Are you confident your kennel insurance covers everything that could go wrong?
What if a dog bite or flash flood left you facing a $100,000 lawsuit or a complete shutdown?
In Nevada, running a boarding facility comes with high risks—from extreme desert conditions and exotic pet care to strict liability laws and costly claims. Without the right insurance, a single incident could wipe out your entire business.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Why generic business insurance isn’t enough for Nevada kennels
- The must-have insurance types to fully protect your operations
- How to balance comprehensive coverage with cost efficiency
Let’s break down the key protections every Nevada kennel owner needs to operate safely and confidently.
General Liability Insurance: Your First Line of Legal Defense
In a state with strict dog bite laws and high litigation rates, general liability insurance is non-negotiable.
This policy protects your facility from claims involving bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury related to daily operations.
Why It’s Essential in Nevada
- Strict liability for dog bites: You’re responsible, even if the animal had no history of aggression.
- High-value claims: A single incident can lead to six-figure settlements.
- Tourism-driven clientele: Celebrity-owned or high-value pets increase risk and potential liability.
What It Should Cover
- Dog bites and animal injuries
- Damage to client belongings (e.g., custom carriers or medications)
- Climate-related incidents (e.g., heatstroke from HVAC failure)
- Slip and fall accidents due to water, dust, or cleaning
Pro Tip: Minimum recommended coverage: $1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate. For luxury or large operations, increase those limits.
Animal Bailee Coverage: Safeguarding Pets in Your Care
Bailee coverage protects what matters most—your clients’ animals.
If a pet is injured, lost, or dies while boarding, this policy covers medical bills, loss of value, or replacement costs.
Vital for Nevada’s Luxury Pet Market
- High-net-worth pet owners expect high liability limits
- Show animals or breeding stock can be worth $25,000+
Key Protections
- Illness, injury, or death during boarding
- Emergency vet care, even without owner approval
- Escape or theft, with reimbursement for search costs or loss
What to Watch For
- Per-animal and aggregate limits
- Exclusions for older animals or specific breeds
- Coverage during extended stays or after scheduled pickup
Property Insurance: Protecting Your Facility Investment
Kennel facilities in Nevada are expensive to build—and expensive to repair.
From HVAC systems to custom outdoor structures, your property needs robust protection against extreme desert threats.
Unique Risks to Consider
- Flash floods that standard policies may not cover
- High winds and fire damage from dry desert air
- Climate control failure, risking both equipment and animals
Must-Have Inclusions
- Building and contents insurance
- Outdoor improvements (shade structures, dog runs, fencing)
- Equipment breakdown (HVAC, generators, pumps)
- Business interruption to cover lost revenue during repairs
Workers’ Compensation: Covering Your People—and Your Liability
Kennel work is physically demanding and risky.
From dog bites to lifting injuries, your staff needs protection—and so do you.
Required by Nevada Law
Covers full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Protects against:
- Bites and scratches
- Back injuries from lifting
- Slips on wet or dusty floors
- Chemical exposure from cleaning supplies
Lowering Costs with Safety Programs
- Train on animal handling, lifting, and hazard identification
- Maintain clean, dry surfaces and proper signage
- Implement return-to-work programs for faster recovery
Pro Tip: Good safety records = lower premiums via experience modifiers.
Professional Liability: Meeting Elevated Standards of Care
Pet owners expect expert care—and legal standards are catching up.
This insurance covers mistakes or perceived negligence in professional services.
Common Coverage Triggers
- Medication errors
- Delayed illness detection
- Improper restraint or handling
- Poor emergency responses
Also Covers Tech-Driven Risks
- Failures in automated feeders or climate control systems
- Negligence in monitoring or emergency protocols
Cyber Liability: Guarding Against Digital Disasters
Modern kennels rely on digital tools—and that makes you a target.
Cyber coverage protects against hacks, data theft, and operational shutdowns.
Key Vulnerabilities
- Client records (payment info, veterinary notes)
- Booking and payment platforms
- Security cameras and monitoring systems
What It Should Include
- Data breach response
- Ransomware attack protection
- Business interruption coverage
- Regulatory fine coverage
Pro Tip: Cyber coverage is affordable—typically under $3,000/year—but can save you from six-figure losses.
Choosing the Right Insurer: What to Look For
Not all insurers understand the nuances of kennel operations in Nevada.
Ideal Providers Should Offer:
- Specialized animal care experience
- Quick claims response with 24/7 availability
- Access to veterinary advisors
- Risk management and safety resources
Bonus: Look for monthly payment plans or premium financing to ease cash flow strain.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Business on a Solid Foundation
At the end of the day, kennel owners in Nevada face a unique blend of legal, environmental, and operational risks. This is especially true if you serve high-end or tourist clientele, operate in extreme climate zones, or house valuable animals.
Now that you understand the essential coverage types and what’s at stake without them, your next step is simple: get a quote tailored to your facility, your risks, and your budget.
We specialize in kennel insurance built for Nevada boarding facilities. Reach out now to get your personalized quote and ensure your business is protected—no matter what the desert throws your way.
