Professional Liability for Animal Groomers

As an animal groomer, professional liability insurance is a key safeguard for your business. This type of insurance, often referred to as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, covers you if a client claims that your services led to their pet being injured, harmed, or neglected in some way. The nature of your work involves handling pets, using sharp tools, and dealing with unpredictable animals. Even the most experienced groomers can face risks, such as a dog getting injured during a grooming session or a pet having an allergic reaction to a product. Professional liability insurance steps in to cover the legal costs, settlements, or judgments if you’re sued for negligence or substandard work.

General Liability

Professional Liability

Workers Compensation

Commercial Auto

What Professional Liability Insurance Covers

Professional Errors or Negligence: If a groomer accidentally injures a pet during grooming or uses improper techniques that harm the animal, this coverage can protect against resulting lawsuits or claims.
Bodily Injury to the Animal: If a pet is accidentally injured during a grooming session, such as a cut, burn, or other physical harm, the policy can cover medical expenses or legal claims from the pet owner.
Libel or Slander: If a client accuses a groomer of defamation, such as making a false or damaging statement about the pet or owner, professional liability insurance can provide protection.
Failure to Deliver Promised Services: If the groomer is unable to provide the agreed-upon services, leading to a financial loss for the client (such as a pet show), this insurance can cover legal claims related to the failure.

Other Coverage

Auto Insurance

Coverage: If you operate a mobile grooming service, commercial auto insurance covers your vehicle and any accidents that might occur while traveling to clients.
Importance: Standard auto insurance doesn’t cover vehicles used for business purposes, so this coverage is crucial for mobile groomers.

Workers’ Compensation

Coverage: This covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured while working.
Importance: Required by law in many states, this insurance is crucial if you have employees.

Excess Liability

Coverage: Also known as umbrella insurance, this provides additional liability coverage beyond your standard policy limits.
Importance: It’s essential for protecting your business from large, unexpected claims that could exceed your regular coverage.

Unique Claim Examples

Bodily Injury: A dog becomes agitated during grooming, bites you, and then bites its owner who was trying to calm it down. The owner sues you for medical expenses.
Property Damage: While grooming a cat in the client’s home, the cat knocks over an expensive vase, breaking it. The client demands compensation for the damage.

Safe Practices

Ensure all tools are properly sterilized between uses.
Conduct a thorough assessment of each pet’s behavior before starting the grooming session.
Keep grooming areas clean and free from hazards.
Secure pets properly during grooming to prevent accidents.
Communicate clearly with clients about their pets' needs and any potential risks.

Insurance Cost

Estimating the cost of insurance for an animal groomer can be complex. The cost will vary based on several factors, including:

The specific policies you select
The level of coverage you require
The nature of your industry
The revenue your business generates
Your claims history

Many animal groomers start with professional liability insurance. For a small business, premiums might start around $30 to $50 per month. To get the most accurate estimate, it's best to request a quote – quotes are always free.