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.