Should you get Dog Breeders Insurance?

If you're a professional dog breeder or are thinking about becoming one, you will have lots to consider as an ethical and responsible breeder. You'll want to provide everything the dogs and puppies need to develop and thrive. You’ll need a quiet, safe space for whelping and raising the puppies, and then, as they grow, they will need to be raised in the family home, with socialization and to start their training.

There’s a lot to consider when setting up a dog breeding business, such as certification, and this might include dog breeders' insurance, AKC registration, licensing, hereditary health check, vaccination certification and microchip certificates. You might also want to become a certified dog breeder and take a course so you can learn all about ethical dog breeding.

Although you are passionate about dog breeding and your dogs, you will want to make sure everyone is safe and protected and that’s when you might decide to get insurance for dog breeders, In this article, we take a look at dog breeders insurance, how it can help protect you, why you need it and potential issues that could arise if you’re not insured.

You should consider getting dog breeders' insurance if you breed and sell dogs for profit, have potential new owners visit you, participate in shows, training, and exhibition, transport dogs for breeding or sale, or board dogs and breeders or clients. Even a small breeder can face lawsuits or accidents, so a dog breeder's insurance is a good idea for any dog breeder.

What Is Dog Breeders' Insurance?

Dog breeders' insurance is a specialist coverage that protects breeders from the financial risks associated with breeding, raising, and selling dogs. In particular, it usually covers general liability, visitors, property, animal mortality, and professional liability.

This insurance is different from dog insurance, which instead is just covering the dog, for example, providing a level of financial support for veterinarian fees, etc.

Dog breeders' insurance usually covers the following:

• General Liability Insurance - protection if someone gets damaged on your property or injured by your dogs. (ie, a dog bite, or slipping on your path). This coverage is for legal and medical expenses.
• Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) - will protect you if you make a professional mistake, i.e., misrepresenting the health or breed of a puppy. Again, this covers legal fees and also compensation.
• Animal Bailee Coverage - covers vet bills, etc, if a dog dies or is injured in your care (i.e., a stud dog is left with you and gets injured).
• Property & Equipment - this covers property damage, ie, the kennels, often against theft, fire, or natural disasters. But always read your policy carefully.
• Animal Mortality Insurance - life insurance for your dogs.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Dog Breeders' Insurance

There are lots of benefits to dog breeders' insurance. It might be essential for your licensing; it offers financial protection in case of something going wrong, such as the sudden death of your breeding dog, or if there is an accident that affects your business. When people look at your breeder profile, they can be reassured by your insurance, as it demonstrates a responsible attitude towards your breeding business. You are also covered if you are sued, if you have professional liability coverage, as it will cover your legal expenses and any compensation.

One thing that might put people off purchasing dog breeders' insurance could be the cost, as it can become quite expensive depending on the level of coverage, and if you don’t make much money from your breeding business, it might make a significant dent in your profits.

You should also get the advice of a broker so you get the right policy for you, and that you understand the inclusions and make sure your policy fully covers your needs. General pet insurance companies don’t always fully cover breeders. You might want to consider contacting a company that specialises in providing insurance cover for animal-based businesses, as they will be more likely to have the expertise you need.

Finding the Right Dog Insurance for Breeders

When looking for the right  dog insurance for breeders, you will want to consider the following:

• Risk assessment - if you don’t attend a show, you won’t need coverage for the exhibition. But if people come on site, you will need public liability insurance, etc.
• Compare providers - Get comparison quotes from a number of different brokers or providers.
• It would be helpful if you chose a policy to cover your needs specifically so you’re not paying more than you need to.
• Take a look at reviews for the insurance provider from a number of different sources.
• Add-ons - there may be some helpful add-ons that might support your business. You might also have specific requirements, so check your policy carefully.

Final Word: Should You Get Dog Breeders' Insurance?

Dog breeder's insurance is essential if you are a dog breeder. It is a sensible option for responsible and ethical breeders. You can face the risk of accidents either with people visiting or with your breeding setup. You might have an incident that stops you from breeding and requires financial support, such as the sudden loss of a breeding dog.

Having insurance can be reassuring for potential customers of your puppies, as it demonstrates that you take dog breeding seriously. It will help show how professional you are, which is also reassuring if you plan to work with owners of stud dogs.

Although dog breeders' insurance is an expense, and it might seem quite significant, it can offer peace of mind and reassurance that you are covered should the worst happen with your dog breeding business. Talk to a professional broker to make sure you get the right cover for you and take another step towards becoming a great breeder with high standards of health and welfare for your breeding dogs and puppies!