You just got a puppy!! It’s time to celebrate their sweet, sleepy and cuddly selves (before they reach the bitey, barky and wild stage). You’ve watched dozens of YouTube videos on everything from the very best harness to buy to how to make them put down that suspicious thing they picked up off the ground (hint: it’s impossible). Their new comfy kennel is stacked with blankets and toys already, and the cupboard is full of yummy (and nutritious) treats.
The vet is signed up and at the ready for advice, you have friends dying to take care of your furry friend (for short periods of time), you have already registered them with the City and also gotten a cute little engraved tag with their name and your number. Their Instagram account is all set up and your work is ready for you to be a bit more “flexible” in your hours as you try to establish schedules and routines.
You’ve ticked off all the boxes, but most likely forgotten one. It’s important to let your home insurance company know that you have acquired a pet, and the type may make a difference in your coverage.
How does my pet affect my home insurance?
Home insurance companies need to know if you have a pet for several important reasons, as pets, particularly certain breeds or types, can influence the risk factors associated with your policy.
Pets, especially dogs, can pose a liability risk. Some dog breeds are statistically more likely to bite or cause injury, which could lead to expensive lawsuits and liability claims. For example, pit bulls are banned in several towns in Alberta due to their reputation for serious attacks, however they are not banned province-wide. Rottweilers and German Shepherds may also be of concern to your home insurance company.
If your dog were to bite someone on your property, you could be held responsible for medical bills, legal costs, and compensation claims. Home insurance policies typically include liability coverage to protect you in such instances, but failing to disclose the presence of a pet could void this protection. Some insurance companies may also charge higher premiums for homes with higher-risk pets.
Don’t forget that non-disclosure could lead to denial of claims. If you do not inform your insurance company about your pet and an incident occurs that leads to damage or injury, your insurer may deny any pet-related claim on the basis that you failed to provide essential information when taking out the policy.
Am I covered if my pet attacks another animal or person?
If you have told your insurance company about your pet and they are not a restricted or species, yes you are. This includes an attack that does not happen on your property. The best thing to do, of course, is to ensure an attack does not happen in the first place, and so it is imperative they are treated properly, exercised regularly, and well-trained.
What pets are legal to own in Alberta?
Did you know that Alberta does not specifically restrict the ownership of capybaras? Calgary animal lovers can also legally own African pygmy hedgehogs, sugar gliders, African soft-furred rats and wolfdogs.
For a full list of animals (including wildlife) that may be legally kept in Alberta, consult the Alberta Wildlife Act.
Responsible pet ownership
The City of Calgary and other municipalities offer many tips for responsible pet ownership. There are plenty of supports and advice available for pet owners as well as wonderful incentives for low-income families to help facilitate pet ownership, such as a free spaying and neutering program.
There are also resources available for:
- Permits, including households requesting to be excepted from the limitations of six cats and six dogs.
- What to do if you think your animal has been impounded.
- What to do if you’ve found a lost cat or dog.
- How to adopt a cat or dog through the Animal Services Centre.
- How to report a concern about a cat in your neighbourhood.
- How to report a concern about a dog in your neighbourhood.
- How to obtain a licence for urban livestock, such as chickens, bees, pigeons and emotional support livestock animals.
- How to volunteer, foster, and become and off-leash ambassador.
Lane’s Insurance keeps all your loved ones safe
Our experienced brokers at Lane’s Insurance work with the best insurance companies to provide unmatched benefits for our clients. Visit our resources to learn more about home insurance in Alberta.
