Workers’ Comp Insurance for Pet Boarding and Daycare Employees
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
Running a pet boarding or doggy daycare business involves more than caring for pets—it also means protecting your employees. Handling animals, cleaning kennels, and managing active play areas carry real risks. That’s why workers’ compensation insurance is an essential part of pet boarding business insurance.
Understanding how workers’ comp works ensures your staff stays safe and your business stays compliant with state regulations.
What is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Workers’ compensation (workers’ comp) insurance provides medical coverage, wage replacement, and rehabilitation benefits to employees who are injured or become ill while performing work duties. For pet boarding and daycare facilities, common injuries include:
Dog bites or scratches
Slips and falls on wet floors
Lifting or handling large or multiple animals
Allergic reactions or stress-related injuries
Without workers’ comp, your business could face costly lawsuits or out-of-pocket medical bills.
Why It’s Critical for Kennels and Daycares
Most states require businesses with employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Even if your kennel is small, hiring part-time or full-time staff triggers this legal requirement.
Beyond compliance, workers’ comp protects your team and demonstrates that you value employee safety—a key factor in staff retention and building trust with clients.
How Coverage Works
Workers’ comp policies cover:
Medical expenses for on-the-job injuries
Lost wages if the employee cannot work
Rehabilitation costs
Legal defense if the employee sues for a workplace injury
Premiums are typically based on your payroll, number of employees, and the type of work performed. Pet care facilities may pay around $0.75–$2.50 per $100 of payroll, though rates vary by state and risk profile.
Partner with a Specialized Insurance Agency
Workers’ comp is just one piece of a comprehensive pet boarding business insurance policy. At Wexford Insurance, we help kennel and daycare owners combine workers’ compensation with other essential coverage, including:
Animal bailee coverage
We work with top-rated carriers to ensure your policy fits your services, staff size, and facility risks.
👉 Request a free pet boarding insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today to protect your employees and your business.
