Business Owners Policy (BOP)
What Is a Business Owners Policy (BOP)?
A Business Owners Policy (BOP) bundles three core coverages into one small business policy: general liability, business property, and business interruption. Instead of juggling multiple policies, a BOP puts the basics in one place, sometimes with optional add-ons for pet care.
Think of it as the Pet Business Starter Pack if you own your own building and gear. You buy just one thing, but protect a physical space and expensive equipment or inventory.
- One policy, major business risks covered: Liability, property, and lost income protection all in one place
- Customizable: Add endorsements like Animal Bailee or Cyber Liability, depending on how you work. Note: You’ll probably need to adjust this policy with endorsements to cover pet care risks.
- A better fit for studios and shops: Designed for businesses with brick-and-mortar locations, gear, and inventory in a way that general liability insurance alone isn’t
- Often cost-efficient: Bundling is usually simpler and cheaper than buying policies one by one
Heads Up: A BOP is probably coverage overkill for pet pros who don’t run a facility or don’t invest heavily in equipment (vehicles don’t count).
That’s why we don’t offer BOPs right now at PCI — most of our pet pros simply don’t need them. We’ll clarify what a BOP does and doesn’t cover so you end up with the right amount and type of coverage without overpaying.
What Does a BOP Include?
General Liability: Covers physical injuries or property damage to others
A client slips in your grooming studio
One of your pet sitters accidentally dents a client’s door
Business Property: Protects your equipment, office furniture, inventory, or improvements to rented spaces if they’re damaged by a covered event
A fire damages your salon’s grooming tables and dryers
Cash drawers and your POS system are stolen during a break-in at your training facility
Business Interruption: Helps replace lost income and pay ongoing expenses if a covered event forces you to shut down temporarily
A tree limb falls on your daycare and you lose booked stays during repairs
Water damage forces your pet store to close while you replace flooring and inventory
Optional Add-Ons: Coverage options vary, but these are some common pet-pro add-ons:
- Animal Bailee: A dog suddenly starts limping after your training session
- Data Breach: A hacker cracks your booking system and steals client credit card info
- Equipment Breakdown: Your boarding facility’s HVAC system fails unexpectedly
- Hired & Non-Owned Auto (HNOA): A pet taxi employee causes an accident while driving a dog in their own car
What Doesn’t It Cover?
- Your pet taxi, pooper scooper, or mobile grooming vehicle (that’s Commercial Auto Insurance)
- Professional advice or errors (unless you add Professional Liability Insurance)
- Animals in your care (unless you can add Animal Bailee Insurance)
- Online risks (unless you can add Cyber Liability Insurance)
- Emergency vet bills (that’s Veterinarian Reimbursement)
- Damage to clients’ personal belongings (that’s Broadened Property Damage)
- Gear that travels with you (that’s Equipment and Inventory, aka Inland Marine)
- Standard exclusions like normal wear and tear, intentional damage, or events that aren’t covered (like war or terrorism)
When Do Pet Pros Need a Business Owners Policy?
A BOP may make sense if:
- You run a brick-and mortar grooming studio, training space, daycare, or boarding facility (especially if you own it or rent long-term)
- You invested in costly equipment or inventory that you can’t afford to replace
- Your income would take a big hit if a fire, flood, or storm shut down your facility
How a BOP Compares to Other Pet Business Coverages
Depending on your business, you may need a BOP, general and professional liability insurance, or just general liability plus a few pet care add-ons. Here’s how to know:
Swipe →
| Coverage | What It Protects | Best For |
|---|---|---|
|
BOP |
Liability, property, and business interruption |
Mid-size to large pet businesses with a location, gear, and income to protect
|
|
General Liability |
Injury or property damage to others |
Mobile pet care |
|
Professional Liability (E&O) |
Claims from your professional services or advice |
Groomers, behavior training, or specialized consulting |
Big Takeaway
As your pet business grows, so does what’s at risk. A Business Owners Policy (BOP) is designed to protect not just your work with clients and their pets, but also your space, gear, and ability to keep earning if something goes wrong.
A BOP may or may not be coverage you need right now, but it’s good to understand your options and plan to scale your coverage with your business.
Keep Sniffing Around
- General Liability
- Professional Liability (E&O)
- Business Interruption
- Animal Bailee
- Hired & Non-Owned Auto (HNOA)
- Inland Marine / Tools & Equipment Coverage
Kyle Jude | Program Manager
Kyle Jude is the Program Manager for PCI, where he helps design and maintain liability coverage specifically for pet professionals. With 10+ years of insurance industry experience, he works closely with carriers, underwriters, and compliance teams to ensure PCI coverage stays accurate, responsive, and relevant to real-world risks. At home, he puts that same expertise to use wrangling his four beloved dogs
Kyle Jude is the Program Manager for PCI, where he helps design and maintain liability coverage specifically for pet professionals. With 10+ years of insurance industry experience, he works closely with carriers, underwriters, and compliance teams to ensure PCI coverage stays accurate, responsive, and relevant to real-world risks. At home, he puts that same expertise to use wrangling his four beloved dogs