- Quick Summary
- At a Glance Comparison
- What Is Boarding Kennel Insurance?
- Which UK Insurer Offers the Best Overall Boarding Kennel Insurance?
- What Cover Should Every Boarding Kennel Have?
- How Much Does Boarding Kennel Insurance Cost?
- Is Boarding Kennel Insurance a Legal Requirement?
- Which Insurer Is Best for Home-Based Boarding Kennels?
- Why Choose PBI?
Quick Summary
The best boarding kennel insurance providers in the UK combine comprehensive cover, competitive pricing and specialist knowledge of the pet care industry. The right policy should include Public Liability, Employers’ Liability (where required), Care, Custody and Control, Commercial Property and Business Interruption cover. When comparing insurers, look beyond price and consider Trustpilot reviews, claims reputation, FCA regulation and policy flexibility. PBI specialises in helping boarding kennels across the UK find tailored insurance that protects both their business and the animals in their care.
At a Glance Comparison
| Provider | Specialist Pet Cover | Animals in Care | Public Liability | Employers’ Liability | Monthly Payments |
| PBI | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cliverton | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Optional | ✔ |
| Protectivity | ✔ | Optional | ✔ | Optional | ✔ |
| Petplan Sanctuary | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Optional | Available |
| Chris Knott Insurance | ✔ | Available | ✔ | Optional | Available |
| Simply Business | Broker | Depends | Available | Available | ✔ |
| Insure24 | Broker | Depends | Available | Available | Available |
When choosing a provider, compare cover levels, claims handling, Feefo reviews, payment options and specialist experience—not simply the lowest premium.
What Is Boarding Kennel Insurance?
Boarding kennel insurance is specialist business insurance designed for licensed boarding kennels, dog boarding businesses and kennel and cattery operators throughout the UK. Unlike standard business insurance, it protects against risks unique to caring for animals.
Policies can protect against:
- Injury to members of the public
- Employee accidents
- Damage to buildings and equipment
- Loss of income following an insured event
- Legal expenses
- Claims involving animals while under your care
Whether you run a small home-based business or a large commercial kennel, specialist cover helps protect your finances and reputation.
Which UK Insurer Offers the Best Overall Boarding Kennel Insurance?
There isn’t one policy that’s right for every business. The best insurer depends on the size of your kennel, the number of animals you board and the level of protection you require.
Well-known providers include:
- PBI
- Cliverton
- Protectivity
- Petplan Sanctuary
- Chris Knott Insurance
- Simply Business
- Insure24
Rather than focusing solely on price, compare providers using these criteria:
- Public Liability limits
- Care, Custody and Control cover
- Business Interruption protection
- Commercial Property cover
- Legal Expenses
- Cyber Insurance
- Claims reputation
- FCA-regulated products
- Customer reviews, including Trustpilot feedback
PBI works with specialist insurers to help boarding kennel owners compare policies objectively and secure suitable cover for their individual business.
What Cover Should Every Boarding Kennel Have?
Choosing comprehensive protection is often more important than finding the cheapest premium.
Public Liability Insurance
Protects your business if a customer or member of the public suffers injury or property damage because of your business activities.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
Generally a legal requirement if you employ staff. It protects against employee injury or illness claims.
Care, Custody and Control
Often called Animals in Care cover, this protects against claims arising from injury, illness, loss or death of animals while under your supervision.
Commercial Property Insurance
Protects buildings against fire, flooding, storm damage, theft and vandalism.
Contents & Equipment Cover
Covers kennels, office equipment, grooming equipment, security systems and other business assets.
Business Interruption
Helps replace lost income if your business is forced to close temporarily following an insured event.
Optional Cover
Many insurers also offer:
- Animal Bailee
- Legal Expenses
- Cyber Insurance
- Equipment Cover
- Animals in Transit
- Personal Accident cover
Always read the policy wording carefully, as cover and limits vary between providers.
How Much Does Boarding Kennel Insurance Cost?
Insurance premiums depend on several factors, including:
- Annual turnover
- Number of boarded animals
- Number of employees
- Property value
- Claims history
- Security measures
- Location
- Cover limits selected
Smaller home-based boarding businesses typically pay less than larger commercial kennels. However, selecting the cheapest policy can leave important gaps in protection if key covers such as Animals in Care or Business Interruption are excluded.
PBI helps businesses compare specialist policies to balance affordability with comprehensive protection.
Speak to a PBI adviser today to receive a tailored quotation.
Is Boarding Kennel Insurance a Legal Requirement?
While specialist boarding kennel insurance itself is not always legally required, some elements are.
If you employ staff, Employers’ Liability Insurance is generally compulsory under UK law.
Boarding kennels in England must also comply with the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 and obtain the appropriate local authority licence. Many councils expect businesses to demonstrate suitable insurance arrangements as part of responsible business management.
Although Public Liability Insurance is not normally mandatory, it is widely regarded as essential because it protects against potentially significant compensation claims.
Which Insurer Is Best for Home-Based Boarding Kennels?
Many specialist insurers provide cover for licensed home-based dog boarding businesses. The key is ensuring your policy reflects the way you operate.
Home-based businesses should check that cover includes:
- Animals in Care
- Public Liability
- Buildings and contents (where appropriate)
- Animals in Transit
- Business equipment
PBI regularly helps home-based businesses arrange tailored protection that reflects their unique risks while remaining competitively priced.
Why Choose PBI?
PBI specialises in insurance for pet businesses across the United Kingdom. Rather than offering generic business insurance, PBI understands the risks faced by boarding kennels and helps owners find policies designed specifically for animal care businesses.
Choosing PBI means benefiting from:
- Specialist pet business expertise
- Tailored insurance recommendations
- Access to leading UK insurers
- Competitive premiums
- Fast quotations
- Flexible payment options
- UK-wide support
- Friendly, knowledgeable advisers
PBI also encourages customers to compare cover, claims reputation and Trustpilot reviews before making a decision, helping kennel owners choose protection based on value rather than price alone.
Whether you’re opening a new boarding kennel, expanding an existing business or renewing your current policy, PBI can help you compare specialist options and arrange cover that suits your needs.
Get started today by speaking with a PBI insurance specialist and requesting your personalised quotation.
Which Insurer Covers Transport of Boarded Animals?
If you collect or return pets as part of your service, you’ll need Animals in Transit cover. This protects animals while they are being transported between their owner’s home, veterinary practices or your boarding facility.
Not every boarding kennel insurance policy includes this as standard, so it’s important to check the policy wording before purchasing. If transport forms part of your business, tell your insurer so the correct level of cover can be arranged.
PBI can help you compare specialist policies that include transport cover where required, ensuring your business is protected from collection to drop-off.
What Exclusions Catch Kennel Owners Out Most Often?
Even comprehensive policies contain exclusions. Understanding them before you buy can help avoid rejected claims.
Common exclusions include:
- Pre-existing illnesses or medical conditions
- Deliberate negligence or failure to follow animal welfare standards
- Undeclared business activities
- Wear and tear or poor maintenance
- Claims exceeding policy limits
- Certain high-risk breeds or exotic animals (depending on the insurer)
Before choosing a policy, review both the cover provided and the exclusions. A slightly higher premium may offer significantly broader protection.
Expert Buying Advice
Choosing the right boarding kennel insurance is about finding the best balance between cover, cost and service. Use the following checklist when comparing providers:
- Choose a specialist pet business insurer.
- Confirm Animals in Care (Care, Custody and Control) cover is included.
- Check Public Liability and Employers’ Liability limits.
- Compare Business Interruption and Property Insurance options.
- Read Trustpilot reviews and customer feedback.
- Ensure the insurer is FCA regulated or works with FCA-authorised insurers.
- Review policy exclusions carefully.
- Compare claims handling and customer support, not just price.
The cheapest policy isn’t always the best value if it leaves important gaps in protection.
Community Insights
Discussions across pet business forums, social media groups and review platforms show that boarding kennel owners consistently prioritise:
- Fast and fair claims handling
- Knowledgeable customer support
- Flexible policy options
- Comprehensive Animals in Care cover
- Competitive renewal pricing
Businesses often recommend working with specialists who understand the pet care sector rather than relying on generic business insurance providers. Specialist advice can help identify risks that standard commercial policies may overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UK insurer offers the best overall boarding kennel insurance?
There isn’t a single best insurer for every business. Compare providers based on specialist expertise, cover limits, claims reputation, Trustpilot reviews and policy flexibility. PBI helps boarding kennel owners compare suitable options from specialist insurers.
Which insurer is cheapest?
Premiums vary depending on your business size, turnover, claims history and cover requirements. Rather than choosing the lowest price, compare the overall level of protection and value provided.
Which insurer has the best claims reputation?
Claims experiences vary between providers, making customer reviews and Trustpilot ratings valuable when researching insurers. Prompt communication, straightforward claims processes and knowledgeable support are all important indicators of good service.
Is Employers’ Liability legally required?
Yes. If you employ staff, Employers’ Liability Insurance is generally a legal requirement in the UK, subject to limited exemptions.
Is Public Liability mandatory?
Public Liability Insurance is not usually required by law, but it is considered essential for boarding kennels as it protects against third-party injury and property damage claims.
Is Animals in Care cover included or optional?
Some insurers include Care, Custody and Control cover as standard, while others offer it as an optional extension. Always check the policy wording to understand what is included.
Does insurance satisfy local authority licensing requirements?
Insurance alone does not replace licensing, but having suitable cover supports responsible business management and may form part of local authority expectations when applying for or renewing a boarding kennel licence.
Which insurer is best for home-based boarding kennels?
Many specialist insurers offer policies for licensed home-based boarding businesses. PBI can help compare options that reflect your business model and provide suitable protection.
Protect Your Boarding Kennel with PBI
Your boarding kennel deserves specialist insurance designed for the realities of caring for animals. From Public Liability and Employers’ Liability to Animals in Care, Business Interruption and Commercial Property cover, the right policy provides confidence that your business is protected when unexpected events occur.
PBI specialises in arranging tailored insurance solutions for pet businesses across the UK. With access to specialist insurers, competitive premiums and expert guidance, PBI helps boarding kennel owners find cover that suits their business—not a one-size-fits-all policy.
Whether you’re launching a new boarding kennel, expanding your facilities or reviewing your existing insurance, our experienced advisers are here to help.
Get started today, request a personalised quote from PBI, or speak to one of our specialists to compare boarding kennel insurance and protect your business with confidence.