Who is responsible if a dog is hurt during training?
In many cases, the trainer or business may be held liable. Pet parents often expect that when their dog is in your care, you’re responsible for their safety. Even if the injury was an accident or caused by another pet, the owner may still hold you accountable.
How insurance helps protect trainers
-
Professional liability insurance helps cover claims that your training caused harm, even if you did everything right. For example, a client might say your methods injured their dog or worsened a behavior.
-
General liability insurance can step in if a dog injures another dog or a person during training. This helps with medical bills, legal fees, and settlements.
-
Animal care coverage (also called bailee coverage) can help if a dog is hurt, lost, or worse while under your supervision.
Having these protections in place gives you peace of mind so you can focus on training, not legal risks.
What to do if an injury happens
-
Act fast. Provide first aid and recommend veterinary care immediately.
-
Document everything. Note the time, location, what happened, and how you responded.
-
Communicate clearly. Be honest and empathetic with the pet owner.
-
Notify your insurance provider. Quick reporting helps keep the claims process smooth.
Accidents can happen to any trainer
The reality is, you can be the most careful, experienced trainer and still face an injury situation. The right coverage helps protect your reputation, your finances, and your ability to keep doing the work you love.
Want to check if your current policy covers training accidents? Reach out today and we’ll walk through your options.
