When many think of animal rescue, images of pulling animals from shelters, hosting adoptive events and most importantly, finding good homes for pets in need. While these activities are an important aspects of animal rescue, there are other details that involve the business portion of running a rescue group.
A rescue group has medical and food expenses, transport planning and fundraising activities that must be addressed. If they have a physical location where the animals are housed or meet potential adopters, liability and hazard insurance must be purchased. But is animal rescue insurance coverage needed if the group does not have a permanent structure for housing and visits by adopters? Do they need coverage if the group is completely foster-based?
The answer to these questions is yes, rescue groups that are foster-based do have the need for animal rescue insurance.
General liability insurance is needed by all rescue groups. This type of policy will cover property damage along bodily injury and subsequent medical bills. General liability coverage can help defend your group against lawsuits, slander and libel that are outside the realm of your group’s service.
Officers and directors insurance can cover your group’s board of directors, employees and volunteers. It can protect the personal assets of those serving against lawsuits directed towards the rescue group. Having such a policy in place may encourage qualified individuals from serving on the board of directors or as a group officer. This coverage can also cover the 501C organization itself against many type of lawsuits.
While the task of purchasing insurance may not have been considered when your group was founded, it is a valuable method of protection. Defense against a lawsuit that can costs thousands of dollars and can place personal assets of members and the very existence of your organization at risk. Allow your group to continue on its mission of saving the lives of homeless pets by obtaining adequate insurance coverage.