What is Pet Sitting?
Pet sitting insurance is a specialized commercial coverage package for people who care for animals in clients’ homes or at short-term boarding locations. It typically combines general liability with optional endorsements for property damage, commercial auto exposure, and equipment coverage when needed. The policy protects against common liability exposures such as bites, scratches, and accidental property damage while a pet is under care.
Who needs it
Independent pet sitters, small pet-sitting businesses, dog walkers, and operators who offer in-home or short-term boarding services generally seek this coverage. Owners who also transport animals or run recurring daycare-style services may add commercial auto exposure or participant accident coverage. Clubs, small organizations, and pet service operators that host events or provide temporary animal care should also consider tailored protections.
What it typically covers
Typical coverages include:
- General liability for bodily injury and property damage to third parties.
- Care, custody and control extensions for pets in your care (often subject to limits).
- Optional equipment coverage for leashes, carriers, or monitoring devices.
- Commercial auto or hired/non-owned auto coverage if transporting animals.
- Cleanup or emergency veterinary expense endorsements for injuries to animals in transit.
For businesses that also provide boarding or grooming, you can compare options like Pet Boarding Kennels - Dog and Cat Insurance or a broader Pet Salons/Kennels Insurance Program depending on operations and limits.
Common exclusions or limitations
Policies often exclude intentional acts, routine veterinary procedures, pre-existing medical conditions in animals, and certain breed-specific exclusions. Coverage for animals under your exclusive care (care, custody and control) is commonly limited compared with general liability limits, and some policies restrict coverage for long-term boarding or high-value animals.
Factors that influence cost
Insurers consider several underwriting factors when pricing a pet sitting policy:
- Claims history and prior losses
- Number of animals cared for and average pet value
- Services offered (transportation, grooming, overnight stays)
- Revenue, number of employees or subcontractors, and location
- Limits and deductibles selected
Higher limits, added endorsements like commercial auto exposure, and broader care, custody and control limits will increase premium. A simple risk scenario: a sitter transporting multiple dogs could face both auto liability and care-related claims if an accident occurs.
Proof of insurance & compliance
Clients, property managers, and platforms may request certificates of insurance or additional insured endorsements before you begin work. If you provide services at commercial facilities or frequent client properties, having a certificate that shows general liability and care-related limits helps reduce business friction. Small operators can compare specific offerings such as Sitters Insurance designed for in-home caregivers.
How to get a quote
Gather basic business details—services offered, estimated annual receipts, number of pets handled, and any employee or subcontractor information—before requesting quotes. To move forward, review coverages and limits and then talk to your agent for tailored guidance: talk to your agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do homeowners’ policies cover pet sitters?
Homeowners’ policies typically do not extend coverage for commercial pet sitting activities. A commercial or specialized pet sitting policy is usually recommended for business use.
Is care, custody and control always included?
Not always. Care, custody and control coverage is often offered as a limited endorsement or separate limit—verify the amount and any exclusions before accepting high-value or long-term boarding work.
Do I need commercial auto coverage for transporting pets?
If you transport animals for a fee, hired and non-owned auto or commercial auto coverage is commonly recommended, as personal auto policies may exclude business-related transport incidents.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.