Certificate of Insurance (COI)
What Is a Certificate of Insurance?
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document that proves your pet business has active insurance.
Think of it like a receipt. Your COI gives an overview of the insurance you bought, including who you are, what coverage you have, your limits, and the dates your policy is active.
Event venues, clients, landlords, and pet care apps frequently ask for a COI to confirm that you’re insured. It’s a totally normal ask, and you can usually get one in minutes. Here’s what you need to know:
- It’s the document people need to say yes to working with you. Some landlords, property owners, and clients won’t let you start work until they’ve seen your COI.
- It doesn’t create or expand coverage. Sending a COI doesn’t change your policy. It just shows what coverage you already have.
- Most requests are routine. Usually, requesters just need the correct name, address, and dates from your COI to be good to go.
- Accuracy prevents delays. COIs are often rejected for small errors. Double-check spelling, legal names, and effective dates before sending.
How to Get a Certificate of Insurance With PCI
Need a COI like right now? We make it quick and easy. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your online dashboard.
- Locate the Download Documents section.
- Click on Proof of Insurance to download your COI.
Print or download your COI and share it electronically with anyone who needs proof of insurance. You have unlimited downloads and can access your COI 24/7.
Need to add an additional insured and send them a COI? Add an additional insured via your dashboard first, then download your updated COI to make sure the new info is visible.
What a COI Includes (and What it Doesn’t)
This sample COI gives you a preview of what your document will look like. A COI is broken up into a few key sections.
The COI sections most important for a pet professional are:
- Your business name: Should match your name or business name exactly
- Your insurance carrier: The company that backs your insurance financially
- Coverage types: The types of policies included in your coverage (like general liability)
- Policy limits: The maximum amount your policy will pay for covered losses
- Effective and expiration dates: The days when your coverage starts and stops
- Certificate holder: The person or organization that requested proof of insurance. Being a certificate holder doesn’t give them coverage under your policy or any control over it.
What a COI doesn’t include:
- Full policy language
- Every exclusion or condition
- Guaranteed protection for the certificate holder
If someone needs actual coverage under your policy (not just to check that you’re insured), that’s handled through endorsements, like adding an additional insured.
When You’ll Be Asked for a COI
Pet pros are commonly asked for COIs when:
- Booking a booth at a pet-friendly market or event
- Working in a grooming salon, daycare, or vet clinic
- Joining or staying active on a pet care app
- Serving clients in apartments, condos, or managed communities
- Taking on corporate or commercial clients
A COI request might catch you off guard the first time, but they’re a normal part of running a pet business. The requester is just checking a safety box, not questioning that you know your stuff.
COI vs Policy vs Binder: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick breakdown of common insurance paperwork you might interact with.
Swipe →
| Document | What It Is | When You Use It | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Policy |
Your full contract |
Buying, renewing, or filing claims |
All terms, limits, and exclusions |
|
COI |
Proof of active coverage |
Sending to clients, venues, or landlords |
Summary only |
|
Temporary proof while the policy is being issued
|
Right after purchase |
Short-term summary |
Most of the time, a COI is all anyone needs.
Big Takeaway
A certificate of insurance is a simple proof document that helps you get access to pet care gigs, clients, and spaces.
It doesn’t change your coverage, cost extra on its own, or give anyone rights under your policy. When a request comes in hot, focus on entering accurate information. Most COI requests are routine and easy to handle once you know what’s being asked.
Keep Sniffing Around
- Additional Insured
- Certificate Holder
- Insurance Binder
- Insurance Policy
- General Liability Coverage
- Waiver of Subrogation
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