Most of you are aware of the many optional endorsements available under the PSI Liability policy, including In-Home Boarding/Daycare, Dog Training, Pet Grooming, and House Sitting, but did you know we now offer separate policies specifically for other types of Pet related services such as Therapy Dog Handlers and Pet Food/Treats Distributors and Manufacturers? Both of these products are unique in scope so for this briefing, I would like to share what each covers and what is required in underwriting to obtain a policy at reduced rates.
Therapy Dog Handler Coverage
Let's begin with the Therapy Dog Handler Coverage. Perhaps you already have a therapy dog that you take to a children's hospital or your local school system, or you may know someone that has a psychology practice that uses their therapy dog while working with patients. Often these facilities or building owners require you to carry liability insurance to bring your Therapy Dog into their facilities. Now, we are proud to offer coverage for all of the above via our Pet Care Affiliates' new Therapy Dog Handler Insurance plan. The plan includes $1,000,000 per occurrence liability coverage and $10,000 in vet medical coverage for your Therapy Dog, if injured while working in a therapeutic setting. Annual premiums start at $200 for 1 dog/1 handler and increase based on the number of dogs and a number of additional insureds needed.
However, our insurer does have some underwriting rules that are required in order to take out a policy. First, the policy does not cover service dogs, only therapy dogs. Second, in order to be accepted, you and your dog must be certified by a National Certification Program such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Pet Partners. Yes, both of these organizations do offer insurance coverage while participating in their own events. However, their insurance does not cover if you wish to do events that they do not sponsor, and it also does not cover if you use a Therapy Dog in your personal practice (social work, psychology, etc. The underwriters will not accept small local certification programs, but they will accept a few other certification programs that have had their certification vetted by the underwriters and received approval. One of the underwriting requirements includes sending in your certification and renewal certification every 24 months.
Coverage for Pet Food/Treat Distributors and Manufacturers
The second coverage we now offer via Pet Care Affiliates is a stand-alone policy for Pet Food/Treat Distributors and Manufacturers. This policy is designed to cover clients whose primary operations are distributing or manufacturing pet food/treats/snacks. It offers $1,000,000 per occurrence/$ 2,000,000 Aggregate limits for product liability coverage, should a pet or person be injured from your pet food product. The minimum premium starts at $250 annually and increases based on your gross sales.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding these new offerings or any of the coverage offered to PSI Members, please contact us at 1-800-962-4611, email at PSI@Business-Insurers.com, or visit our FAQ page and submit your own question.