From accidents and injuries to pregnancy complications and nursing issues, the unexpected can quickly impact your program.
Add the uncertainty of sending animals to new homes without knowing if families will provide proper vet care, and breeding becomes both financially and emotionally stressful.
Fortunately, several of our best pet insurance companies offer coverage specifically designed to protect breeding animals and your investment. Here's what you need to know about pet insurance for breeders.
Traditional pet insurance policies usually exclude breeding-related coverage, but you can find specialized breeding insurance as an add-on or rider to your existing policy.
"At AKC Pet Insurance, our breeder insurance is an optional add-on breeders can add to an accident and illness plan," explains Kelly Stalder, Claims Manager at Independent Pet Group.
Breeding insurance focuses on unexpected complications during:
Covered emergencies often include:
The following is usually excluded from most breeding policies:
Filing claims for breeding insurance works the same as traditional pet insurance:
Some pet insurers partner with breeders to offer free coverage for puppies and kittens during their first six weeks of life. This early coverage helps ensure young animals get the medical care they need to thrive and can reduce the risk of returned pets.
These programs are typically free to join and can be valuable if you're a breeder who wants to equip new pet owners with insurance resources from the start. It's a way to demonstrate the importance of pet insurance without any upfront investment on your part.
Breeder insurance protects your breeding business rather than the animals themselves. Since most home insurance policies exclude at-home businesses, this coverage helps protect against common liabilities you face as a breeder.
Common coverage areas include:
In many cases, this type of coverage is highly flexible, so you can customize it to fit your particular budget and needs.
Several pet insurance companies offer specialized programs designed specifically for breeders and their new pet owners.
AKC Pet Insurance provides one of the most established breeder programs in the industry. New pet owners receive 30 days of free accident and illness coverage when they register within 28 days of purchase, with no premiums due during this trial period.
"After they purchase a puppy from a breeder with our breeder insurance, buyers can activate a free initial 30 days of pet insurance coverage with us," says Stalder.
Program details:
Trupanion offers flexibility with both a Breeding Rider for existing policies and a comprehensive Breeder Support Program. Their "Go Home Day Offer" stands out by waiving all waiting periods, allowing immediate coverage activation with no upfront payment required.
New owners only pay if they choose to continue beyond the initial 30-day period.
How it works:
Prudent Pet focuses on customization, allowing new pet owners to build plans that fit their specific needs and budgets. Pet owners can select their preferred deductible, reimbursement level, and annual coverage limits, with optional preventive care add-ons available.
Breeder support features:
While traditional pet insurance won't cover your breeding costs, specialized breeding insurance and breeder support programs can protect you from unexpected complications and help new pet owners get immediate coverage for their kittens and puppies.
These programs demonstrate a commitment to responsible breeding while protecting the business and the animals you've carefully raised.
Is pet insurance worth it for breeders?
Yes, pet insurance is typically a smart investment for breeders who want to protect both their business and the animals they breed.
Does AKC Pet Insurance cover c-sections?
Yes, AKC Pet Insurance covers unexpected c-sections but excludes planned c-sections.
If you own a Frenchie, you know what a blessing it is to have them in your life.
Read More
Giant dog breeds are known for their massive size, loving nature, and protective instincts — but owning one also means higher veterinary costs, more frequent health issues, and special care requirements.
Read More
Just as humans inherit traits from their families, our pets carry genetic legacies that can impact their health.
Read MoreAnna Baluch is an insurance and finance expert at BestMoney.com. She has written for Forbes, Newsweek, Credit Karma, CNN, and many other top publications. Drawing on her in-depth industry knowledge, Anna enjoys helping individuals and small business owners make smart financial decisions.
