Do I need insurance?

[ThatPoodle]

I'm about to start donating grooming services to a local rescue. All of their pets are housed in foster homes, and I will be going to do house call grooming for these animals. I was curious about whether I needed to get insurance to cover myself if I am volunteering my time, materials and skills for no compensation. At work my employers insurance covers me, but this is my own project and has nothing to do with that shop.
If something bad happens who would be responsible, me? the rescue organization? the home owner? I guess that might depend on the situation.

Any thoughts?

[Chuck]

Dear ThatPoodle,

Whether donating your services or being compensated poop happens and you need to be covered. It takes the stress off when you know you are covered for any event.

You also should be covered by health insurance as you may be injured and would not be covered by Workmen's Comp and State Disability away from your employer’s coverage.

Even if the rescue has insurance and the homeowner has insurance you need your own to cover any contingency not covered by them. Check into Home Grooming Insurance.

Thanks for helping the Rescue and people who have fostered and adopted you are doing great work. Kudos!

Good Luck and Godspeed.

Chuck

[kellic]

When I volunteered at vet clinics they would have been sign a waiver saying basically...our insurance is not responsible for you.

So, if I were going to donate my services like that, I would ask the shelter to sign a waiver saying that I would be responsible for myself and they would be responsible for the animal.