Why do pet transportation businesses need insurance?
If a dog jumps out a car window, or a cat escapes its carrier, the result could be a serious injury—and a lawsuit against your business. Pet transportation insurance protects you from legal costs and medical bills. You might need it to comply with state laws or the terms of a contract.
Find the right coverage
Insureon helps pet transportation companies 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 insurance do I need to transport pets?
These insurance policies cover the most common risks of pet transportation.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy covers basic third-party risks, such as a pet owner who slips on a wet floor in your office. Bundle it with property insurance for savings in a business owner’s policy.
- Accidents that harm people or pets
- Accidental property damage
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Business owner's policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for pet transportation businesses to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together.
- Pet injuries
- Customer bodily injuries
- Business property damage
Errors and omissions insurance
This policy covers legal costs related to work performance, such as a dog who gets dropped off at the wrong address. It's sometimes referred to as professional liability insurance.
- Accusations of negligence
- Mistakes that lead to a pet's injury
- Missed or late appointments
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for pet transportation businesses 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
Cyber insurance
This policy provides financial protection in the event of a data breach or cyberattack. It's recommended for any business that stores customer information.
- Customer notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Data breach investigations
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of an auto accident involving your pet taxi or other company vehicle. Most states require this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.
- Property damage caused by your vehicle
- Auto accident injuries
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
How much does pet transport business insurance cost?
A small pet taxi service with only a few employees will pay less for insurance than a larger business.
Factors that affect the cost of pet care insurance include:
- Pet services offered, such as rides to a groomer or long-distance moves
- Business property and equipment
- Business income and location
- Types of insurance purchased
- Number of employees
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Claims history
How do I get pet transportation insurance?
It's easy to get pet taxi insurance coverage if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your business, 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 policies and download a certificate.
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. insurance companies to find the right coverage for your pet care business, whether you work independently or hire employees.
Verified business insurance reviews
Hear from customers like you who purchased small business insurance.
FAQs about pet taxi insurance
Review answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the types of pet insurance you need for your animal transportation company.
What is animal bailee coverage for pet transportation businesses?
Animal bailee coverage is a specialized type of bailee insurance for pet professionals. It covers damages or losses that result from the unique risks of caring for other people's pets.
For example, two dogs could get into a fight in the back of your van, or a dog might escape from your business's kennel. Animal bailee coverage would pay for liability claims, veterinary care, and other expenses related to the incident.
Animal bailee insurance typically covers:
- Legal defense costs related to pets in your care
- Vet bills for animals injured while in your care
- Advertising expenses for efforts to recover lost pets
- Transportation of animals to a safe location
- Replacement costs for lost or deceased pets
General liability insurance usually has an exclusion for situations where a customer's property (including their pets) is in your care, custody, or control, which is why pet care businesses need supplemental coverage. Bailee insurance is a form of inland marine insurance, which means it provides coverage wherever you go.
What insurance do I need to transport dogs?
Businesses that transport dogs may need the following types of insurance to comply with state laws and the terms of their contracts:
- General liability insurance covers third-party accidents, such as a slip-and-fall injury in your office. It's often required for client contracts, business loans, and commercial leases. Make sure to add animal bailee insurance to cover incidents related to pets in your care.
- Workers' compensation insurance pays for medical treatment and provides disability benefits when an employee is injured on the job. Most states require this coverage as soon as you hire your first employee.
- Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of accidents involving your company vehicle, such as a van used to transport dogs and cats. Almost every state mandates this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.
If you're a dog walker who only transports dogs on foot, then you'll still need similar protection. If you drive your own car to clients' homes, then consider hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) for liability protection, as your personal auto insurance won't cover any business-related driving.
What other types of coverage are recommended for pet taxi businesses?
As part of a comprehensive risk management plan, pet taxi businesses often purchase the following insurance products:
- Tools and equipment insurance, also called inland marine insurance, covers business property that travels with you, such as cages, carriers, and cleaning supplies.
- Crime insurance covers acts committed by dishonest employees, such as theft from a cash register. You can also buy a fidelity bond, which reimburses clients in the event of employee theft.
- Lost key insurance is essential when your business is entrusted with keys belonging to your clients. It covers costs if the keys go missing and the locks need to be replaced.