Business insurance for dog trainers and behaviourists


For a dog trainer, insurance can help protect your business from the unpredictable nature of working with man’s best friend.

Someone might experience an accidental injury during a dog training club agility session, or an owner might say your obedience classes have made their puppy’s behaviour worse. Business insurance, tailored to include a liability policy for accidents and indemnity cover for mistakes, plus protection for property, can help provide reassurance for a dog trainer or animal behaviourist.

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Why choose Hiscox for dog trainers and behaviourists' insurance?


1

Tailored insurance

Tailor your insurance to the specific needs of a dog trainer and only pay for the cover need

2

Award-winning service

Proud winners of the Feefo Platinum Service award in 2024, Hiscox is rated 4.8/5 by real customers on Feefo over the past year, with 3602 total reviews 

3

Swift, flexible cover

Buy online in minutes – with our flexible approach, you can pay monthly and make unlimited changes

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Why do dog trainers and pet behaviourists need insurance?


A training injury

Things can be busy for a dog trainer, whether you’re teaching basic commands to animals with behaviour issues or preparing a talented terrier for a competition. 

If an owner becomes injured tripping over a stray lead, falling on weave poles or has their smart phone smashed during your dog protection class, you could be held liable. When you run a dog training club, there might be just as many owners as furry friends – public liability insurance can help if someone claims for an injury sustained during your session.

Dog behaviour deterioration

When a dog is brought to you to with behavioural issues, your expertise and professional services are relied upon. Thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations, your new customers know their pet is in good hands. Pet behaviour can be unpredictable, however, so an owner might say there were faults in your work if their pooch doesn’t make the desired transformation. 

When a client says your obedience training with a boisterous beagle has made their behaviour worse, they could begin proceedings citing professional negligence. Professional indemnity insurance can help a dog trainer with the defence and settlement of such a claim.

Damaged equipment

Agility classes are a popular offering at your dog training school – and you have a full complement of equipment to help your clients enjoy a great service. If your tunnels, pause tables, bar jumps or see-saws are ripped or dented during your travels, insurance for property away and in transit could step in. 

Portable equipment insurance can provide welcome support for a dog trainer if you need to replace or repair vital kit.

What insurance is available for dog trainers and behaviourists?


A dog trainer might choose to tailor their policy with other cover types, including personal accident insurance, cyber cover and legal protection. Employers’ liability insurance may also be required by law (external link) if you employ other pet behaviourists at your dog training club.

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Insurance for dog trainers and behaviourists: FAQs


Do you need insurance as a dog trainer?

A dog trainer may find they need insurance – especially if they were unable to fund legal proceedings or pay compensation sums without it.

Employers’ liability insurance is legally mandated (external link) for most UK businesses with staff – so if you employ another dog trainer at your training club, you may need a policy.

Other insurance products can offer financial and reputational protection for a small business or self-employed dog trainer. A public liability policy might be a key consideration, while professional indemnity insurance can assist if a client claims you’ve made a mistake.

Additionally, portable equipment cover can help to repair or replace key training items.

What credentials should a dog trainer have?

In the UK, a dog trainer doesn’t need official qualifications. However, to be an expert in the field, there are many courses and CPD options you should consider.

For instance, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (external link) (APDT) offers a range of courses, resources and carry out official APDT member assessments.

It’s also becoming more common for respected dog trainers and pet behaviourists to have diplomas, undergraduate degrees or graduate degrees in animal behaviour.

Having a comprehensive understanding of certain laws may also be helpful, including:

  • The Animal Welfare Act (2006)
  • Dangerous Dogs Act (1991, 1997)
  • The Dogs Act (1871, 1906, 1953)
  • The Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act (2014)
  • The Animals Act (1971)

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