The instructions were buried in the app: “NO POULTRY.” I missed it. I gave “Bella” a chicken-based treat from my pouch. Twenty minutes later, her face swelled up, she started vomiting, and her breathing became labored. I rushed her to the 24-hour ER, where they hit her with epinephrine and steroids. The bill is $1,800, and the owner is furious about my “negligence.”
Key Takeaways
- Negligence is Covered: Good news—insurance is specifically designed to cover your mistakes. “Forgetting” or “Missing” an instruction is a standard negligence claim.
- Care, Custody, Control (Bailee): This coverage section pays the vet bill. It covers injury to the animal while in your charge.
- The “Gross Negligence” Risk: If the owner verbally told you and texted you and put a sign on the crate, and you still fed it, the insurer might argue “Gross Negligence” (recklessness) and fight the payout.
- Sub-Limits: Check if your policy has a specific sub-limit for “Vet Expenses.” Some cheap policies cap this at $1,000.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Medical Expense vs. Liability Trap
You might think, “I have $1 Million in liability, I’m fine.”
Wrong.
The $1 Million is for if the dog bites a stranger.
The coverage for the dog getting sick because you fed it the wrong thing is “Animal Bailee” or “Veterinary Expense Reimbursement.”
Many generic business policies (like a standard BOP) have $0 for this unless endorsed. They treat the dog as “property you damaged,” and standard property damage excludes “property in your care.”
[IMAGE: Diagram showing “General Liability” red X vs “Bailee Coverage” green check for ‘Injury to Dog’]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked agents: “I accidentally poisoned a dog with allergens. Covered?”
1. Pet Sitters Associates
- The Answer: Yes, this is a classic claim. Covered under their “Broadened Liability” / Bailee section.
- The Limit: Usually $1,000 or $5,000 depending on which tier you bought.
2. Next Insurance
- The Answer: I had to dig. Their base GL policy excludes damage to personal property in my care. I had to add the “Animal Bailee” endorsement specifically to get coverage for the vet bill.
3. Rover Guarantee
- The Answer: They often deny claims related to “pre-existing conditions” but usually cover acute allergic reactions if it was a booking on the platform. However, the $250 deductible applies.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Covers Allergen Error? | Deductible | Standard Limit |
| PSA | Yes | $200 | $1k – $5k |
| PCI | Yes | $250 | $1k – $5k |
| Rover | Maybe (Review needed) | $250 | Varies |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get to the Vet: Immediate action mitigates the damage (and the lawsuit).
- Preserve the Treat Bag: Take a photo of the ingredients. The vet needs to know exactly what was ingested.
- Admit the Mistake to the Vet: Tell them “She ate chicken.” Do not hide it.
- File the Claim: Submit the vet bill and the intake notes. Do not editorialize. Just state facts: “Missed instruction. Fed chicken. Dog reacted.”
FAQ
Can the owner sue for emotional distress?
They can try, but standard Bailee coverage only pays for the economic loss (vet bill). It rarely pays for “pain and suffering” for a pet owner.
What if the dog dies?
The insurance pays the “Replacement Value” of the dog (purchase price of the breed) + vet bills incurred trying to save it.
Does this apply to medication errors too?
Yes. Giving the wrong pill is treated virtually the same as giving the wrong food. It is professional negligence.