I was walking “Luna,” a tiny poodle, when a loose Pitbull charged across the street and latched onto her neck before I could even deploy my pepper gel. I rushed Luna to the nearest emergency vet, where they demanded a $4,000 deposit upfront for surgery, and now I’m standing at the reception desk with a maxed-out credit card while the Pitbull’s owner is nowhere to be found.
Key Takeaways
- General Liability Does NOT Pay for This: Standard liability covers damage you cause to others. It does not cover damage to the property (dog) in your care.
- You Need “Animal Bailee” Coverage: This is the specific chunk of text in a policy that pays for vet bills for animals you are watching.
- The “Deposit” Panic: Most insurers operate on reimbursement. You still have to pay the vet $4,000 today and fight the insurance company to get paid back next month.
- Subrogation is Key: Your insurance pays the vet, then they go find the Pitbull owner to sue them. You don’t have to play detective.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Custody Exclusion
This is the most common heartbreaker in the industry. You buy insurance, you think you’re safe. Then a dog gets hurt. You call your broker, and they cite the “Property in your Care, Custody, or Control” Exclusion.
Since the Poodle was in your hand (on the leash), she is considered your responsibility. If she gets hurt, you are liable to the owner. But because she is “property” you are working on, General Liability excludes her. Without an Animal Bailee endorsement (sometimes called “Vet Expense Reimbursement”), that $4,000 comes out of your pocket.
[IMAGE: Diagram showing the difference between General Liability (Red arrow pointing to stranger) and Bailee Coverage (Blue arrow pointing to client’s dog)]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I stress-tested the “Animal Bailee” limits of three popular carriers to see how they handle a catastrophic injury in 2026, where vet costs have skyrocketed.
1. Business Insurers of the Carolinas (BIC)
- The Scenario: “A client’s dog needs $8,000 in surgery after an attack. Do you cover it?”
- The Analysis: They offer some of the highest limits in the industry. You can choose up to $15,000 or $25,000 in Bailee coverage.
- The Catch: You must pay a deductible (usually
100−100−250) per incident.
2. Thimble
- The Scenario: A gig-based policy for a weekend walker.
- The Analysis: Their “Animal Bailee” is an optional add-on, not default. I’ve seen many sitters buy the base policy to save $5/month and miss this.
- The Catch: Their limits are often lower (capped around $2,500 or $5,000 depending on the state). In 2026, $2,500 barely covers anesthesia and X-rays.
3. Pet Sitters Associates (PSA)
- The Scenario: Basic membership insurance.
- The Analysis: Very affordable, around $190/year.
- The Catch: Their Bailee coverage used to be quite low ($1,000) unless you paid for the upgrade. Always check the “Broadened Coverage” option.
Comparison Table
| Feature | BIC | Thimble | Pet Sitters Associates |
| Bailee Limit (Vet Bills) | Up to $25,000 | ~$5,000 | $1,000 (Base) / $5,000 (Upgrade) |
| Reimbursement Style | Pay Vet -> Get Check | Pay Vet -> Get Check | Pay Vet -> Get Check |
| Emergency Vet Deposit | You pay upfront | You pay upfront | You pay upfront |
| Coverage for “Runaways” | Yes | Yes | Yes (with upgrade) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Pay the Deposit: Use a credit card. Insurance will not pay the vet directly in 99% of cases.
- Get the Police Report: You need proof the attack happened. If you can’t identify the attacking dog, your insurance is the only source of funds.
- File the Claim Under “Bailee”: distinct from Liability. Make sure you use the correct term so the adjuster routes it fast.
- Notify the Owner: Be honest. “Luna was attacked. I have her at the vet. I am handling the bills.” This prevents them from suing you immediately out of panic.
FAQ
Does the other owner pay?
Ideally, yes. But if they run away or have no money, you are responsible for returning the dog in one piece to your client. Your insurance protects you from the client suing you for the vet bills.
Can I use the client’s pet insurance?
Yes! If the owner has Trupanion or Healthy Paws, that is primary. Your liability insurance is secondary. Ask the owner for their policy info immediately.
What if the dog dies?
Bailee coverage usually includes a “Replacement Cost” provision. It sounds cold, but they will pay the market value of the breed (e.g., $2,000 for a Poodle). They do not pay for sentimental value or emotional distress.