Running a pet boarding business involves significant responsibilityâand liability. Understanding legal requirements and having proper insurance protects your business, your clients, and the animals in your care.
Business Structure & Registration
Choosing Your Business Structure
Sole Proprietorship: Simplest but offers no personal liability protection. Your personal assets are at risk if the business is sued.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most common for pet care businesses. Separates personal and business assets while maintaining operational flexibility.
Limited Company (Ltd): More formal structure with additional compliance requirements but stronger liability protection.
Recommendation: Most pet boarding facilities operate as LLCs (US) or Ltd companies (UK) for liability protection.
Required Registrations
- Business name registration
- Tax registration (EIN in US, VAT if applicable in UK)
- Local business licence
- Animal boarding licence (jurisdiction-specific)
- Planning permission (if converting property)
Essential Insurance Coverage
Public Liability Insurance
What it covers: Third-party injury or property damage claims. If a client trips in your facility or a dog injures a visitor, this covers legal costs and settlements.
Recommended minimum: ÂŁ1-2 million (UK) / $1-2 million (US)
Care, Custody and Control (Bailee) Insurance
What it covers: Animals in your care. If a dog is injured, becomes ill, escapes, or dies while boarding, this covers veterinary costs, replacement value, and legal defence.
This is the most important insurance for pet boarding. Standard public liability often excludes animals in your custody.
Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions
What it covers: Claims arising from professional negligenceâwrong medication given, missed feeding instructions, inadequate supervision.
Property Insurance
What it covers: Your building, equipment, and business contents against fire, theft, flood, and other damage.
Employersâ Liability Insurance
What it covers: Required if you have employees. Covers workplace injuries and illness claims from staff.
Required in UK: Minimum ÂŁ5 million coverage mandatory for employers.
Business Interruption Insurance
What it covers: Lost income if you canât operate due to covered events (fire, flood, etc.). Helps cover ongoing expenses during recovery.
Insurance Cost Expectations
| Coverage Type | Typical Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Public Liability (ÂŁ1m) | ÂŁ200-500 |
| Bailee/Animal Care | ÂŁ300-800 |
| Property | ÂŁ500-1,500 |
| Employersâ Liability | ÂŁ150-400 |
| Combined Package | ÂŁ800-2,000 |
Costs vary significantly based on:
- Location and facility size
- Number of animals boarded
- Services offered
- Claims history
- Security and safety measures
Contracts & Service Agreements
Client Service Agreement
Every client should sign a service agreement covering:
Services provided:
- Exactly whatâs included (accommodation, feeding, exercise, medication)
- Whatâs not included (grooming, training, transport)
Fees and payment:
- Rates and when payment is due
- Deposit requirements
- Cancellation and refund policy
- Late pickup fees
Animal requirements:
- Vaccination requirements
- Health and behaviour requirements
- Age and breed restrictions
Owner responsibilities:
- Accurate information about petâs health and behaviour
- Emergency contact availability
- Authorisation for emergency veterinary care
Liability provisions:
- Your duty of care
- Limitations on liability
- Indemnification for pre-existing conditions
- Force majeure clauses
Emergency Veterinary Authorisation
Separate or included in service agreement:
- Authorisation to seek emergency care
- Spending limit without prior approval
- Preferred veterinarian details
- Payment responsibility
Photo/Video Release
If you share photos on social media or marketing:
- Get explicit consent
- Specify where images may be used
- Allow opt-out option
Vaccination Requirements
Standard Requirements (Dogs)
- Rabies (legally required in many jurisdictions)
- DHPP/DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
Optional but Recommended
- Canine Influenza (H3N2 and H3N8)
- Leptospirosis
Documentation
- Require written proof from veterinarian
- Set minimum time since vaccination (typically 48-72 hours before boarding)
- Track expiration dates
- Maintain vaccination records
Health & Safety Compliance
Facility Standards
- Adequate space per animal
- Proper ventilation and temperature control
- Non-porous, cleanable surfaces
- Secure fencing and containment
- Fire safety equipment
- Emergency exits and evacuation plan
Operational Standards
- Cleaning and sanitation protocols
- Isolation procedures for sick animals
- Incident documentation
- Staff training records
- Health and safety policy
Record Keeping
Maintain records of:
- All animals boarded (dates, details, health notes)
- Vaccination records
- Medication administration
- Incidents and injuries
- Cleaning logs
- Staff training
Keep records for minimum 3-5 years (check local requirements).
Handling Incidents
When an Animal is Injured or Becomes Ill
- Provide immediate first aid
- Contact veterinarian if needed
- Notify owner promptly
- Document thoroughly (timeline, witnesses, photos)
- Complete incident report
- Notify insurer if claim is possible
When You Receive a Complaint
- Listen without being defensive
- Acknowledge the concern
- Investigate thoroughly
- Respond in writing
- Document all communications
- Involve insurer if legal action is threatened
Documentation Best Practices
- Time-stamped notes
- Photos and video where appropriate
- Witness statements
- Preserve all communications
- Store securely with backup
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance if Iâm just starting out?
Yes. Insurance is essential from day one. A single incident without coverage could end your business and impact personal finances.
Can I board dogs without a licence?
In most jurisdictions, no. Boarding dogs commercially requires licensing. Operating without a licence risks fines, closure, and inability to obtain insurance.
What happens if a dog injures another dog?
Your bailee insurance should cover veterinary costs. Document the incident thoroughly. Your service agreement should address liability for inter-animal incidents.
How do I handle a client who refuses to sign contracts?
Donât board their pet. Contracts protect both parties. A client who wonât sign is a red flag.
What if a dog has a pre-existing condition that worsens during boarding?
Your service agreement should require disclosure of health conditions and limit liability for pre-existing issues. Proper intake documentation protects you.
Conclusion
Legal and insurance compliance isnât optionalâitâs foundational to running a sustainable pet boarding business. Invest in proper coverage, use clear contracts, maintain thorough documentation, and stay current with regulatory requirements. The cost of doing it right is far less than the cost of one uncovered incident.
Related reading: How to Start a Kennel Business, Pet Boarding Business Plan Guide, Emergency Preparedness
