Pet Business Insurance in Tennessee

Business types with their own guide

• Dog Walker and Pet Sitter Insurance A dog in your care bites someone, and more. Read the dog walker and pet sitter insurance guide.
• Pet Boarding and Kennel Insurance Animals that get sick or hurt in your care, and more. Read the pet boarding and kennel insurance guide.
• Pet Groomer Insurance Nicks and cuts to pets, and more. Read the pet groomer insurance guide.
• Dog Trainer Insurance Dog bites during class, and more. Read the dog trainer insurance guide.

More pet services businesses

These business types share many of the same risks. Each has a short overview below.

Pet breeders

Breeders care for animals and sell them to the public, which raises animal care and sale-related claims. Animal care coverage and general liability are worth reviewing.

Veterinary practices

Veterinary practices need professional liability designed for veterinarians, plus office property, general liability, and workers’ comp. We can review your current program and help you shop it.

Livestock services

Farriers, livestock haulers, and similar services work with large animals that can injure people or be injured. Animal care coverage, commercial auto for trailers, and general liability are common. Also see our farm equipment page.

Coverages common in pet services

• General liability Helps if your business is blamed for injuring someone or damaging their property, and usually pays for a legal defense.
• Animal bailee (care, custody, and control) Covers injury to or loss of pets in your care, which general liability often excludes.
• Surety bonds Guarantee you’ll meet license rules or finish a job. Some licenses and contracts require them.
• Commercial auto Covers vehicles used for the business. Personal car insurance policies often exclude or limit business use.
• Tools and equipment (inland marine) Covers tools and gear that travel to job sites or customer locations, or sit in your truck.
• Workers’ compensation Pays medical bills and lost wages if an employee is hurt on the job, and includes employer’s liability.

All coverage is subject to underwriting and policy terms. Not every business needs every coverage.

Tennessee rules to know

Workers’ comp. Most Tennessee employers outside construction and coal mining must carry workers’ compensation once they have five or more employees, full- or part-time, per the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Even below that number, many owners choose to carry it.

We can review your requirements and help you shop workers’ compensation and other coverages, subject to underwriting.

Certificates of insurance

Landlords, clients, venues, and general contractors often ask for a certificate of insurance before you start. If they want to be an additional insured, the policy usually needs an endorsement. Our certificate of insurance checklist explains what to check.

Related guides

• All business types
• Business insurance in Middle Tennessee
• General liability insurance
• Small business insurance checklist (PDF)
• Starting a business in Tennessee