As a pet care professional, finding the right insurance can feel like a maze, especially if your clients include XL Bullies or other restricted breeds. While standard insurers might say “no,” don’t lose hope – the right cover is out there; you just need to know where to look.
Since the government classified XL Bullies under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, many insurers have updated their policies to exclude them and other restricted breeds. This has made finding comprehensive cover a real challenge for many pet professionals.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. This guide will walk you through the key questions and concerns, showing you how to navigate the insurance market and secure the protection your business needs.
Jump to:
- Why is it hard to get business insurance for XL bullies?
- What to look for in a policy that covers XL Bullies
- How to find the right pet business insurance
Why is it hard to get business insurance for XL bullies?
Since XL Bully dogs are now classified under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, insurers see them as a higher risk. Even if a specific dog is gentle and well-behaved, this legislation adds a new layer of liability that insurers are wary of. To avoid potential complications, many have simply chosen to exclude these breeds from their policies altogether.
So, what does this mean for your pet business? It’s a big deal. Imagine an incident, even a small one, involving an XL Bully in your care. This could easily escalate into a hefty public liability claim. If your insurance policy excludes that specific breed, you’d be left to foot the bill for all legal fees and compensation costs. Suddenly, your business is in a tight spot financially. This is exactly why a standard, one-size-fits-all policy often isn’t enough to protect you.
What to look for in a policy that covers XL Bullies
When choosing pet business insurance, it’s important to look beyond the price and check that the insurer can cover the work you do. Some insurers can tailor the policy to your needs.
Explicit confirmation of breed cover
First and foremost, the policy must say that it provides cover for working with exempted XL Bully dogs. Do not rely on assumptions. This confirmation should be clear in the policy documents. An insurer who understands this risk will often provide a specific endorsement or clause confirming this cover is in place.
Public liability insurance for XL bully dogs
This is the most critical element of your insurance. It protects you financially if a dog in your care causes injury to a person or damages their property. Given the legal status of XL Bullies, you should consider a policy with a high limit of indemnity – the largest amount the insurer will pay for a claim.
Professional indemnity
Professional indemnity insurance is vital for pet professionals like dog trainers, behaviourists, or groomers who give expert advice or specialist services. It protects you against claims of professional negligence or bad advice that leads to a client’s financial loss or injury to their dog. For example, if a training plan for an XL Bully is called into question after an incident, this can cover the cost of any legal fees and claims of compensation.
Employers’ liability
If you employ any staff, including part-time workers or volunteers, Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. This covers you if an employee is injured while working with an XL Bully. Given the potential for serious injury when handling powerful breeds, ensuring your policy specifically covers you for these dogs is essential for protecting both your team and your business.
Questions to ask when taking out a policy
Asking the right questions when approaching an insurer is key to ensuring they can provide the cover you need. A great broker won’t shy away from these questions – they’ll give you clear, honest answers.
Here’s what the team at Brooks Braithwaite suggests asking:
- Can you confirm in writing that this policy covers my business activities with exempted XL Bully dogs? Verbal assurances are not enough; you need it documented.
- Are there any specific conditions I must follow when working with these breeds? The policy might require one-to-one walks, or for leads and muzzles to be used in specific situations, even in secure fields.
- What is the public liability limit, and does it include legal defence costs?
- Does the policy cover all aspects of my business, including walking, boarding, grooming, and training?
- Am I covered for incidents between animals? For example, if an XL bully dog in your care injures another dog, is that covered?
- Does my employer’s liability insurance also extend to staff working with restricted breeds? This is a critical question if you have employees.
How to find the right pet business insurance
With many mainstream insurers stepping back, finding cover means looking in the right places and taking a proactive approach.
Seek out a specialist broker
Choose a broker who lives and breathes pet businesses. These specialists have direct lines to underwriters who understand your risks. They’ve developed policies specifically for professionals working with all breeds – including those on restricted lists. Let them navigate the market and decode the fine print for you.
Be honest and upfront
When you’re grabbing a quote, transparency is your best friend. Disclose every detail of your business, especially if you work with (or plan to work with) XL Bully dogs. Hiding these details is considered non-disclosure, which could lead to your policy being cancelled right when you need to make a claim.
Read the fine print
Before you take out a policy, get your hands on the full policy wording. Don’t just skim the summary – dive into the definitions, the public liability section, and the exclusions. This is where insurers will outline limits or remove cover for specific breeds. Knowing exactly what’s excluded is just as important as knowing what’s covered.
Protecting your business and your passion
At Brooks Braithwaite, we’ve been providing specialist pet business insurance for over 50 years, so you can trust us to understand the unique needs of your work. We are one of the very few UK insurers offering cover for working alongside XL Bully dogs and other restricted breeds, helping you find tailored cover that fits the reality of your business.
Don’t leave your business unprotected. Get in touch with our team on 0345 982 5499 to see how we can support you and your business.