https://completemarkets.com/company/Amwinsunderwriting/Animal-Trainers/
Equisure, part of Amwins Underwriting, offers a dedicated insurance program for Animal Trainers across the U.S.
Overview of the Program from Amwins Underwriting
Amwins Underwriting (through Equisure) delivers a specialty program tailored to the exposures of professional animal trainers. The program is designed for agents and brokers who need flexible general liability and optional professional liability protection that contemplates on- and off-premises training, specialty service-dog work, and certification-related activities.
Ideal accounts and appetite
The program is focused on trainers who conduct structured training programs rather than pet-sitting or retail animal sales. Typical fits include:
Bomb and narcotics detection dog trainers
Trainers who provide Canine Good Citizen or similar certifications
Obedience, confirmation, and agility trainers
Specialty service dog trainers (including some therapy animal work)
Cadaver dog trainers
Accounts outside the program scope include animal sales, racing/wagering operations, boarding kennels, overnight sitters, dog walkers, and liability exposures tied solely to emotional support animals.
Coverage highlights and advantages
Commercial General Liability available with broad coverage for training operations
Optional Professional Liability (available on an occurrence basis)
Liability coverage applies both on-premises and off-premises—important for field training and public certification events
Fire legal liability included at no additional charge (starts at $50,000)
Medical payments standard at $5,000 with options to increase
Care, custody, and control coverage included in most policies—key for trainers who temporarily take control of animals during sessions
General liability available for a trainer’s therapy animal in most cases
Underwriting notes and minimum premium
Underwriting focuses on the trainer’s experience, class size, training methods, animal handling protocols, and client screening. Provide details on training location(s), typical class sizes, whether live equipment or high-risk activities (e.g., bite work) are included, and any certifications held by the trainer.
Minimum premium: $500. Higher limits or additional coverages may increase premium.
Territories and availability
Program is available in the following states and territories: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY. Please confirm state-specific requirements at submission.
Why work with Amwins Underwriting on animal trainer business?
Niche underwriting expertise through Equisure focused on animal-related exposures
Competitive minimums and included features (fire legal liability, care/custody/control) that simplify placement
Flexible professional liability option—useful for trainers who provide certifications or consultative services
Fast, broker-friendly submission routing to underwriting—submitters can email a concise package for review
Example scenarios
You have a client who runs weekly obedience and agility classes for small groups and offers Canine Good Citizen testing—this program can provide GL with care/custody coverage and the option to add professional liability.
You represent a training firm that prepares cadaver and detection dogs for law enforcement—this program’s on/off-premises liability and higher limits for legal liability are appropriate placements.
Low minimum premium = $500
Send us a submission - click here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of animal training accounts are a good fit?Best fits are professional trainers who provide structured classes or specialty services: detection/bomb dog trainers, service/specialty dog trainers, obedience/confirmation/agility instructors, and cadaver dog trainers. The program favors organized operations with documented procedures and experienced handlers.
Can I add professional liability for trainers who certify or consult?Yes. Professional liability is offered as an optional endorsement on an occurrence basis—useful when the trainer offers testing, certifications, or formal behavior consulting.
Does the policy cover incidents that happen off the trainer’s premises?Yes. Liability coverage under this program can apply on and off premises, which covers field training, public events, and client-site sessions—subject to underwriting and policy terms.
What information should I include when submitting a risk?Submit class descriptions (size/frequency), training activities, locations, handler experience, any contracts used with clients, and loss history. This information speeds underwriting and helps determine appropriate limits and endorsements.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.