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.
Key Insights
- Specialized breeding insurance covers unexpected complications, unlike standard plans that exclude these issues.
- Routine breeding procedures aren't covered by breeder insurance policies.
- Several insurers offer free 30-day coverage for puppies/kittens to introduce new owners to pet insurance.
- Top breeder insurance options include AKC, Trupanion, and Prudent Pet with specialized benefits.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Breeding?
Traditional pet insurance policies usually exclude coverage related to breeding. However, if you do some research, you may find specific breeding insurance, often in the form of an add-on or rider.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Breeding?
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.
What Breeding Insurance Covers
Breeding insurance focuses on unexpected complications during:
- Breeding
- Pregnancy
- Whelping (birth)
- Nursing
Covered emergencies often include:
- Unexpected c-sections
- Mastitis
- Gestational diabetes
- Eclampsia
- Dystocia (difficult birth)
- Pyometra (uterine infection)
What Breeding Insurance Doesn't Cover
The following is usually excluded from most breeding policies:
- Pre-breeding tests
- Fertility treatments
- Artificial insemination
- Routine procedures
- Planned c-sections
How Claims Work for Breeding Insurance
Filing claims for breeding insurance works the same as traditional pet insurance:
- Submit a claim for covered situations
- Wait for approval from your insurance company
- Receive reimbursement via check or direct deposit
What Is a Pet Insurance Breeder Support Program?
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.
What Is Breeder Insurance?
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:
- Third-party bodily injury
- Property damage
- Personal property
- Employee dishonesty
- Detached outdoor signs
- System breakdowns
- Accounts receivable
- Power failure loss assumption
- Money and securities
In many cases, this type of coverage is highly flexible, so you can customize it to fit your particular budget and needs.
Best Pet Insurance for Breeders
Several pet insurance companies offer specialized programs designed specifically for breeders and their new pet owners.
AKC Pet Insurance
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:
- Administered by PetPartners, Inc.
- Available in all states except California, New York, and Washington
- Pre-existing conditions may become eligible after 365 days of continuous coverage
- Owners can transition to a custom policy during or after the trial period
- Breeders receive a 10% discount on policies for their own pets
Trupanion
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:
- Breeders can schedule automatic email notifications or provide printed materials
- New owners have 24 hours to activate coverage online or by phone
- Monthly costs depend on the pet's location, breed, age, and gender
- No financial commitment until owners decide to continue coverage
Prudent Pet
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:
- Free educational materials and pet kit resources for new owners
- Dedicated agent support for both breeders and pet owners
- Comprehensive guidance throughout the enrollment process
- Flexible plan options to accommodate different financial situations
Bottom Line
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
