Pet businesses that look after dogs and cats have a range of insurance options that are worth considering.
You can get an online quote from companies like Petplan Sanctuary and others we’ll look at below.
- How do I get insurance for a boarding kennel or cattery?
- What insurance do I need for a kennel or cattery?
- How much is insurance for a boarding kennel or cattery?
- What insurance do you need to work in a cattery or kennel?
- Pet insurance that covers boarding fees
How do I get insurance for a boarding kennel or cattery?
Most pet business insurance companies offer home boarding, kennel and cattery insurance.
You can get online quotes from companies such as Petplan Sanctuary, Protectivity, Pet Business Insurance and Cliverton.
To get a quote you may need to speak to someone on the phone to give them details of your business. You’ll need to have information about the size of your business (employees, turnover, number of pets you’ll be looking after) and the levels of insurance you want to hand.
You can also compare quotes using the comparison service Simply Business.
Members of the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters (NarpsUK) can get discounted insurance if they are a pet sitter but kennel and cattery owners will not receive a discount.
What insurance do I need for a kennel or cattery?
Some local authorities may require you to have liability insurance if you’re setting up a kennel or cattery or if you’re running a home boarding business.
Having insurance in place can also reassure customers, some of whom may not use a company that does not have appropriate cover.
If you have employees or volunteers it’s a legal requirement to have employers’ liability insurance.
Although other products may not be mandatory, business insurance can cover expensive claims, from legal expenses to damage to your property or covering costs if a pet in your care dies or needs vet treatment.
It’s important to understand what pet business insurance does and doesn’t cover to see if it is appropriate for your kennel or cattery.
Here’s a breakdown of the core insurance products that may be of value:
- Public liability covers legal claims if you injure someone or damage their property
- Professional indemnity can cover claims made by clients for loss or damage due to negligent advice or services
- Employers’ liability is a legal requirement if you have any employees or volunteers. It can cover claims if an employee dies or is injured
Insurance can also cover costs relating animals in your care. It usually features cover for veterinary fees, the death of a cat or dog, theft and straying, loss of boarding fees, advertising and reward for a lost animal, and animals in transit.
It’s worth considering whether you need insurance for your buildings and property. It can pay out for claims relating to damage to your building or stock, loss of money, loss or theft of keys, and mobile equipment that will be used away from your business.
Business insurance companies often sell of these products as part of a package so you can pick and choose the cover you want.
The levels of cover you need will depend on the size of your business. Read our review of Petplan Sanctuary to see its cover limits.
How much is insurance for a boarding kennel or cattery?
The cost of boarding kennel or cattery insurance will depend on the size of your business.
Liability insurance usually costs over £100 a year, according to our guide to the average cost of cover. So, it’s likely a pet boarding company with a full range of business insurance policies will pay a few hundred pounds.
What insurance do you need to work in a cattery or kennel?
If you’re an employee of a cattery or kennel you won’t need to buy insurance, however, it may be worth checking the company you’re working for has employers’ liability cover, it’s a legal requirement.
The business will need employers’ liability insurance even if you’re volunteer.
Pet insurance that covers boarding fees
If you own a pet and are looking for pet insurance you may want to check that it includes cover for emergency boarding or pet minding.
Our pet insurance can cover pet minding that is required as the result of an unplanned hospital visit.
