If you’re running a pet grooming business, you’ve probably asked yourself this at some point:
“What would happen if a dog got injured during a grooming session?”
“Am I covered if someone trips in my lobby or my van gets rear-ended?”
You’re not alone. Pet grooming combines personal service with high liability—animals, tools, chemicals, and human customers in close proximity. One wrong move, and you could be facing a five-figure vet bill, legal claim, or worse—shutting down entirely.
I’m Zach Davis, owner of Pet Business Insurance. We help groomers across the country protect their businesses with the right insurance, without wasting money on coverage they don’t need. This article will walk you through the best insurance options for pet grooming businesses, explain what each policy covers, and help you decide what’s best for your setup.
General Liability Insurance: The First Policy Every Groomer Needs
If a client or visitor is injured at your facility, general liability is your financial protection.
This is the foundational policy for any grooming operation. General liability covers third-party bodily injury and property damage—think of someone slipping on a wet floor or a dog owner tripping over a grooming table cord.
Why it matters: Without this, one injury claim could bankrupt your business.
Bonus Tip: If you rent your space, your landlord probably requires this as part of your lease.
Animal Bailee Insurance: Coverage for Pets in Your Care
This is the policy that protects you if a pet is injured, lost, or dies while in your care.
Animal bailee is critical for groomers. It covers vet bills, legal costs, and in some cases, the cost of replacing a pet. Coverage can apply whether it’s a grooming accident, an allergic reaction to shampoo, or an unexpected escape.
Many groomers assume general liability covers pet injuries—but it doesn’t.
Watch for this: Some bailee policies exclude certain breeds, species, or mobile grooming situations. Always read the fine print.
Professional Liability Insurance: Protection from Accusations of Negligence
Even the best groomers make mistakes—and some clients will file claims, even if they’re wrong.
Also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, this coverage protects you if you’re accused of providing poor service, using the wrong tool, or making a grooming mistake that causes harm.
Example: A dog’s skin gets irritated from a grooming product and the owner demands compensation. Professional liability would help cover legal and settlement costs.
Without it? You’d be paying defense fees and damages out of pocket.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Required in Most States if You Have Employees
If your groomer gets injured on the job—lifting a large dog or getting bitten—you’re responsible.
Workers’ comp pays for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages if employees are hurt while working. Most states require it even if you have just one part-time worker.
Skipping this can lead to serious fines—even lawsuits.
If you’re a solo groomer: You may not need this. But once you start building a team, it’s mandatory.
Business Personal Property: Protect Your Grooming Equipment
Your clippers, tables, dryers, and computer system aren’t cheap—could you replace them today if they were stolen or destroyed?
Business personal property (BPP) insurance covers physical items you own or lease inside your business. Fire, theft, water damage—this is the policy that helps you recover quickly.
Important for mobile groomers: You may need inland marine coverage if your tools travel with you.
Commercial Auto Insurance: For Mobile Grooming Vans
If you’re grooming from a van or driving between clients, personal auto insurance won’t cut it.
Commercial auto covers vehicle damage, liability, and equipment inside your vehicle. It also helps if you cause an accident while driving for business.
Make sure: Your policy includes coverage for the value of the equipment inside—not just the van itself.
Umbrella Insurance: Extra Protection for High-Exposure Businesses
Umbrella policies kick in when your main liability policies are maxed out.
If you’re running a high-volume grooming shop or dealing with specialty breeds that pose added risk, umbrella coverage is a smart move. It’s relatively inexpensive and adds an extra layer of protection.
Which Insurance Is Right for Your Pet Grooming Business?
Here’s how to think about building your insurance portfolio:
| Business Type | Essential Coverages |
| Solo Groomer (Booth Rental) | General Liability, Animal Bailee |
| Brick-and-Mortar with Employees | General Liability, Animal Bailee, Workers’ Comp, Professional Liability, BPP |
| Mobile Grooming Van Owner | Commercial Auto, Animal Bailee, General Liability, Inland Marine (for equipment) |
| High-Risk / High Volume Operations | All of the above + Umbrella Policy |
Don’t overpay for bundled packages with generic coverage. Get insurance tailored to how you actually operate.
What Should You Do Next?
By now, you know what each policy does and how they apply to different grooming setups. The next step is figuring out where you may have gaps.
Watch our video on the most common insurance mistakes groomers make—it’s short, straight to the point, and could save you from a five-figure surprise. Find it on the Pet Business Insurance YouTube channel.
Conclusion: Secure Your Business, Protect Your Reputation
At the end of the day, we’ve all faced the pressure of working with animals in unpredictable environments. Whether it’s dealing with an anxious pet, a frustrated owner, or expensive grooming equipment, things can go wrong fast.
Now that you understand your insurance options, it’s time to take control.
You don’t need to be an insurance expert—that’s what we’re here for. I’m Zach Davis, and at Pet Business Insurance, we help groomers across the country sleep better at night knowing they’re covered.
Let’s talk about how to protect your business. Schedule a quick consultation or reach out with your biggest questions—we’re here to help.
