What is Kennels?
Kennels insurance refers to commercial coverage designed for businesses that house, board, breed, groom, or care for animals. It combines liability and property protections so a kennel operator can manage exposures like customer injuries, animal illness, property damage, and loss of business income after a covered loss.
Who needs it
Typical buyers include small boarding facilities, dog daycares, grooming shops, rescue organizations, breeders, and farm boarding operations. Operators of clubs or pet-related events may also need specialized coverage. For businesses that offer boarding or grooming alongside sales or training, consider a program tailored for your operations such as Pet Boarding Kennels - Dog and Cat Insurance or the Pet Salons/Kennels Insurance Program to match combined risks.
What it typically covers
Standard elements of a kennel policy often include commercial general liability for third‑party bodily injury and property damage, animal bailee coverage (for animals in your care), property coverage for buildings and contents, and business interruption coverage. Optional extensions can include equipment coverage, commercial auto exposure for transport vehicles, and participant accident coverage for supervised events.
Common exclusions or limitations
Policies commonly exclude intentional acts, certain communicable diseases, and pre‑existing conditions for animals. Professional liability for advice or training may be separate, and there may be limits on coverage for specific breeds or high‑value animals. Underwriting can also impose vaccination or kennel‑security requirements as conditions of coverage.
Factors that influence cost
Premiums vary by location, claims history, number and type of animals, kennel security and sanitation practices, building construction, and limits requested. Additional factors include whether you offer transportation, grooming, retail sales, or training — each adds exposures that affect pricing. Risk management measures such as secure enclosures, written vaccination policies, and staff training usually help lower costs.
Proof of insurance & compliance
Many landlords, municipalities, and event organizers ask for certificates of insurance. Lenders and franchisors may also require specific limits or endorsements. When you need documentation for a contract or permit, facilities commonly provide a certificate showing general liability and property coverage that meets the third‑party requirement.
How to get a quote
Gather details about your operations (number and species of animals, services offered, claims history, and property values) and request proposals from carriers experienced with animal services. If you’re evaluating coverages or requirements, it helps to talk to your agent — they can compare limits and endorsements that match your exposures and suggest risk controls. For a quick start, request a quote online at Complete Markets.
Risk scenario
For example, a boarding facility could face a claim if a visiting dog escapes and causes injury off‑site, illustrating exposures tied to transportation and premises liability.
Related resources
If you manage a facility primarily focused on dogs, see the specialized Dog Kennels Insurance program linked for more targeted information. Facilities offering boarding and multi‑pet services may find the Pet Boarding Kennels - Dog and Cat Insurance resource helpful for combined exposures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate coverage for grooming and boarding?
Some policies bundle grooming and boarding, but in other cases grooming may require a separate endorsement or higher limits—check with your insurer to ensure both services are covered.
Will my policy cover a pet that becomes sick while boarding?
Coverage for animal illness depends on policy specifics; bailee or care, custody and control extensions may respond for certain losses, but there are commonly exclusions for disease or pre‑existing conditions.
How can I lower my insurance premium?
Improving security and sanitation, maintaining clear vaccination records, training staff, and reducing prior claims can help. Discuss loss‑control measures with your agent to identify cost‑saving steps.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.