Dog Daycare Insurance Ontario

What Is Dog Daycare Insurance? 

Dog daycare insurance, sometimes referred to as pet care business insurance or kennel insurance, is a form of business insurance that covers pet care and pet sitting companies from many of the financial risks associated with caring for and managing dogs and pets. While running a dog daycare can be a rewarding venture, it comes with unique challenges and potential liabilities. From canine injuries to property damage, having the right insurance can be the difference between thriving or facing financial hardship. So, dog daycare insurance can be an added layer of protection necessary for keeping your business running smoothly. 

Who Needs Dog Daycare Insurance? 

Dog daycare insurance is essential for any business that involves the care and management of dogs. This includes traditional dog daycare centers, boarding facilities, and even pet sitters or dog walkers. Whether you operate a large facility or provide pet care services independently, insurance is necessary. It not only protects against financial losses due to accidents or injuries but also enhances your business's credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of clients. Even home-based pet care businesses need this protection, as they face similar risks when caring for clients' dogs. Say you are dog walking like any typical day, but one dog gets loose as you're paying attention to another and runs away. The pet parent could see you as negligent and hold you and your pet care business responsible for the loss of their dog. This is where pet business insurance comes in handy.  

Is Dog Daycare Insurance Mandatory? 

While dog daycare insurance may not be legally required in Ontario, it is highly recommended. If you rent a space for your doggy daycare, many landlords may mandate proof of insurance to ensure that businesses are prepared to handle potential liabilities. Additionally, clients often look for insured businesses as a sign of professionalism and reliability. Having insurance shows pet owners that your business is prepared for the unexpected and demonstrates a commitment to providing safe and secure services. 

What Types Of Coverages Are Available For Dog Daycare Insurance? 

During a typical workday at your doggy daycare, there are many problems that could arise. Say a dog in your care accidentally eats another pet's food, which then makes them sick. Or perhaps two dogs get into a fight that results in both getting injured. Both situations could result in medical costs and legal expenses that, without insurance, could significantly place your business in a poor financial position. Dog daycare insurance protects you and your business from problems that may occur during your day-to-day operations. 

At Morison Insurance, one of our hardworking brokers will work with you to come up with a comprehensive insurance policy that protects you, your property and your employees from a variety of risks. Some of the coverages you may include as part of your dog daycare insurance policy include: 

Commercial General Liability Insurance 

Commercial general liability insurance is a liability policy that protects against third-party claims caused by your services or your premises, such as bodily injuries and property damage. This is the foundation of any dog daycare insurance policy. For example, if a client or visitor is bit and injured by a dog at your daycare or if a dog damages a client’s property, this insurance helps cover medical expenses, legal fees, and any compensation costs that might arise. 

Commercial Property Insurance 

Commercial property insurance protects any property you may own for business purposes and covers damage or loss to your business property, including buildings, equipment, and supplies, due to events like fire, theft, or vandalism. Protecting the physical assets of your business is essential. If a fire damages your dog daycare facility, this coverage helps cover the repair or replacement costs, ensuring your business can continue operating without significant financial strain. 

Errors And Omissions Insurance 

Errors and omissions insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, is coverage that protects against claims of negligence or failure to deliver services as promised. Say a pet owner claims that improper care led to their pet’s injury or illness; regardless of whether your business is liable or not, errors and omissions insurance will cover the legal expenses and potential settlements, helping to protect both your business's reputation and finances.   

What Is Not Covered By Dog Daycare Insurance? 

While dog daycare insurance provides broad protection, it does have exclusions and limitations. Dog daycare insurance does not cover damages or injuries caused intentionally by you or your employees. Personal activities or property not related to the business are also excluded. Some policies may not cover specific breeds considered dangerous or incidents involving dogs with a known history of aggression. Additionally, routine maintenance or normal wear and tear of property is not covered, and employee injuries are generally excluded from standard liability policies, falling instead under workers' compensation insurance. To learn more about what is and is not included under a dog daycare insurance policy, it's best to speak to your expert Morison Insurance broker. 

How Much Does Dog Daycare Insurance Cost? 

The cost of dog daycare insurance varies widely depending on several factors. The size and revenue of your pet business, the types and levels of coverage you choose, and your location all play significant roles in determining your premium. A large facility with numerous clients and high-value equipment will likely pay more than a smaller, home-based business. Your claims history and the number of employees you have can also affect costs. Talk to an expert Morison Insurance broker to find out what aspects of your doggy daycare business affect the cost of your insurance coverage and get a dog daycare insurance quote.  

How Can I Lower The Cost Of Dog Daycare Insurance? 

There are several strategies to help manage and potentially lower your dog daycare insurance costs. Increasing your policy deductibles can reduce your premium, though you’ll need to cover more out-of-pocket if a claim arises. Implementing thorough safety protocols and training can decrease the likelihood of accidents and claims, which can also lead to lower premiums. Another way to potentially save is by bundling different types of coverage with the same insurer, as some providers will provide discounts for doing this. Maintaining a clean claims record by avoiding frequent or small claims will help keep your rates lower over time. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your coverage with your Morison Insurance broker ensures you’re not overpaying for unnecessary protection. 

Where Can I Buy Dog Daycare Insurance? 

You can get a dog daycare insurance quote from Morison Insurance. Morison Insurance is a brokerage with over 100 years of history, helping our clients get the insurance coverage they deserve. Whether you need help with dog daycare insurance, any other form of business insurance, or even personal insurance, we can provide you with a quote to meet all your needs. You can call us at 1-800-463-8074 or fill out the form on this page to get a dog daycare insurance quote and help set up the insurance you deserve.