I agreed to watch a client’s Hyacinth Macaw—a $12,000 bird—while they were in Europe. I didn’t realize that my standard “Pet Sitter” policy defined “Pet” strictly as “Domestic Dog or Cat.” When the bird got spooked, flew into a ceiling fan, and broke a wing (a $4,000 surgery), my insurance agent told me, “We don’t cover livestock or exotics,” leaving me to pay the vet bill and the potential replacement cost.
Key Takeaways
- The “Domestic” Definition: Most basic policies define covered animals as “cats and dogs.” Everything else (birds, reptiles, fish, horses) is excluded unless endorsed.
- Valuation Issues: A mixed-breed dog is “worth” maybe $500. A rare parrot or breeding ball python can be worth $10,000+. Standard Bailee limits are too low.
- Salmonella/Zoonotic Disease: Reptiles carry salmonella. If you (or a visitor) get sick, standard liability might exclude “communicable disease.”
- Temperature Control: Exotics die if the power goes out. You need coverage for “utility interruption” or equipment failure (e.g., heat lamp breaks).
The “Why” (The Trap): The Species Exclusion
In the fine print under “Definitions”:
“Covered Animal: Domesticated dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits.”
If it’s not on the list, it’s not covered.
Birds and reptiles are high-risk because they are fragile and expensive. Insurers don’t want to pay $5,000 because a lizard got “scale rot” from humidity being 5% too low.
[IMAGE: Side-by-side comparison of a “Basic Policy” definition vs. an “Exotic Endorsement” definition]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I posed as a sitter watching a Macaw and a Boa Constrictor.
1. Pet Sitters Associates (PSA)
- The Answer: They are one of the best for this. Their basic membership includes a wide range of pets. I checked their list: it includes birds, reptiles, and even potbellied pigs.
- The Catch: No venomous snakes.
2. PCI
- The Answer: They cover “domestic pets.” I had to dig to see if birds were included. Usually, small caged pets are okay, but high-value exotics might hit the sub-limit.
3. Specialized Brokers (Lloyds of London types)
- The Answer: If you are watching a Tiger King style collection, you need a custom policy. Standard GL won’t touch it.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Covers Birds/Reptiles? | High Value Limit? | Venomous/Dangerous? |
| PSA | Yes (Broad) | Standard Bailee | No |
| PCI | Yes (Small pets) | Check Sub-limit | No |
| Generic Business | No (Dogs/Cats only) | N/A | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Inventory the Animals: Don’t just say “sitting for the Smiths.” List “1 Macaw, 1 Iguana.”
- Call Your Agent: Ask specifically: “Is a Macaw covered under the definition of ‘Pet’?” Get the answer in email.
- Increase Bailee Limits: If the bird is worth $10k, and your limit is $5k, you are underinsured. Bump it to $15k.
- Check Equipment Coverage: If the heat rock shorts out and burns the house down, that’s Property Damage. Ensure your policy covers fire caused by “pet equipment.”
FAQ
What about fish tanks?
The fish are cheap. The water damage from a 100-gallon tank breaking is expensive ($10,000+). Ensure your “Water Damage” liability is active.
Do I need special training?
Insurance doesn’t demand it, but if you kill a fragile reptile due to ignorance, that’s “Incompetence,” which can be a tricky claim.
Are horses covered?
Usually NO. Horses require “Equine Liability” insurance. Never sit for horses on a dog walker policy.