Dog Grooming Insurance Cost: What Covers the Dog on Your Table

TL;DR: Insureon's median premiums for pet groomers who buy through it are $50 a month for general liability ($598 a year), or $65 a month for mobile groomers ($780 a year). But here's the catch: Insureon says general liability usually doesn't cover injuries to pets in your care. For that you need animal bailee coverage, usually added to your general liability policy.

These are one broker's customer medians, last updated in July 2025. Your quote depends on your state, your services, and your claims history.

A dog jumps off the table. A clipper nicks an ear. A nervous dog slips its loop in the van. These are the claims groomers actually worry about.

Insureon explains why a basic general liability policy may not pay for them. It has a "care, custody, and control" exclusion. In plain words: once the owner hands you the leash, the dog is in your care, and standard general liability doesn't cover injuries to it.

The fix is animal bailee coverage. "Bailee" just means someone looking after another person's property. Insureon says it can be added to your general liability policy as an endorsement (an add-on).

When you get quotes, ask this exact question: "Does this policy cover injury to a client's dog while it's in my care?" Get the answer in writing.

Insureon medians for pet groomers (updated July 10, 2025) and mobile pet groomers (updated July 11, 2025):

Insureon's typical groomer general liability policy has $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate. "Per occurrence" is the most it pays for one claim. "Aggregate" is the most it pays in a year.

Home or salon groomer:

1. General liability with animal bailee coverage.
2. A BOP if you rent or own a space. Insureon says it's the policy its agents most often recommend for groomers who rent or own a building.
3. E&O as you grow, for claims like a botched groom or a missed appointment.
4. Workers' comp when you hire.

Mobile groomer:

1. General liability with animal bailee coverage.
2. Commercial auto for the van. Ask your agent what your state expects for a business-owned vehicle. Your personal auto policy may not cover a converted grooming van used for business.
3. Coverage for your equipment. Insureon says mobile groomers without a shop may do better with business personal property (BPP) coverage than a BOP. BPP covers equipment stored at home and can be added to general liability.
4. Workers' comp when you hire a bather or second groomer.

Before your first hire, check your state's workers' comp rules. The U.S. Department of Labor keeps a list of state workers' compensation offices. Ask yours what applies to a business your size, including part-time staff.

1. List your services. Baths, full grooms, nail trims, de-matting, cats, mobile, at-home.
2. Count your gear. Van, table, tub, dryers, clippers, and their value.
3. Get two or three quotes. Ask every agent about animal bailee coverage by name.
4. Ask about limits on bailee coverage. What's the most it pays per animal? Some dogs are worth a lot to their owners.
5. Read the exclusions. Ask about pre-existing conditions, older dogs, aggressive dogs, and cats if you groom them.
6. Get your certificate of insurance (COI). Landlords and some clients will ask for it.
7. Set renewal reminders for each policy.

Insureon notes clear communication and documented agreements help you avoid negligence claims. For a groomer that means:

• A client registration form for every dog: owner contact, emergency vet, vaccines, health issues, behavior notes.
• A note at check-in of any existing cuts, lumps, mats, or skin issues. Take a photo.
• A service log for each visit: what you did and anything you noticed.

The Dog Grooming Business Documents Premium ($19.99) includes six core forms, including Client Registration, a Daily Operations Checklist, and a Service Log, as fillable PDFs, Word files, and browser forms. It doesn't include a liability waiver; ask a local lawyer about one.

The Dog Grooming Startup Guide ($7.99) has insurance planning prompts to help you prepare questions for an agent. For local rules, see Do I Need a License to Groom Dogs?

Insureon's median for groomer general liability is $50 a month ($598 a year), or $65 a month for mobile groomers (updated July 2025). Add animal bailee coverage and any other policies you need.

Often not. Insureon says the care, custody, and control exclusion means pets in your care aren't covered. Animal bailee coverage fills that gap.

Usually general liability with animal bailee coverage, commercial auto for the van, and coverage for your equipment. Workers' comp once you hire.

Check your homeowners policy. It may not cover business activity. Ask your insurer before you take paying clients.

Ask a licensed agent and your state's workers' comp office. Check your lease and any local permit for coverage they ask for, and ask your agent about auto coverage for a business-owned van.

Checked October 1, 2026.

• Insureon, "How much does dog grooming insurance cost?" updated Jul 10, 2025
• Insureon, "How much does mobile pet grooming insurance cost?" updated Jul 11, 2025
• SBA, Get business insurance (home-based business insurance as a homeowner's rider)

This is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Coverage needs vary by state and by the services you offer. Talk to a licensed insurance agent.