Whether you run puppy classes, one-to-one sessions or behaviour consultations, you’re responsible for other people’s dogs and the advice you give their owners. Our dog trainer insurance protects your business if something goes wrong, so you can focus on the training.
Dog Trainer Insurance
Specialist cover for dog trainers and behaviourists, protecting your business, your clients and the dogs you work with.
Do dog trainers need insurance?
Legally, no. You don’t need insurance to work as a dog trainer unless you employ staff, in which case employers’ liability is required by law. In practice, though, most trainers are insured. Dogs can be unpredictable, a client could say your advice made a problem worse, and venues and clients often expect to see proof of cover.
Read more in our blog, Why your pet business needs liability cover.
What insurance do you need to be a dog trainer?
Most trainers start with public liability and professional indemnity, then add other cover depending on how they work:
- Public liability. For injury or property damage caused to clients or the public, for example a dog bites someone at a class.
- Professional indemnity. For claims that you made a mistake or gave poor advice.
- Care, custody & control of animals. If dogs are in your care, for example in board-and-train. It can help with vet fees and more if a dog is hurt or lost.
- Employers’ liability. Required by law if you take on staff.
- Equipment and property cover. For your training equipment, money, keys and premises, depending on how you work.
Not sure what’s right for you? Our friendly team can talk you through it, or read Two pet business insurances you might be missing.
Cover Available for Pet Trainers & Behaviourists
Liability
Employers’ Liability
Public Liability
Professional Indemnity
Care of Animals
Care, Custody & Control of Animals
Inclusive of the following:
– Veterinary Fees
– Death of Animal
– Loss by Theft or Straying
– Advertising & Reward
– Animals in Transit
Custodial Responsibility
Buildings & Property
Property Damage
Accidental Damage cover is available under ‘Buildings’, ‘Contents’ and ‘Stock’ sections.
Cover available:
- Buildings
- Contents
- Stock
Money
Goods in Transit
Loss or Theft of Keys
Computer and Other Business Equipment
Specified All Risks
How much is indemnity insurance for a dog trainer?
Professional indemnity insurance protects you if a client claims you made a mistake or gave poor advice, and the cost depends on your business. The main things that affect the price of dog trainer insurance, including professional indemnity, are:
- The level of cover you choose.
- The type of training you do, such as classes, one-to-one sessions or behaviour work.
- Whether you employ staff or work alone.
- Whether dogs stay in your care.
- Any extras you add, such as equipment or money cover.
The quickest way to find out is to get a quote online, or call our friendly team on 0345 982 5499 and we’ll talk you through your options.
Make sure your cover keeps pace as you grow. Read Underinsurance: the paperwork oversight that costs animal businesses the most
How do you become a dog trainer?
Dog training isn’t regulated in the UK, so there’s no single route in. Most trainers begin with:
- Learning the craft. Courses, mentoring and hands-on experience with a range of dogs and owners.
- Choosing a speciality. Puppy classes, obedience, reactive dogs or behaviour consultations.
- Joining a professional body. It shows clients you take standards seriously.
- Getting insured. Do this before your first client. Clients and venues will ask for it.
- Setting up your business. Register as self-employed with HMRC, find a venue and set your prices and terms.
- Finding clients. Local vets, groomers and social media groups are a good start.
For more help, read our blogs, Top tips on setting up your pet business, How to grow your pet business and How animal businesses can create a calm and safe environment for dogs.
Training dogs from a breed on the restricted list? See Does pet business insurance cover XL Bully dogs?
Why choose Brooks Braithwaite as your broker?
- Pet business specialists. We’ve been insuring pet businesses for more than 45 years, so we understand how a dog trainer really works.
- Quick, easy quotes. Get a price online or over the phone, whichever suits you.
- Friendly, expert support. Our team is on hand to talk through your cover and answer your questions.
- Straightforward claims. If something goes wrong, we make it simple to get your claim moving.
Curious how a broker helps? Read our blog, The benefits of a broker.
Ready to protect your training business? Get a quote online, or call 0345 982 5499 to speak with our friendly team.