Real Insurance Claims: What Every Pet Sitter Should Know

Learning from real insurance claims helps pet sitters understand the importance of coverage and improve their safety practices. Here are actual cases from Texas pet sitters, with names changed for privacy protection.

High-Cost Pet Injury Claims

Case Study 1: The Escaped Golden Retriever - Harris County *Claim Amount: $8,500*

Sarah, a pet sitter in Katy, was caring for Max, a 3-year-old golden retriever, during a severe thunderstorm. Despite following all safety protocols, Max became extremely anxious and managed to break through a screen door during a lightning strike. He ran into the street and was struck by a car.

Case Study 2: Dog Fight During Group Walk - Austin *Claim Amount: $6,200*

Mike, who offers group dog walking services, was supervising four dogs at Zilker Park when two dogs got into a serious fight. Despite his attempts to separate them, both dogs sustained injuries requiring veterinary care.

Property Damage Claims

Case Study 3: The Flooding Disaster - Plano *Claim Amount: $18,000*

Jennifer was pet-sitting for a week-long vacation when she accidentally left a bathroom faucet running while giving the dog a bath. The water overflowed for several hours, causing extensive damage to hardwood floors and the ceiling below.

The Bottom Line:

Every pet sitter featured here continues their business today because insurance protected them when unexpected incidents occurred. With 81% of claims involving pet injuries or property damage, professional insurance transforms potential disasters into manageable business expenses.