Operating a dog grooming business involves more than passion and skill with pets—it requires a commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, and financial protection. While every groomer wants to ensure the best experience for dogs and their owners, unexpected situations can and do happen. With more than 285,000 people employed in the U.S. pet grooming and boarding industry in 2023—and growing—that’s a substantial potential for financial business risk.
As a dog groomer, you’ve learned about coat care for different breeds, animal CPR, and how to perform carding. For the sake of your business, it’s equally as important that you take the time to understand why you should invest in dog grooming insurance.
Nearly two-thirds of pet owners recognize that regular grooming promotes a healthier pet. Likewise, we want dog groomers to understand why insurance is vital to running a successful business.
Keep reading for compelling reasons around this topic from Central’s Director of Small Business Underwriting Anne Russo.
Grooming Insurance Shows a Dedication to Client Trust
According to Pew Research Center, 97.0% of U.S. households view pets as family members and are willing to spend more on services, prioritizing their companions’ health and well-being. Now, imagine a client has entrusted their beloved pet to your care, but an unfortunate incident occurs, resulting in injury or even death. Although most states classify animals as personal property, such a situation could lead to complicated legal and financial challenges for your business.
Russo notes that the law in many states sets the value of companion animals similar to personal property, while pet owners understandably consider them invaluable. Animal care services insurance helps close this valuation gap by enabling groomers to select a coverage limit that helps to compensate customers better when the unexpected happens.
“This coverage provides financial protection if a pet is lost or injured while in your care, custody, or control,” she explains. This policy covers incidents both at the groomer’s facility and, for mobile groomers, at the client’s location, offering vital security for both the groomer and pet owner.
Furthermore, having dog grooming insurance enhances the credibility of your business and demonstrates to clients that you’re a reliable professional. In fact, the American Kennel Club recommends in its guide that clients inquire about insurance when selecting a groomer.
Animal care services coverage can even include costs for necessary actions like relocating animals in case of emergencies or placing ads to help recover a lost pet. If a dog escapes from your grooming facility, for instance, the insurance may cover the cost of placing a reward ad to aid in the search, an expense that can be invaluable to the business and the pet’s owner.
Russo highlights that having the right grooming insurance “brings predictability to an unpredictable business” and reassures clients that their pets are protected while in your care.
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Animals and Accidents Go Hand-in-Hand
Whether your grooming business operates as a boutique, an in-home service, or within a pet store chain, working closely with animals brings certain inherent risks. General liability insurance covers broad incidents, such as slip-and-fall accidents on your premises. For instance, if an enthusiastic dog accidentally knocks over a client and causes injury, general liability coverage can help shield your business from potentially costly claims.
On the other hand, professional liability insurance covers incidents that stem from the specific grooming services provided. For example, suppose a dog is accidentally cut during grooming or has an adverse reaction to a product. In that case, professional liability insurance protects the groomer from claims related to errors, omissions, or negligence in the grooming process. Russo emphasizes the importance of this protection, particularly because these situations are unique to the grooming profession and can become financially overwhelming if not covered. It’s also why showing proof of liability insurance is often a contract or hiring requirement for grooming businesses.
The average pet grooming and boarding business in the U.S. has 1.8 employees. For groomers who employ staff, Employment Practices Liability coverage can protect the business against claims related to wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment. While not every groomer may have employees, those who do can benefit from this added layer of liability protection.
Learn More: What Commercial Insurance Policy Does My Business Need?
Quickly Recover From Setbacks With Grooming Insurance
One of the most compelling reasons grooming insurance is essential for your business is the financial stability it provides during unforeseen disruptions. Grooming facilities are vulnerable to disease outbreaks like canine flu, which may necessitate a temporary closure and even quarantine of affected animals. This interruption can lead to significant revenue loss as business operations halt.
“Business interruption insurance as part of the animal care services endorsement can cover lost income and quarantine expenses, helping groomers maintain financial stability when they cannot conduct business as usual,” Russo explains. “Having this type of coverage means groomers are not left financially stranded, ensuring that the business can bounce back and continue serving clients once operations resume.”
Protect Your Property With Confidence
Groomers rely on specialized equipment, including grooming tables, clippers, tubs, and dryers, often housed in customized facilities. If a fire or theft were to occur, could you afford to replace all of these items out-of-pocket? Property insurance safeguards these valuable assets against damage or loss from events, enabling you to confidently protect your investments. Russo advises that property insurance should be a priority, as it covers the physical space and the essential equipment needed to keep the business running smoothly.
For mobile groomers, commercial auto insurance is also a must. It ensures your vehicle, which serves as the business location, is protected from damage or accidents while on the road.
Cybersecurity insurance is an optional addition to property insurance that’s increasingly relevant in today’s digital landscape. Many grooming businesses rely on online systems for scheduling, payments, and managing customer records, which can open them up to cyber risks. Cybersecurity insurance protects against data breaches and cyber-attacks that could jeopardize client information or disrupt business operations.
Insuring Your Dog Grooming Business With Central
By now, you should feel confident in the strong reasons outlined in this article for investing in dog grooming insurance. From protecting against property damage to liability claims, insurance is a critical aspect of the stability and success of your business and allows you to focus on what you do best—providing excellent care for pets.
With a comprehensive product offering tailored specifically to animal care businesses and competitive rates, Central will protect you from the unexpected. As a trusted insurance provider, Central consistently maintains a high Net Promoter Score, reflecting our strong performance when handling claims and beyond. Central’s dedicated, people-first team focuses on adding value to our small business partnerships.
Ready to find out how Central can protect your dog grooming business? Find an agent to get started.
