Like any business, there are risks that come with jobs in the veterinary industry.
As a veterinary professional, you work closely with your clients’ beloved animal friends. You’re the expert when it comes to keeping their pets healthy, well-groomed or cared for.
Like any business, there are risks that come with jobs in the pet professional industry. That’s why having business insurance is an important consideration. Let’s explore how business insurance can protect you as a veterinary professional and help safeguard your successes.
Why should veterinary professionals consider business insurance?
You probably already know that working with animals can be unpredictable! The perfect pooch may not always follow commands and cats can be out the door and up a tree in seconds. However, these aren’t the only risks you might face as a business owner. Working with human clients can also present unique challenges.
This is where business insurance comes in. Pet Professionals can create a safety net for when things go wrong, so they can get you back to work with as little interruption as possible.
Understanding the types of insurances for veterinary professionals
There are many different insurance products available in Australia. Here are two of the more commonly considered types of policies for pet professionals.
Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability insurance covers legal fees and compensation costs if a client, member of the public, or a supplier sues you for injury or damage to their property as a result of your alleged negligent business activity. *
Why is Public Liability an important consideration for pet pros?
Pet professionals often work in different environments, including inside private residences. If you accidentally damage a client’s property while working in their home, Public Liability insurance can cover you if they seek compensation from you as a result.
Public Liability is also helpful if clients visit you in your own clinic or premises. For example, say you run a cattery and a client is coming to pick up their cat. They slip and fall in the waiting area due to a spillage you forgot to clean up, resulting in an injury. If the customer pursues a claim against you as a result, your insurance policy will be there to cover you.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance* is an important form of protection for businesses that provide specialist services or professional advice. It is designed to respond to claims against your business for losses as a result of actual or alleged negligent acts or omissions in the provision of your professional service or advice. Professional Indemnity Insurance will also assist with the legal costs associated with responding to or managing claims which are covered by the policy.
Why is Professional Indemnity an important consideration for pet pros?
Depending on your job, you may provide professional advice or services to the pet owners you work with. Professional Indemnity insurance helps protect you if a client claims that they suffered a loss because of the advice or service you have provided.
For example, let’s say you own a pet shop and a customer asks for advice on caring for their dog. The customer misunderstands your instructions and their dog unfortunately passes away. Professional Indemnity can help cover the costs of hiring a lawyer to defend you in court.
Get Covered
Business insurance—specifically Public Liability and Professional Indemnity—can help protect pet professionals as they go about their jobs. It also signals to your customers and clients that you are a responsible business owner and someone they can trust with the care of their precious pets.
Head to www.petprofessional.com.au to get quotes on your insurance and use promo code WWG at checkout for a discount on the cost of your Professional Indemnity insurance.
*As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. The information contained on this web page is general only and should not be relied upon as advice.
