dog bite policy

[charlieB]

Does anyone have in your policy or consent form that the client is responsible for your medical bill, if you are bitten by their dog? I am wondering what do you do if you don't have any insurance, do you send the whole bill to the client? Do you have such policy in place? Should I put that in my policy or consent form?

[baddog]

COnsidering it is a "job hazard" you should have insurance.

[Arrooh]

I don't think

it'll work. In the states that I've read about the only way that is valid for a professional to charge medical from the client is if they knew the dog bites (a history of biting) but denied that to the professional. If they say it bites and you choose to groom it, or if it's not known to bite then it's part of the risk of the profession.

At least this is what I've come to understand.

[Max'sMom]

You know I don't have a policy and it sounds like a good idea. I'm anxious to see how people respond. If I'm bit, I assume responsibility. If one of my groomer's is bit I would pay their medical bill (luckily this has never happened) even though they are IC's. I do require all employees to have a tetnious (spell?) shot.

[Particentral]

If you have business insurance, like Governor Insurance offers, there is a medical reimbursement coverage. Its a small amount, but it would cover most injuries. On the other hand, many places require the owner to be covered on Worker's Comp insurance, and if it isn't required it can be bought. I have seen bills run into the thousands from simple bites, and major bites (like the one to my lip) cost less than $100. NO WAY do I think owners of the dogs should be responsible for the doctor bills. As a professional you should be covered.

Stephen: Everybody make a mental note. Gibson Governor is now Governor Insurance, just for the record. Thanks.

[Particentral]

You know I don't have a policy and it sounds like a good idea. I'm anxious to see how people respond. If I'm bit, I assume responsibility. If one of my groomer's is bit I would pay their medical bill (luckily this has never happened) even though they are IC's. I do require all employees to have a tetnious (spell?) shot.

If they are IC's you are not technically ALLOWED to pay their bills without changing their employment status. At least that is what I was told by the lawyer here when Mandy got bitten. A true IC would carry their own insurance including workers comp. Be careful.

[baddog]

it'll work. In the states that I've read about the only way that is valid for a professional to charge medical from the client is if they knew the dog bites (a history of biting) but denied that to the professional.

At least this is what I've come to understand.

good point

[kats_melody]

Hubby and I are partners in our grooming business, but he cannot groom a dog to save his life. He DOES act as my driver, business manager and on the spot maintenance man, and will lift the big hairy dogs into and out of the tub.

Both of us are covered under a workman's compensation plan from Governor Insurance. You should have some insurance to cover you if you get injured on the job.

[Mamabearwith2]

I'm in Ca and I carry Gibson insurance for my professional liability and a commercial auto package. But. they will not cover you for certain things if your truck and trailer is insured with another auto company. I also ask in my pet info page I have each new client fill out, if their dog has had any past issues while being groomed, but I take on the responsibility to have them in my care. I also state I reserve the right to refuse any pet if I feel that may be a threat. I had a lady call and say her dog bites her when she tries to brush it and asked how much I'd charge to groom him. I told her I couldn't help her. Why take the risk of damaging your hands for the sake of a few dollars? As I mentioned in another post, there's not enough money in this world to replace my fingers or the use of my hands. Better rethink your decision about no insurance. I've looked around for a more reasonable rate, but when I've asked other companies, they're never sure if they can cover me if I lose an animal. Since I'm in CA, I pay alot for it, but it's a great write-off and I sleep really good at night.