Running a dog grooming business is rewarding, but it also comes with risks. Accidents, injuries, and unexpected events can lead to costly claims. Insurance helps protect your business, your equipment, and your clients—both human and furry.

Here are the key types of insurance every dog grooming service should consider:

General Liability Insurance

Every grooming business needs general liability coverage. This insurance protects you if someone gets hurt or their property gets damaged because of your business.

If a customer slips on a wet floor, or if a dog chews up someone’s handbag in your shop, this policy helps. It can pay for medical bills, legal defense, and settlements. Without it, you could be responsible for those costs out of pocket.

Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)

Grooming involves skill—and sometimes, mistakes happen. Professional liability insurance protects you if a client accuses you of negligence, poor grooming, or causing harm to their pet.

Maybe you nick a dog’s skin with clippers or use a product that causes an allergic reaction. This coverage helps with legal fees, damage awards, and court settlements. It protects your reputation and your finances when professional errors are at the center of a claim.

Animal Bailee Coverage

When customers leave their pets with you, you’re legally responsible for their safety. Animal bailee coverage protects you if a pet is lost, injured, or dies while in your care.

If a dog runs away, gets sick, or gets hurt while being groomed, this coverage helps pay for vet bills, recovery efforts, or the pet’s value if the worst happens. It’s essential peace of mind for any business that works hands-on with animals.

Commercial Property Insurance

You’ve invested in equipment, tools, and space. Commercial property insurance protects your business assets from damage or theft.

If a fire destroys your grooming tables, dryers, or computers—or a break-in results in stolen tools—this policy pays to repair or replace them. It also covers fixtures, signage, and inventory. Whether you rent or own your space, this insurance protects what keeps your business running.

Business Interruption Insurance

Disasters don’t just damage buildings—they can shut down your business. Business interruption insurance helps cover lost income and fixed costs if you’re forced to close temporarily due to a covered event.

If a fire, storm, or vandalism makes your grooming salon unusable, this policy pays for your lost revenue and regular expenses like rent, payroll, or utilities. It helps you stay afloat until you can reopen.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Do you offer mobile grooming services? Or drive to clients’ homes? If your business uses vehicles, you need commercial auto insurance.

This policy covers vehicle damage, accidents, and liability if someone gets hurt during a business-related trip. It also covers theft, vandalism, or damage from weather. Your personal auto insurance won’t cover claims that happen while working, so this policy is a must.

Optional Coverages to Consider

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you hire employees, most states require this. It covers medical bills and lost wages if a staff member gets injured while working.

• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: This helps when your grooming tools, dryers, or water heaters stop working due to mechanical failure.

• Cyber Liability Insurance: If you store client information digitally, this covers data breaches, ransomware, and privacy claims.

• Umbrella Insurance: This provides extra liability coverage beyond your other policies, offering added protection for large claims or lawsuits.

Why It Matters

Dog grooming is more than just a business—it’s a responsibility. You care for people’s beloved pets. One small mistake or accident can lead to major expenses. Having the right insurance helps you stay protected, professional, and prepared.

Whether you operate a grooming salon or a mobile service, insurance builds trust with your clients and gives you peace of mind.

Need help building an insurance plan for your dog grooming business?
Call Combined Insurance Service LLC at 816-847-1911 today. We’ll help you find coverage that fits your business, your budget, and your peace of mind.