The dog jerked right as I squeezed the clippers, and blood started spurting onto my white grooming table like a scene from a horror movie. Despite the styptic powder, the bleeding wouldn’t stop, and now the owner is handing me a $650 emergency vet bill for cauterization and bandaging, claiming I “maimed” her prize-winning show dog. I thought my basic dog walking insurance covered “accidents,” but the claims adjuster just asked if I’m a “Certified Groomer” and went silent.

Key Takeaways

Grooming is a Separate Class Code: Standard “Pet Sitting” insurance does not cover grooming operations (cutting, clipping, expressing glands) unless you specifically add the Grooming endorsement.
“Professional Services” Exclusion: If you injure a dog while performing a specialized service (like nail trimming), general liability often excludes it as a “professional error” rather than a standard accident.
Bailee Coverage Limits: This is what pays the vet bill. Ensure your “Animal Bailee” limit is high enough to cover complications, not just the trim cost.
Infection Risk: In 2026, minor cuts that get infected (MRSA) are major claims. A $50 cut can become a $2,000 infection treatment.

The “Why” (The Trap): The “Incidental” vs. “Primary” Trap

The trap is in the definition of your business. If you are a walker who “sometimes” trims nails for $10, you are crossing into a new risk category.
Most basic General Liability policies for walkers have a “Professional Services Exclusion” for grooming.
Why? Because using sharp tools on a moving animal is high-risk. If you didn’t check the box for “Pet Grooming” on your application to save $20/year, you are uninsured for this incident.

[IMAGE: Screenshot of policy definitions distinguishing “Pet Sitting” from “Pet Grooming Services”]

The Investigation: I Called Them

I asked three carriers: “I’m a walker who offers nail trims. If I cut a quick, am I covered?”

1. Pet Care Insurance (PCI)

The Verdict: They allow you to select “Pet Grooming” as an add-on service.
The Catch: If you select it, the premium jumps slightly. If you don’t select it, and you cut a nail, they can deny the claim for “undisclosed business activities.”

2. Hands On Trade Association

The Verdict: Designed specifically for groomers.
The Pro: They cover the “Professional Liability” (the bad cut) automatically.
The Con: It’s more expensive than a basic walker policy.

3. Basic “Gig” Apps (Wag/Rover)

The Verdict: Nail trimming is generally outside the scope of standard gig platform guarantees unless booked specifically as a grooming service (which few apps support fully in 2026). You are on your own.

Comparison Table

Carrier	Walker Policy Covers Trims?	Grooming Endorsement Cost	Vet Bill Deductible
PCI	No (Must add it)	~$20/yr extra	$250
B.I.C.	No (Must add it)	Included in higher tier	$100
Thimble	Check “Activities” list	Varies	Varies

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Stop the Bleeding: Use styptic powder or cornstarch immediately.
Admit Nothing (Legally): Say “There was an accident with the nail,” not “I was negligent and incompetent.”
Check Your Class Code: Log in to your insurance portal. Does it say “Pet Groomer” or just “Pet Sitter”? If it’s just Sitter, you might be paying this bill yourself.
Pay Small Bills Cash: If it’s $150, pay it out of pocket. Filing a claim will spike your premiums by $300+ next year.

FAQ

Does this cover “clipper burn”?
Yes, that is considered “Bodily Injury” or “Property Damage” (to the dog) arising from your service. But again, only if you have the Grooming endorsement.

What if I cut the dog’s ear with scissors?
This is a major claim. Bailee coverage pays the vet. Professional Liability pays the owner’s lawsuit if the dog is disfigured (e.g., a show dog can no longer compete).

Do I need a license to be insured?
Most states do not license groomers, but insurance might require you to have “relevant experience” or training to pay a Professional Liability claim.

I Fed the Dog Chicken (Allergic): Anaphylaxis Bills

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.

Using Pet Cams: Client Sued Me for Unplugging Their Cameras

I saw the camera lens following me in the living room and it creeped me out. I unplugged it while I watched TV on the couch. The owner got a notification, checked the logs, and is now threatening to sue me for “breach of contract” and “security negligence,” claiming that by disabling the camera, I voided their home security during a break-in window.

Key Takeaways

Privacy Rights are Contractual: In 2026, most sitting contracts address cameras. If you unplug it without permission, you are altering the terms of service.
“Invasion of Privacy” Coverage: General Liability usually covers “Personal and Advertising Injury,” which includes invasion of privacy. However, this protects you if you film them. It doesn’t necessarily protect you if they sue you for unplugging their device.
Security Liability: If a burglar enters while the camera is unplugged, you could be liable for the stolen goods because you disabled the security system.
Exclusions: Many policies exclude “intentional acts.” Unplugging the camera was intentional.

The “Why” (The Trap): Intentional Acts Exclusion

Insurance covers accidents. It does not cover you doing things on purpose that cause damage.
The Clause: “We do not cover ‘property damage’ or ‘bodily injury’ expected or intended from the standpoint of the insured.”
If you intentionally unplug a security device, and a theft occurs, the insurer can deny the claim because you knowingly disabled the protection.

[IMAGE: Screenshot of a “Terms of Service” clause regarding “Surveillance Devices”]

The Investigation: I Called Them

I asked, “I unplugged a client’s camera and they are suing. Help.”

1. Business Insurers of the Carolinas

The Analysis: They emphasized the contract. If your contract says “Sitter will not tamper with security devices,” you breached the contract. Liability insurance covers negligence, not breach of contract.

2. Hiscox (Professional Liability)

The Analysis: If the client claims “failure to render professional services” (i.e., you failed to keep the home secure), E&O might defend you. But it’s a weak defense if you admitted to unplugging it.

3. Legal Defense

The Reality: The real value here is the lawyer. Even if the claim is dubious, you need the insurance company’s lawyer to write the letter saying, “Unplugging a camera did not cause the break-in.”

Comparison Table

Scenario	Coverage Type	Likelihood of Payout
Unplugged Cam -> Burglary	General Liability	Low (Intentional Act)
Unplugged Cam -> Client Mad	None (No damages yet)	N/A
Unplugged Cam -> Contract Suit	Professional Liability	Moderate

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Read the Contract: Did you sign a clause acknowledging cameras?
Don’t Unplug – Cover: If you need privacy, drape a towel over it and text the owner. “Hey, just covering this while I eat dinner/change. I’ll uncover it in 20 mins.” Communication removes the “malicious” aspect.
Check Local Laws: In some states, cameras in private areas (bathrooms/bedrooms) are illegal. If the camera was there, you had a right to disable it.
Apologize: “I felt uncomfortable, I’m sorry.” De-escalate before they call a lawyer.

FAQ

Can clients film me in the bathroom?
Absolutely not. That is a crime. You can call the police, and you can sue them for Invasion of Privacy.

Do I have to tell them if I have a body cam?
Yes. Two-party consent laws in many states (like CA, IL) mean you cannot record audio of the client in their home without permission.

What if I just turned it around?
Same issue. You tampered with security. Always ask first.