What does petting sitting insurance include?
Our insurance supports a range of pet sitters’ responsibilities, including the safety and behaviour of your customers pets while under your care, custody, or control.
By investing in pet care insurance as a business owner, you will also demonstrate a strong sense of professionalism and commitment to potential clients.
Designed to meet the unique needs of pet sitters, dog day carers, animal minders, and in-home pet boarders, our policies are available as comprehensive packages, with options available to cover risks specific to your business or circumstances.
Pet sitters insurance quote
For more information about our pet minding insurance packages, call Pet Business Insurance today on 01284 736 874, complete our enquiry form, or obtain a quick quote online.
Our Standard Cover Includes
Pet sitting insurance FAQs
Do pet sitters need to be registered?
If you only provide pet sitting services at a client's home, you do not need a licence. You will need to be licensed if you provide pet boarding services or look after the animals at your home.
Best Pet Sitting Insurance UK
If you care for pets professionally whether you're a dog walker, cat sitter, or run a small pet care business, having the necessary pet sitting insurance assures peace of mind. Insurance from PBI protects you from financial risk if something goes wrong while an animal is in your care. From accidental damage to injuries and legal claims, the right insurance ensures you're covered.
What Is Pet Sitting Insurance?
Pet sitting insurance is designed for individuals and businesses that offer pet care services. It provides protection if a pet causes damage, becomes injured, or if you're held responsible for an accident while working. It also shows clients that you're professional, responsible, and prepared for the unexpected.
What Does Pet Sitting Insurance Typically Cover?
Most pet sitting insurance policies cover:
- Public liability: If a pet in your care causes injury to someone or damages property, you're covered against legal costs and compensation claims.
- Care, custody, and control: Covers accidental injury, or death of a pet while under your supervision.
- Loss of keys: If you misplace a client’s keys, your policy can cover replacement costs or locksmith services.
- Personal accident: Provides financial support if you're injured while working and unable to continue your services.
- Legal expenses: Provides legal support if required
Coverage may vary, but these are the essentials you should look for in any policy.
Types of Pet Sitting Insurance
Your insurance needs depend on the services you provide. The most common types of cover include:
- Public Liability Insurance – The foundation of pet sitting cover. Essential for all pet carers.
- Professional Indemnity – Useful if you offer paid advice or services that could lead to a negligence claim.
- Employer’s Liability – A legal requirement if you employ staff.
- Equipment Cover – Protects your pet care tools, crates, or grooming gear.
- Loss of Income Cover – Optional protection if injury stops you from working.
These can usually be bundled together or added as extras to a base policy.
Who Needs Pet Sitting Insurance?
You should consider insurance if you provide any of the following services:
- Dog walking
- Home visits or overnight pet sitting
- Cat sitting
- Pet boarding or daycare
- Exotic pet care
- Puppy or senior pet supervision
Whether you work full-time, part-time, or casually, insurance protects your finances and your reputation.
How to Choose the Best Pet Sitting Insurance
When comparing policies, focus on:
- Coverage – Make sure it protects against the specific risks in your line of work (e.g., injury, damage, loss of keys).
- Limits and exclusions – Understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Some policies exclude certain animal types or services.
- Flexibility – Look for policies that allow you to tailor coverage to your services, whether you work solo or as part of a team.
- Affordability – The cheapest policy isn’t always the best. Strike a balance between cost and what’s included.
Do I Really Need It?
Yes. Without insurance, you could be personally liable for thousands of pounds in damages, vet bills, or legal claims. Even if you’ve never had an incident before, one mistake could put your income and reputation at risk.
Are pet minders the same as pet sitters?
Pet minding and Pet sitting are the terms used to describe when you are looking after the animals in the clients home during the day and overnight, or your own home during the day. If you are looking after the animal overnight in your own home, this would be classed as pet boarding and may require a licence from your local authority.