Claims Happen

Real World Scenarios from Kennels

Running a kennel or daycare means managing unpredictable behaviors, group-play dynamics, staff handling, facility risks, and high client expectations. Even with strong protocols, incidents happen — fast.

Below are the most common (and costly) types of claims facilities face — and how insurance protects your business.

Dog Fight During Group Play Causes Severe Injuries

Policy Triggered: Animal Bailee / Care, Custody & Control

What Happened:
During a mid-day playgroup, two large dogs escalated from roughhousing to aggression. Staff intervened quickly, but one dog sustained deep puncture wounds that required emergency veterinary care.

The owner alleged:

improper grouping
inadequate supervision
failure to separate dogs earlier

Claim Filed:
$4,800 in emergency vet bills + follow-up care.

Insurance Outcome:
Animal Bailee covered the vet bills and protected the facility from out-of-pocket expenses.

Lesson:
Even experienced staff can’t prevent every behavior escalation. Proper grouping protocols help — but bailee coverage is what saves the business financially.

Dog Escapes Through Front Door and Is Hit by a Car

Policy Triggered: Animal Bailee / CCC + General Liability

What Happened:
A client arrived to check in their dog. As the door opened, a small terrier slipped out of its leash, ran through the lobby, and bolted into the parking lot. The dog was struck by a moving car.

Claim Filed:
$9,200 for emergency treatment and recovery.

Insurance Outcome:
Animal Bailee covered the animal’s injuries; General Liability covered the third-party property damage (the driver’s vehicle).

Lesson:
Entry and exit points are the highest-risk areas in any kennel or daycare.

Staff Member Bitten During Feeding Time

Policy Triggered: Workers’ Compensation

What Happened:
A long-term boarding dog became food-aggressive. While a staff member was placing the food bowl inside the kennel, the dog lunged and bit their forearm. The bite required stitches and resulted in nerve irritation.

Claim Filed:
Medical bills, wage replacement, and therapy costs.

Insurance Outcome:
Workers’ Comp covered everything — no cost to the employee or business.

Lesson:
Animal handling injuries are among the top claims in boarding and daycare operations.

Illness Outbreak (Kennel Cough) Spreads Among Boarded Dogs

Policy Triggered: Animal Bailee / CCC

What Happened:
A dog boarded with mild, undisclosed respiratory symptoms. Within days, several dogs developed kennel cough. Multiple owners demanded reimbursement for vet care.

Claim Filed:
$6,000 total across six animals.

Insurance Outcome:
Covered by Animal Bailee (unless specifically excluded in the policy).

Lesson:
Screening helps — but contagious illnesses are an unavoidable risk in group settings.

Facility Floods Overnight — Damages Dogs’ Belongings & Kennel Equipment

Policy Triggered: Commercial Property + Business Interruption

What Happened:
A pipe burst overnight in the kennel wing. Staff arrived to several inches of water in the playrooms and kennels. Bedding, crates, toys, and cleaning supplies were destroyed.

Claim Filed:

$42,000 in damaged property
$18,000 in lost revenue during cleanup

Insurance Outcome:
Commercial Property paid for repairs and equipment replacement; Business Interruption covered revenue losses until the facility reopened.

Lesson:
Water damage is one of the top property claims in pet-care businesses.

Power Outage Leads to Heat Distress in Kennel Room

Policy Triggered: Property + Extra Expense + Bailee (depending on policy)

What Happened:
A severe storm caused a power outage overnight. HVAC shut down, leading to rising temperatures in the kennel room. Several dogs showed signs of heat stress and dehydration by morning.

Claim Filed:
$8,000 in veterinary care for affected pets.

Insurance Outcome:
Depending on the policy structure, Animal Bailee and Extra Expense responded.

Lesson:
Generators or heat alarms are critical risk-management tools for kennels.

Customer Slip-and-Fall in Reception Area

Policy Triggered: General Liability

What Happened:
A client picking up their dog slipped on water tracked in from dogs coming inside from the play yard. They fractured their ankle, requiring surgery.

Claim Filed:
$27,000 for medical costs, pain, and suffering.

Insurance Outcome:
General Liability covered the claim.

Lesson:
Boarding and daycare facilities have higher-than-average slip risks — wet floors, toys, excited animals, and constant movement.