There are pet service providers in the UK who use Rover’s reimbursement program called ” Rover Guarantee” for peace of mind. It sounds reassuring, a safety net in case something goes wrong during a booking.
But here’s the truth: the Rover Guarantee is not insurance, and it leaves several important gaps that could cost you financially if an incident happens.
If you’re running a professional or semi-professional pet care business, it’s important to understand the difference between the Rover Guarantee and a comprehensive pet business insurance.
Understanding the Rover Guarantee
The Rover Guarantee is Rover’s built-in protection for bookings made and paid for through the Rover platform. It can reimburse certain costs if there’s an accident, injury, or property damage during a confirmed booking.
However, it’s not a regulated insurance policy. Rover handles claims on a discretionary basis, and the coverage is limited in both scope and amount.
Here’s a quick look at what Rover Guarantee actually includes:
- It only applies to Rover bookings. Anything arranged outside the platform isn’t eligible.
- It’s limited to specific accidents or damage, not ongoing issues or general care.
- Pet owners usually need to pay a small contribution of £50.
- It doesn’t apply to the pet service provider’s own injuries or damage to their personal property.
In short, Rover’s Guarantee is great for pet owners, but it’s not built to protect pet service providers like a proper insurance does.
What is pet business insurance?
Pet business insurance is regulated, professional-grade protection designed specifically for people who care for animals as part of their work including pet sitters, dog walkers, home boarders, and groomers.
Typical pet business insurance cover includes:
- Public liability insurance – protects you if a pet in your care causes injury or damage to someone’s property.
- Care, custody & control of animals – covers veterinary fees, theft, loss, or injury to animals in your care.
- Employer’s liability – required by law if you employ anyone, protects you if an employee is injured, falls ill, or makes a claim while working for your business.
- Professional indemnity – protection against claims of negligence or poor advice.
- Personal accident & equipment cover – helps if you’re injured or your business tools are damaged or stolen.
With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, Brooks Braithwaite provides specialised insurance cover for pet care businesses across the UK. We’ve paid more than £15 million in claims and offer protection for over 35 different pet care activities, from dog walking and pet sitting to grooming and boarding. Our flexible policies are built to cover the real risks of working with animals, whether you take bookings through platforms like Rover, work independently, or manage a team.
| Feature | Rover Guarantee | Brooks Braithwaite pet business insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Who it covers | Rover sitters during Rover bookings only | You, your staff, and every animal in your care |
| Legal status | Discretionary protection (not insurance) | Regulated insurance, underwritten by authorised insurers |
| Coverage period | Only during active Rover bookings | 24/7 cover for any professional pet care work |
| Vet bills | Limited to accidents during Rover bookings | Covers illness, injury, loss, or theft while in your care |
| Public liability | Up to £100,000 | Up to £5 million (policy dependent) |
| Injury to sitter | Not covered | Optional personal accident cover available |
| Property damage | Client’s property only | Client and business property both covered |
| Claim process | Discretionary, reviewed by Rover | Managed by regulated insurers, backed by the Financial Ombudsman Service |
| Use outside Rover | Not covered | Fully covered for all professional work |
*Prices and acceptance vary upon information supplied and cover selected. For your tailored quote, please check our website.
What the Rover Guarantee doesn’t cover
Many pet sitters are surprised when they learn what the Rover Guarantee doesn’t include.
Here are some common examples:
- Injury to you or your staff – Rover doesn’t cover medical bills or lost income if you or any of your staff is hurt on the job.
- Loss or damage to your own equipment – phones, keys, transport, leads, and crates aren’t protected.
- Work outside Rover – any off-platform bookings aren’t covered.
- Income protection – there’s no support if you can’t work after an accident.
- Illness or pre-existing conditions – the Rover Guarantee covers only certain accidents, not ongoing health issues or preventative care.
If you rely solely on Rover’s protection, you could be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses if an incident falls outside these limits.
Why professional pet business insurance matters
When you care for someone’s pet, you’re trusted with a member of the family, and that comes with responsibility and risk.
Having proper insurance shows clients you take your role seriously and that you’re prepared for the unexpected.
With pet business insurance, you get:
- Comprehensive protection for you, the animals in your care, and your clients’ property.
- Financial security if something goes wrong, without worrying about claim caps or exclusions.
- Professional credibility, helping you stand out in a crowded market.
- Regulatory compliance, as some councils require proof of insurance for boarding or day care licenses.
Real-world examples: Rover Guarantee vs pet business insurance
To put things in perspective, here’s how each works in practice.
Example 1: Dog injury on a walk
A dog slips during a walk and fractures a leg.
- Rover Guarantee: May reimburse some vet fees, but only if booked through Rover.
- Brooks Braithwaite: Covers vet fees for any dog in your care, no matter how the booking was made.
Example 2: Property damage at a client’s home
A nervous puppy chews a sofa leg.
- Rover Guarantee: Reimbursement is limited at Rover’s sole discretion.
- Brooks Braithwaite: Public liability covers the full cost (policy dependent).
Example 3: Injury to the sitter
You slip on wet pavement while walking a dog and can’t work for two weeks.
- Rover Guarantee: Personal injury to pet service providers are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Brooks Braithwaite: Personal accident cover helps with income loss and recovery costs.
A hand holding a piece of cardboard with a cat in the background
The bottom line
The Rover Guarantee exists to fill the gap for casual pet sitters unable or unwilling to pay for damage or injury they’re legally responsible for, but it’s not designed for professional pet care providers who depend on their work for income.
If you’re serious about pet care, whether you walk dogs, pet sit full-time, or run a boarding business, you need real, regulated pet business insurance to protect yourself and your livelihood.
Protect your pet care business today
Don’t leave your reputation or income to chance. Get the peace of mind that comes with real insurance: tailored to dog walkers, pet sitters, and animal care professionals across the UK.