Coverage for the pets in your care.
Animal bailee coverage for injuries to customers' pets, general liability, property and workers' comp for groomers, dog daycare, boarding kennels, dog walkers and trainers.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
The pet isn't covered by general liability
When a dog is hurt during grooming, gets sick at a kennel or escapes on a walk, the claim is about property in your care, and general liability usually excludes it. Animal bailee coverage pays for the vet bills and the pet's value.
I set up pet businesses with animal bailee at the right limit, plus liability for dog bites and injuries to people, and workers' comp for the staff who handle animals.
- Animal baileeInjury, illness or loss of customers' pets in your care.
- General liabilityDog bites and injuries to people.
- PropertyYour facility, grooming tables and equipment.
- Workers' compBites and injuries to your staff.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Services: grooming, daycare, boarding, walking or training.
- Animals: how many in your care at once, and any breed restrictions.
- Facility: owned or leased, fencing and overnight staffing.
- Vehicles: mobile grooming vans or pet transport.
- Payroll and revenue: staff and gross receipts.
- History: current policies and any claims or bites.
Pet business insurance, answered
What is animal bailee coverage?
It covers customers' animals in your care, custody or control, such as an injury during grooming or illness at a kennel. General liability usually excludes them.
Are dog bites covered?
Bites to people are covered by general liability. Bites to other dogs in your care fall under animal bailee.
Is a mobile grooming van covered?
The van needs commercial auto, and the equipment inside can be added to your business policy.
Do dog walkers need insurance?
Yes. A dog that escapes or bites someone on a walk is a common claim, and clients and apartment buildings often ask for proof.
Do you offer pet business insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your pet business. I'll shop it.
Services, animal count and your current declarations page are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.