How Much Does Pet Sitting Insurance Cost

Let’s talk money. How much does pet sitting insurance cost, and how can you budget for it?

In this post, I’ll give you the average cost in the UK and tell you what factors affect your premium. I’ll also tell you what you can do to bring down the cost of your pet sitting insurance and advise you when to think about changing your policy.  

If you’re just here for the numbers, here they are:

Want to know more about the ins and outs of pet sitting in general? Check out this ultimate guide!

What’s the Average Cost of Pet Sitting Insurance?

The cost of pet sitting insurance varies depending on how comprehensive your cover is, but it’s probably not as expensive as you might think.

Basic Cover

You can expect to pay around £10 per month for basic cover, or around £100 per year. 

I tested this at Petplan Sanctuary, one of my top 5 recommended pet sitting insurance providers, and this was accurate in September 2024.

Their basic cover includes Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, Loss/Theft of Keys, Care, Custody and Control of Animals and Custodial Responsibility.

Comprehensive Cover

Comprehensive cover costs around £20 per month or around £200 per year.

Again, I verified this at Petplan Sanctuary.

Their comprehensive package includes everything you’d find in their basic cover, plus Employer’s Liability, Theft of Money, Goods in Transit and Computer Business Equipment.

Some policies will offer different benefits in their package tiers and they all have their own pricing, but now you know what to expect as a ballpark figure. 

What Affects Your Premium?

Insurance companies look at several things when deciding how much to charge you. 

1. Coverage limits: Higher limits mean higher premiums. For example, £5 million in public liability coverage will cost more than £1 million.
2. Types of services: If you offer more services (like overnight pet sitting in addition to dog walking), you might pay more.
3. Number of pets: Some policies charge more if you look after multiple pets at once.
4. Your experience: If you’re new to pet sitting, you might pay more than someone with years of experience.
5. Location: Insurance might cost more in areas with higher claim rates.
6. Deductible: A higher deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) usually means a lower premium.
7. Your claims history: If you’ve made claims in the past, your premium might be higher.

Bringing Down The Price

While you shouldn’t skimp on necessary coverage, there are ways to keep costs down:

Bundle policies: If you need other types of insurance (like for your home or car), getting them all from the same company often comes with a discount.

Pay annually: Many insurers offer discounts if you pay for the whole year upfront instead of monthly.

Increase your deductible: This can lower your premium if you can afford a higher deductible. Just make sure you can actually pay the deductible if you need to make a claim!

Take safety courses: Some insurers offer discounts if you’ve completed pet first aid or animal handling courses.

Join professional organisations: Membership in pet sitting associations sometimes comes with insurance discounts.

When Should You Review our Policy?

Your insurance needs can change over time, so it’s important to review your policy regularly.

Set a reminder to review your policy at least once a year, or whenever your business changes significantly.

Did you start offering new services? Are you looking after more pets than before? Has your revenue increased? All of these could mean you need to update your coverage.

Here’s a practical budgeting plan for your insurance costs:

1. Estimate your annual premium: Based on your received quotes, estimate how much you’ll need to pay each year.
2. Divide by 12: Setting aside money each month can make budgeting easier even if you pay annually.
3. Add a buffer: Consider setting aside an extra 10-20% for potential premium increases or to cover your deductible if you need to make a claim.
4. Treat it as a business expense: Remember, insurance is a necessary cost of doing business. Factor it into your rates when setting your prices.
5. Look for ways to save: Can you bundle policies? Are you eligible for any discounts? Ask your insurer about ways to reduce your costs.
6. Consider the value, not just the cost: Insurance is about protection. A slightly more expensive policy that offers better coverage might be worth it for the peace of mind it provides.
7. Plan for the future: As your business grows, your insurance needs (and costs) might increase. Try to anticipate these changes and budget accordingly.

Conclusion: How Much Does Pet Sitting Cost?

Basic insurance costs around £10 per month, or £100 for the year. 

Comprehensive insurance costs around £20 per month or £200 for the year.

While keeping costs down is important, don’t let price be the only factor in your decision. The cheapest policy isn’t always the best value. Think about what you’re getting for your money and how well the policy protects your business.

Lastly, feel free to shop around. Insurance premiums can vary significantly between providers, so getting quotes from several companies is worth it. Just make sure you’re comparing like-for-like coverage.