Customer property damage lawsuits
• Lawsuits related to pet injuries
• Advertising injury lawsuits
• Damage to your building, equipment, and other business property
• Temporary closure

Pet care business owners can customize a BOP to meet their specific needs. Useful add-ons might include business interruption insurance or inland marine insurance to protect mobile property, such as pet grooming equipment.

However, not every business is eligible for a BOP. Businesses that qualify for a BOP typically:

• Have fewer than 100 employees
• Have a small office or workplace
• Make less than $1 million in annual revenue
• Operate in a low-risk industry
• Need less than 12 months of business interruption insurance

Speak with a licensed Insureon agent to learn whether your business is eligible.

The general liability portion of a business owner’s policy can pay for legal bills and other expenses related to customer injuries, pet injuries (at your business or outside your business), or damage to customer property. For example, it can offer coverage if:

• A customer slips in soapy water and breaks a wrist at your grooming shop
• A dog attacks and injures another dog during a pet training session
• A pet sitter accidentally breaks a valuable item at a client’s home

The general liability portion of a BOP also provides coverage against advertising injuries, including:

• Defamation, such as libel (written) and slander (spoken)
• Copyright infringement

For example, if a dog walker writes a negative review about a rival dog walking company and your business is sued for libel, general liability insurance could help pay for your legal defense.

A BOP includes commercial property insurance that protects:

• Pet grooming supplies and veterinary equipment
• Office furnishings and fixtures
• Your building if you own it

This policy reimburses you for theft, vandalism, or a damaging weather event. It also covers property damaged or destroyed by a fire, whether it started at your business or elsewhere.

If your pet care business is forced to close, it could result in substantial financial losses. For example, your animal hospital may need to close for renovation after a hail storm. Often included in a BOP, business interruption insurance would protect your small business from lost revenue, rent owed during the renovation, and other expenses related to a disruptive event.

A business owner’s policy offers many protections for pet care professionals, but it doesn’t cover every risk. Other important policies include:

General liability insurance: If you don’t purchase a BOP, you should still consider general liability insurance. This policy can pay legal expenses related to accidental injuries and property damage.

Errors and omissions insurance (E&O): This policy can cover legal defense costs related to your work performance. It's sometimes referred to as professional liability insurance.

Workers’ compensation insurance: Workers’ comp covers medical costs for work-related injuries. Most states require it for pet care businesses with employees.

Cyber liability insurance: Small businesses that store credit card numbers or other personal information should carry cyber insurance. This policy helps pay for costs related to data breaches.

Commercial auto insurance: Most states require this coverage for vehicles owned by a business. Personal auto policies don't cover work driving, which is why you may need additional protection.

Are you ready to safeguard your pet care business with a business owner’s policy? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today. Once you find the right policy, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.