Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance Policy Information
Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance. As an animal shelter and pet rescue organization, you provide care and shelter for the creatures that you give refuge to. You also employ a staff, hire volunteers, and work with the general public.
As such, there are a number of risks that you are exposed to, and those risks can have a significant financial impact on your non-profit organization.
Animal rescue organizations take in abandoned animals, provide them with food, housing, and medical care, then attempt to place them for adoption. Some organizations will accept most domestic animals.
Others may specialize in breed-specific animals, such as greyhounds or pit bulls. Others may accept only exotic animals such as birds, reptiles or animals found in the wild.
Most rescue groups are funded by donations and adoption fees and are run by volunteers. Some have lodging facilities while others rely heavily on foster parents who care for animals in their homes until a permanent home is found.
When an animal is accepted by the organization, it is evaluated to determine whether it needs medical treatment and to identify any behavioral problems, such as aggression, that might disqualify it from adoption.
Animals suitable for placement with new owners receive medical care, including vaccinations and spaying or neutering, before being made available for adoption. Animals that are found to be extremely unhealthy or overly aggressive may be euthanized.
Your ultimate goal is to ensure that the critters you care for are healthy, healthy, and secure a permanent home. While you make every effort to ensure a happy ending for all, should trouble strike, you could end up facing serious financial repercussions.
To safeguard the animals in your care, the clients that you work with, the staff and volunteers that keep your shelter running, and your own personal assets, having the right type of animal shelter and pet rescue insurance coverage in place is crucial.
Animal shelter and pet rescue insurance protects your non-profit organization from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked animal shelter and pet rescue insurance insurance questions:
- What Is Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance?
- How Much Does Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Pet Rescues & Animal Shelters Need Insurance?
- What Type Insurance Do Animal Shelters And Rescue Organizations Need?
- What Does Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance?
Animal shelter and pet rescue insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for animal shelters and pet rescue organizations. This type of insurance can help protect these organizations from financial losses due to various risks, such as liability claims from injuries or property damage caused by the animals in their care, veterinary expenses, and loss of income due to events like natural disasters.
It can also provide coverage for things like theft, vandalism, and damage to the organization's property.
Overall, animal shelter and pet rescue insurance is an important tool that helps these organizations keep their operations running smoothly and protect their financial stability.
How Much Does Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small animal shelters and pet rescues ranges from $47 to $59 per month based on location, services offered, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Pet Rescues & Animal Shelters Need Insurance?
Pet rescues and animal shelters need insurance to protect themselves from potential financial losses caused by a variety of risks. Some examples include:
- Property damage: Insurance can cover the cost of repairs or replacements if the shelter or rescue's property is damaged by fire, storms, or other natural disasters.
- Liability: If someone is injured or their property is damaged by an animal from the rescue or shelter, liability insurance can help cover the cost of legal defense and any settlements or judgments.
- Animal care: Some insurance policies may cover the cost of medical treatments for animals in the shelter or rescue's care, as well as the cost of euthanasia if necessary.
- Volunteer and employee coverage: Insurance can provide coverage for volunteers and employees in case of injuries or accidents while working at the shelter or rescue.
Overall, insurance helps pet rescues and animal shelters to be prepared for unexpected events and protects them from financial losses. Animal shelter and pet rescue insurance also provides peace of mind and security for the staff, volunteers, and the animals they care for.
What Type Insurance Do Animal Shelters And Rescue Organizations Need?
Every animal shelter and rescue organization is different, and as such, the insurance needs for each operation will differ. The size of the organization, the type of animals you care for, and where your facility is located are just a few of the factors that will determine the type of insurance coverage you need.
Regardless of the specifics of your organization, there are a few key policies that every animal shelter and pet rescue center should carry, including:
- Commercial General Liability - Commercial general liability covers third-party property damage and bodily injury claims that occur as a result of negligence on behalf of your staff. For example, if a visitor trips slips on a puddle of water while touring your facility and sustains an injury, your commercial property insurance will help to cover the cost of any related medical care, as well as the legal fees that may arise if the individual files a lawsuit.
- Commercial Property - This type of coverage protects the buildings and the contents within them from any named perils, such as a fire, storm damage, vandalism, and theft. If a wind storm tears the roof off of your shelter and rain soaks the equipment and furnishings inside, your commercial property insurance will help to pay for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
- Directors & Officers - Often simply referred to as D&O insurance, this type of policy will cover any libelous actions of your board members; the inappropriate use of your organization's funds or fraud, for example. A directors and officers insurance policy will protect your animal shelter and cover any associated legal fees and settlements.
- Workers Compensation - If any employee or a volunteer sustains an injury while he or she is on the job, workers' comp insurance will help to cover the related medical care, lost wages, and any legal fees that may arise if the individual files a lawsuit. For instance, if an employee is bathing a dog and the dog mauls the employee, workers' comp insurance will pay for the medical care that is needed, lost wages, and other related expenses.
These are just some of the types of animal shelter and pet rescue insurance coverages that should be in place. Other coverage options might include commercial auto, inland marine, and commercial umbrella insurance.
Animal Shelters And Rescues Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure can be high if customers have access to areas with animals. The customer waiting area must be kept clean of animal waste and loose animals in order to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Leashes and carriers should be required to protect customers and other animals.
Enclosures should be secured to prevent escape, with each animal boarded separately to prevent attacks by other animals. Escaped animals could attack people or other animals, or cause damage to neighboring properties.
Off-premises exposures include visits to clients' premises. When animals are placed temporarily with foster families, the rescued animals could be aggressive to the family members, their pets, potential adopting families, and the general public.
Products liability exposure is from the animals placed for adoption. Veterinary records confirming appropriate inoculations should be maintained, along with evaluations of an animal's behavior.
Environmental impairment exposure is moderate due to the potential for air, surface or ground water, or soil contamination from the handling and disposal of biological waste material, including euthanized animals. The rescue organization must follow all federal and state procedures for disposal.
Workers compensation exposure is high due to the unpredictability of even the most domesticated animal. Workers may be injured by biting, scratching, kicking, or other attack. All employees must be trained in appropriate restraint techniques. Problem animals should be clearly identified so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Other common injuries include lifting that results in back strains or sprains, trips and falls, respiratory ailments from inhaling dander, and communicable diseases transmitted by animals. Workers should wear gloves and masks to prevent contamination from bodily fluids, particularly blood. Many rescue organizations have no employees, relying on volunteer labor.
Property exposure includes an office and boarding facilities for animals. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning, There may be laundry equipment used to clean bedding which can overheat. All should be well-maintained and meet current codes. Food and bedding supplies are combustible and should be stored away from heat sources.
Poor housekeeping can be a serious fire hazard. Animals and pharmaceuticals may be a target for theft or vandalism. All animal enclosures must be properly secured. Limited amounts of pharmaceuticals should be kept on premises. Controls should be in place to prevent access to the premises after hours. Alarms are recommended.
Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty and money and securities. Background checks should be conducted on all employees and volunteers handling money. Adopting individuals often pay the foster family at the time of adoption. Receipts should be provided and those monies forwarded immediately to the organization's treasurer. The drug PCP and other pharmaceuticals may be a target for theft. Animal anesthetic must be kept under careful control with limited amounts kept on premises.
Inland marine exposure is from computers and valuable papers and records for animal and adoptee information. Duplicates of all records should be made and kept off site. Inventory procedures must be in place to keep track of property at the homes of volunteers. There may be computers used for recordkeeping.
Business auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees running errands. Volunteers using their own vehicles may drive significant distances to pick up and deliver animals. If the rescue organization picks up or delivers animals, all drivers must be licensed with acceptable MVRs. All vehicles must be well maintained with documentation kept in a central location.
What Does Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance Cover & Pay For?
Animal shelters and pet rescues can face various lawsuits due to several reasons. Insurance policies like General Liability and Professional Liability can help protect these organizations by covering the costs associated with legal defense and damages if they are sued. Here are some common reasons for lawsuits and how insurance can help:
Personal injury or property damage: A visitor or volunteer may get injured while on the premises, or a pet might cause property damage. General Liability insurance can cover the costs of medical expenses, legal fees, and damages arising from these incidents.
Adoption errors or misrepresentation: If a shelter or rescue inadvertently provides incorrect information about an animal, adopters might file a lawsuit claiming negligence or misrepresentation. Professional Liability insurance can help cover the legal expenses and potential damages related to such claims.
Animal bites or attacks: If a pet from the shelter or rescue injures someone, the organization could be held liable. General Liability insurance can help cover the costs of medical expenses, legal fees, and damages resulting from such incidents.
Employment practices liability: Current or former employees could sue the organization for issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment. Employment Practices Liability insurance can help cover legal fees and any settlements or damages awarded in these cases.
Breach of contract: Shelters and rescues often work with various vendors or contractors, and disputes might arise regarding the terms of these contracts. Commercial General Liability insurance or Professional Liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal defense and any damages awarded in case of a breach of contract lawsuit.
Failure to provide adequate care: If a shelter or rescue fails to provide proper care to the animals, resulting in injury or death, they could face a lawsuit. Professional Liability insurance can help cover the legal fees and potential damages associated with such claims.
In conclusion, having the appropriate insurance coverage is essential for animal shelters and pet rescues to protect themselves from the financial burden of lawsuits. Each policy can help cover legal expenses, medical costs, and damages, ensuring the organization can continue its mission of helping animals in need.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 0752 Animal Specialty Services, Except Veterinary
- NAICS CODE: 812910 Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8831 Hospital - Veterinary & Drivers
0752: Animal Specialty Services, Except Veterinary
Division A: Agriculture, Forestry, And Fishing | Major Group 07: Agricultural Services | Industry Group 075: Animal Services, Except Veterinary
0752 Animal Specialty Services, Except Veterinary: Establishments primarily engaged in performing services, except veterinary, for pets, equines, and other animal specialties. Establishments primarily engaged in performing services other than veterinary for cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry are classified in Industry 0751. Establishments primarily engaged in training racehorses are classified in Services, Industry 7948.
- Animal shelters
- Artificial insemination services: animal specialties
- Boarding horses
- Boarding kennels
- Breeding of animals, other than cattle hogs, sheep, goats, and poultry
- Dog grooming
- Dog pounds
- Honey straining on the farm
- Pedigree record services for pets and other animal specialties
- Showing of pets and other animal specialties
- Training horses, except racing
- Training of pets and other animal specialties
- Vaccinating pets and other animal specialties, except by veterinarians
Animal Shelter And Pet Rescue Insurance - The Bottom Line
To learn more and ensure that your non-profit is properly protected with the right animal shelter and pet rescue insurance, speak to a skilled insurance broker about your specific needs.
Additional Resources For Non-Profit Insurance
Find useful articles on business insurance for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, charities and associations.
- Animal Shelter & Pet Rescue
- Charity
- Church
- Classic & Collector Car Clubs
- Fraternal Organization
- Goodwill Insustries
- Labor Union
- Libraries
- Nonprofit
- Parent Teacher Organization
- Public Administration
- Red Cross Chapters
- Salvation Army
- Social Work Services
- Veterans Groups
- Volunteers of America
- YMCA
- Youth Groups
- YWCA
- Specialty Community Service Organizations
- Specialty Nonprofit Agencies
The non-profit industry is an essential sector of society that plays a crucial role in addressing social issues, providing vital services, and promoting community development. Non-profits rely on donations, grants, and volunteer work to fund their operations, and any financial loss or liability can significantly impact their ability to serve their mission.
Insurance can protect non-profits from unexpected financial losses, accidents, and legal liabilities that can arise from their operations. For example, a non-profit organization may need insurance to cover damages to their property, injuries to volunteers or employees, or legal costs associated with lawsuits.
Non-profits also face unique risks such as loss of donations, damage to reputation, and loss of funding. Business insurance can help mitigate these risks by providing coverage for financial losses, reputational damage, and other non-tangible losses.
In addition, non-profits often work with vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. Insurance can protect non-profits from liabilities arising from the care and services they provide to these populations.
Overall, commercial insurance is an essential component of risk management for non-profit organizations. It helps protect the organization's financial stability, reputation, and ability to fulfill its mission and serve its community.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Directors and Officers Liability, Employee Benefits, Professional, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Flood, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Fine Arts, Musical Instruments, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.
