Whether you’re a veterinarian treating horses and livestock or a groomer trimming cats and dogs, working with animals carries some risk. Protecting you, others, and your property from the unexpected means having the right types of insurance policies in place. Here are several kinds of coverage to consider for your business.

What Insurance Should You Have When Working With Animals?

1. General Liability

If a pet owner or other guest to your office is bitten by an animal or otherwise injured on your property, they can sue you for their medical costs. A general liability insurance policy helps cover these expenses. Depending on the plan, coverage may extend to wage recovery—up to a certain dollar amount—if the injured person is not able to work while recuperating.

2. Property Protection

Animals can be unpredictable. Nervous pets skittering around could damage property in your vet’s office. This can include expensive surgical tools, X-ray machines, and computers. Property insurance offers protection, helping pay for the repair and replacement costs to damaged property. If the extent of the damage is severe enough that it prevents you from conducting business, additional coverage can pay the bills until you’re able to re-open. 

3. Workers’ Compensation

Whether your business mainly works with animals or people, workers’ compensation is usually required. The laws vary by state and generally depend on the number of employees your business has. This type of insurance will pay for an employee’s medical expenses and lost wages if they are injured on the job. As a condition of accepting workers’ compensation, employees forfeit their rights to sue you.

4. Commercial Vehicles

Perhaps you have a mobile grooming business or rely on a vehicle to deliver pet food and supplies. If you or another employee is involved in an accident while on the clock, commercial vehicle insurance helps protect you from the cost of the damage. Some policies also extend coverage to medical care for anyone injured in the accident. 

Working with animals requires a mix of patience, compassion, and expert care. For an insurance agency that reflects those values, reach out to Grachek Insurance in Kalispell, MT. Since 1986, this family-owned agency has provided customized and affordable coverage to clients throughout Flathead Valley and the surrounding areas. You can count on quality coverage from its network of leading insurance providers. For a free quote, call (406) 755-4000 or request one online.