Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

I live alone, except for my 2 "special needs" dogs, who aren't suitable for kennels/boarding should/if/when I need to go into hospital.

"Pet Sitters" appear to be the answer (when/if I find someone suitable).

What insurance covers the cost of the sitters (if any), please ? Pet insurance ? House contents insurance ? Some other insurance ?

Any/help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

A friend of mine does a little pet sitting she has her own insurance cover. She is self employed and has public liability etc

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

Hello Dogmad, sorry to hear about your predicament, must be a worry. Two things come to mind -
1. In my dog magazine, there is a chap called Neil Flint who writes a page every month. He always offers free advice on many insurance issues regarding dogs and seems very helpful and knowledgeable. I believe his firm is called VIP insurance, but his contact number is 0845 601 8575. I would give him a ring if I were you, but even if its not exactly in his field he will probably be able to direct you.

2. If your furry friends are 'assistance dogs' I would have thought the organization who supplied the dogs would advise you surely? I can fully understand why you don't want them kennelled and I agree with you on that.

3. Just had another thought - if your dogs are already insured, it would be worth asking the insurers whether you are already covered for house sitting expenses, before you take on even more cost, I doubt it but its worth a phone call to find out for sure. Personally, I would start with Neil Flint.
Good luck and do let us know what transpires if you can.

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

Thanks for the tips, I'll check them out (& perhaps my vet can help with my enquiries).

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

Thanks for all your help, everyone.

I've not been able to find anyone that even KNOWS of the existence of such a policy, let alone be able to offer one !

The closest I've been able to find is pet insurance that will cover (just) boarding fees (and even then, only after 4 days), which isn't what I want/need.

I've spoken to insurance brokers, insurance companies, pet sitters/ pet sitting companies, dog owners/breeders, dog walkers & dog wardens. No success No- one to whom I've spoken even knows of the existence of such a policy, let alone offer one !

Looks like I'll just have to save & hope that I have enough money to pay the bill should/if/when the situation arise(s). (Animal Aunts prices start at over £50 per day).

Ah well, it's good that I enjoy a challenge !

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

Hi Dave if you have a pet sitter from an agency rather than a 'private' sitter they should I think be insured by the agency.

Here is an example for you..

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

It's PAYING for the pet sitters that I want the insurance - NOT the sitters OWN insurance.

I know that there are people in the same position as myself that would like to take out such a policy (so they needn't worry about having to find the fees for the sitters), but it seems that such a policy doesn't exist.

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

I understand exactly what you mean dogmad, it's not about the sitters insurance, its an insurance for yourself to recoup the cost of hiring sitters.
Did you speak to Neil flint I suggested in the beginning?
How long might you be away for, any idea? If it would be a very short stay, is there a neighbour you could trust? Are the dogs able to stay with any friends or family short term? It must be a worry, I'd be just the same.

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

Spoke to Neil Flint & the closest they could find was PetPlan, who would pay ONLY for boarding & even then, only after 4 days.

I don't have any neighbours, friends or family that are experienced in living with a blind dog and, therefore, I wouldn't feel happy about them having the responsibilities.

Being blind (with or without a sense of smell), consistency/routine is essential to create familiarity and reduce stress, so to have them go away from their home would only cause problems.

No hospitalisation is planned - this is in case of illness/accident, so time scales are unkown.

Re: Pet sitters - what insurance covers their cost ?

Hmmm, difficult situation. Understand what you're saying about the importance of familiarity with the blindness, and he/she is lucky to have such a caring owner. Wish I could help, but can't think of anything else at the mo, so I hope you stay well and can all remain together safely.