Quick Answer
You need general liability + professional liability (care, custody, and control) at minimum. For a solo groomer, expect to pay $400–$1,200/year for basic coverage. Mobile groomers need additional commercial auto insurance, bringing total costs to $800–$2,500/year.
Types of Insurance for Dog Grooming Businesses
General Liability
ESSENTIALCovers third-party bodily injury and property damage. A client trips over your equipment, or a dog bites someone in your waiting area. This is the foundation — most landlords and mobile van lessors require it.
Professional Liability (CCC)
ESSENTIALCare, Custody, and Control coverage protects you if a dog is injured, becomes ill, or dies while in your care. Covers accidental nicks, allergic reactions, heatstroke, and escape.
Commercial Auto
Required for mobile groomers. Covers accidents in your grooming van. Personal auto insurance will not cover business use. Also covers theft of equipment from the vehicle.
Workers Compensation
Required in most states if you have employees. Covers groomer injuries (bite wounds, repetitive strain, slip-and-fall). Even solo groomers should consider occupational accident coverage.
Commercial Property
Covers your grooming equipment, tables, tubs, dryers, and salon buildout against fire, theft, and natural disasters. Essential for salon owners with significant equipment investment.
Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
Bundles general liability and commercial property at a discount. The best value for salon owners who need both. Most insurance companies offer pet grooming-specific BOP packages.
What You Need by Business Type
🏠 Home-Based Groomer
- ✓ General Liability
- ✓ Professional Liability (CCC)
- ○ Commercial Auto (if no mobile unit)
- ○ Workers Comp (solo only)
$400–$800/yr
🚐 Mobile Groomer
- ✓ General Liability
- ✓ Professional Liability (CCC)
- ✓ Commercial Auto (required)
- ○ Workers Comp (solo only)
$800–$2,000/yr
🏪 Salon Owner
- ✓ General Liability
- ✓ Professional Liability (CCC)
- ✓ Commercial Property / BOP
- ✓ Workers Comp (with employees)
$1,200–$2,500/yr
Common Insurance Claims in Dog Grooming
Accidental cut or nick during grooming
Dog bites another dog or a person
Dog escapes from mobile van
Client slips on wet floor
Groomer develops repetitive strain injury
Equipment stolen from van or salon
How to Get Dog Grooming Insurance
Get quotes from pet grooming specialists
Companies like Pet Care Insurance, Pet Sitters Associates, and Insureon specialize in pet care businesses and understand the unique risks. They are often cheaper than general commercial policies.
Compare at least 3 quotes
Coverage limits and exclusions vary significantly between carriers. A cheaper policy may exclude CCC coverage or have a very low per-animal limit.
Check for grooming-specific exclusions
Some general liability policies exclude professional services, meaning they will not cover accidental injuries to animals. Make sure CCC is explicitly included.
Review annually
As your business grows (more employees, mobile unit, higher revenue), your coverage needs change. Review your policy each renewal period.
Protect Your Business — and Your Revenue
Insurance protects you from the unexpected. GroomGrid protects your revenue from no-shows, missed appointments, and lost clients. Run your business with confidence.