Why Pet Groomers Need Insurance

A customer visiting a mobile grooming van stepped on a wet ramp and fell, fracturing her wrist. She was unable to work for six weeks. Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering totaled $18,500. The groomer's general liability policy covered the claim after the deductible.

A mobile groomer's water hose disconnected while set up outside a client's home. The uncontrolled water flow entered the laundry room through a vent, causing $6,200 in water damage to flooring, drywall, and the client's belongings. The general liability property damage coverage handled the claim.

A grooming salon client's young child touched a hot dryer nozzle left briefly unattended and received a minor burn on her hand. The family filed a medical expenses claim for $3,100 covering the ER visit, specialist follow-up, and burn treatment supplies.

A customer picking up their dog tripped over a grooming table leg positioned near the lobby area and fell, injuring their knee. The injury required arthroscopic surgery and several months of physical therapy. Total medical costs and lost wages amounted to $24,000.

While setting up for a mobile appointment, the groomer's extended water hose swung back and knocked over an expensive decorative outdoor planter. The planter fell into the client's glass storm door, shattering it. The total property damage claim was $2,800.

A competing groomer claimed that a salon's online advertising copy closely mimicked their trademarked business slogan. The competing business filed a cease and desist and subsequently pursued a legal claim. Legal defense fees and the eventual settlement totaled $8,500.

Several days after a grooming appointment, a dog developed a significant skin irritation the owner attributed to the grooming products applied during the session. The owner demanded reimbursement for veterinary dermatology visits and medicated treatments. Claim settlement: $1,900.

While a client's dog was being held at the reception counter, the dog bit a delivery person who entered the grooming shop. The delivery person's medical claim for lacerations, a tetanus shot, and follow-up care totaled $7,400. The groomer was held liable as the premises owner.

A dog slipped through a latch that had not been fully secured in the kennel area and escaped from the grooming facility. The dog ran into the street and was struck by a passing vehicle and killed. The owner sought replacement value for the show-quality purebred dog. Claim: $3,500.

An elderly cat died during a grooming appointment. Veterinary examination confirmed the death was caused by a pre-existing heart condition, not the grooming procedure. Nevertheless, the owner filed a claim for the cat's value and the emotional distress of the unexpected loss. Settlement: $1,200.

A small electrical fire broke out in a back storage area of a grooming facility. Two dogs kenneled nearby were injured by smoke inhalation before staff could safely evacuate them. Emergency veterinary care, boarding during the facility's closure, and owner compensation totaled $9,400.

A small dog slipped in the grooming tub while being bathed and broke a front leg in the fall. The dog required emergency veterinary care, surgery to set the fracture, and a follow-up cast application. The owner's claim for all veterinary expenses was settled at $2,800.

A cat escaped while being transferred from its carrier to the grooming area through an exterior door that was momentarily open. Despite extensive searching by the groomer, staff, and owner over several days, the cat was never found. The owner filed a claim for the value of the purebred cat. Claim: $2,000.