As a groomer or a veterinarian, you know how rewarding it can be to work with animals daily. To keep your business up and running, it’s essential to have the right insurance coverage. You can protect yourself, the property, and the employees by working with insurance agencies to find the right plans for you. This guide will break down some of the main types of insurance your business should have if you work with animals. 

Working With Animals? What to Know About Insurance

General Liability Insurance

This type of coverage is a must for all business owners. If an individual is injured while at your business, general liability insurance will protect you from having to cover the medical costs out of pocket. Since injuries like slips, trips, and falls are the most common injuries in veterinarian offices, you want to make sure that you are covered before opening for business. This insurance should also cover your business if an animal bites a customer, so talk to your insurance agency about the full scope of the coverage. 

Professional Liability Insurance

In addition to general liability insurance, it’s recommended to have personal liability insurance as well. According to the Insurance Information Institute, this covers “negligence, misrepresentation, violation of good faith and fair dealing, and inaccurate advice.” If you are a groomer, for example, this coverage can protect you if a dog moves while you are grooming it and you cut it with clippers by accident. 

Property Insurance

Your office is the foundation of your business, so it’s essential to keep it protected. Property insurance can cover your expenses in the event of flooding, a fire, accident, or other types of physical damage. Since you work with animals, this insurance can also cover damage caused by an animal during their appointment. Your insurance agency may recommend equipment breakdown coverage as well, covering the unexpected failure of your veterinary or grooming machines. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

While your staff is skilled at working with animals, they will always be at risk for bites, scratches, and other injuries. Worker’s compensation insurance can protect you from lawsuits from your employees and help you cover your employee’s medical expenses. This insurance coverage is likely mandatory, so check your state’s workers’ compensation laws. 

When starting your veterinary practice or grooming business, be sure to work with an insurance agency and find the right coverage for you. Lighthouse Agency works with a variety of individuals and businesses to ensure that they are covered. Located in Fairfield, OH, these professional insurance agents serve customers in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Their areas of coverage include life, health, homeowner’s, auto, and more. To learn more about their insurance plans, visit them online today. You can also call (513) 860-9100 to set up an appointment with an agent.