You’re carrying in cleaning supplies and leave the front door open for 30 seconds. The client’s indoor-only Bengal cat bolts outside—and is never seen again.
The client sues you for the value of the cat ($2,000) and for “emotional distress” ($50,000).
Key Takeaways
- Pets are Property: Legally, pets are property. General Liability covers “Property Damage” or “Loss of Use of Property.”
- The Emotional Distress Trap: Standard policies rarely cover emotional distress related to property loss. You are personally exposed for the $50k claim.
- Animal Bailee Rider: If you pet-sit or interact with pets often, add an “Animal Bailee” rider. It specifically covers the loss/death of a pet in your care.
- Safety Protocols: “Door awareness” must be in your training manual.
The “Why” (The Trap): Care, Custody, and Control (Again)
If you are a cleaner, the cat is not legally in your “Care, Custody, and Control” (you aren’t a pet sitter). Therefore, the cat is “Third Party Property.”
If you negligently let it out, General Liability should cover the “value” of the cat.
The Trap: The value of a cat is the replacement cost (adoption fee: $100). The client wants $50,000 for their broken heart. GL does NOT cover emotional distress from property loss.
The Investigation: Covering the Furry Clients
I researched how insurers handle pet loss for non-pet businesses.
1. Business Liability (Travelers)
- My Analysis: They will pay the “Market Value” of the cat. They will deny the emotional distress claim and defend you in court against it.
2. Pet Services Insurance (PCI)
- My Analysis: If you advertise “Pet Friendly” or offer to feed the cat, you are blurring the line into Pet Sitting.
- The Solution: Buy a pet sitter policy ($200/yr). It has “Lost Key / Lost Pet” coverage included.
3. Arbitration
- My Analysis: Most of these cases settle in mediation. The insurance lawyer is key here.
Comparison Table: Pet Loss
| Claim Type | General Liability Covers? | You Pay? |
| Cost of Cat ($2,000) | Yes | Deductible |
| Reward Posters ($500) | Maybe (Mitigation) | Likely |
| Emotional Distress ($50k) | No | $50,000 (Risk) |
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a ‘Pet Safety Checklist’ used by cleaning crews]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Immediate Mitigation: Help look for the cat. Print posters. This shows “Good Faith” and helps in court.
- Report to Insurance: Call immediately. “I accidentally let a pet escape.”
- The “Pet Clause” in Contract: “Client is responsible for securing pets. Contractor is not liable for escaping pets if left unsecured.”
- AirTags: In 2026, many clients have AirTags on pets. Ask immediately: “Is there a tracker?”
FAQ Section
What if the cat gets hit by a car?
That is “Property Damage” (the cat) and potentially “Vet Bills.” GL covers the bills up to the value of the cat.
Can I be charged with animal cruelty?
Unlikely for an accidental escape. That requires intent or gross negligence.
Does this apply to dogs biting me?
That’s a different article (Workers Comp). This is about losing the animal.