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Taking care of pets can be a tough job.

Often they get anxious because Mom and Dad are gone, or they just want to test the sitter and see what they can get away with. Sometimes this agitation or playfulness can lead to injury, especially if other pets are around. Pet injury can happen quickly. Be on guard...but be insured.

Read some of these unfortunate stories provided by Business Insurers of the Carolinas and realize that these sitters were smart…. they had insurance!

1. A pet sitter was walking three dogs. One of the dogs spotted a cat sitting under a bush next to the sidewalk. The dog lunged and caught the cat’s back leg. The cat was taken to the vet to be treated. Total Paid $1,250. 
2. A dog was getting out of the pet sitter’s vehicle, jumped and landed wrong and broke its right rear leg. Veterinarian bills paid to date $2,971.
3. An independent contractor for an insured pet sitter was taking the leash off a dog in his care when the dog bolted away and attacked another dog. The other dog required several stitches. Total Paid $434.
4. An insured sitter was taking care of two dogs at her home. One of the dogs did not see or hear very well and jumped on the other dog. The dog that was attacked suffered torn ligaments in its knee and a dislocated hip. Total Paid $422.
5. An insured pet sitter had a client’s dogs outside playing when one of the dogs collapsed. The dog was taken to the veterinarian and diagnosed with heat stroke. Total Paid $2,496.
6. While on a walk with a client’s dogs, a pet sitter walked over to a fence to look at a horse. The horse became startled because of the dogs and turned to run away. In doing so, the horse stepped on the dog’s paw. The injury required surgery. Total Paid $4,641.
7. While on a walk with an insured pet sitter, a client’s dog drank water that was contaminated and became very sick. Total Paid $3,187.
8. A pet sitter left a client’s puppy out of its crate between visits. While out, the puppy ingested hand warmers and required veterinary care. Total Paid $5,034.
9. A pet sitter placed dogs in the client’s garage to keep warm, where the dog ingested anti-freeze. Total Paid $3,024.
10. A client’s dog became startled by a loud noise while on a walk with the pet sitter. The dog escaped from its collar and was hit by a car. Total Paid $2,487. 
11. A dog was bitten by a rattlesnake while on a hike with sitter. Total Paid $1,796.
12. A dog swallowed a sock while in the pet sitter’s care and required surgery. Total Paid $2,448. 
13. 13. Sitter took client’s dog to a dog park. Dog was bitten by another dog and required surgery. Total Paid $5,247.
14. Pet Sitter was placing a dog in a crate and in process the dog broke its tooth. Total Paid $3,495. 

Business Insurers of the Carolinas has dozens of claim examples that summarize, “Dogs got into a fight while in insured’s care.”

Take a few cautionary steps to minimize the likelihood that you have an unfortunate pet injury story to tell:

• Use caution when caring for more than one client’s dog at a time.
• Always be sure to check with the owners to find out if the dog is aggressive before allowing it to play with other dogs. Some dogs just don’t play well with others, so do your homework upfront and avoid the vet’s office later.
• If your client’s dog is bitten or injured by a neighbor’s dog or a stranger’s dog while in your care, try to obtain information on that dog and a statement from any witnesses.

Are you thinking of becoming a professional pet sitter, but need more information on the type of insurance coverage you'll need? Download this free resource from Pet Sitters International.


Already a PSI-member pet sitter? Visit Business Insurers of the Carolinas Web site to obtain your pet-sitter liability insurance and bonding.