Talking to Your Insurance Broker

At the K9 Off-Leash Network, safety isn’t just a side note or a feature—it is our top priority and the foundation of everything we do. We have built our platform specifically to mitigate risk and protect our community of Hosts.

Starting a private dog park is an exciting home-based business, but it’s essential to ensure your primary homeowner’s or renter's insurance is aligned with your new venture. In Canada, failing to disclose a "material change in risk" (like starting a business) can potentially void your personal policy.

Here is how to have a productive conversation with your broker to ensure you are fully protected.

Why This Matters

While the platform provides $1,000,000 in liability coverage for guest-related accidents, your personal policy covers everything else—like fire, wind damage, or theft. You want to make sure your broker confirms that hosting does not impact these core protections.

Highlighting Our Safety-First Model

Insurance brokers look for "risk mitigation." When you explain your business, emphasize that our platform is engineered from the ground up to prevent conflict and prioritize the safety of your property:

• Mandatory 30-Minute Buffers: Safety is baked into our scheduling. The platform automatically enforces a 30-minute gap between bookings. This eliminates "gate encounters" where a departing dog and an arriving dog might meet—the most common point of conflict.

• Single-Party Bookings Only: We do not allow communal play. Only one private party (who already know and trust each other) is in the park at a time, ensuring a controlled and safe environment.

• Vaccination & Health Standards: Through the completion of their profile, all Guests provide information about their dogs health and vaccination status. 

• Acknowledgeable Waivers: Before entry, every guest must review and acknowledge a comprehensive liability waiver that indemnifies the Host.

Use This "Broker Script"

"I am hosting through a platform where safety is the top priority. They provide a master liability policy of $1,000,000 for third-party bodily injury. The business model is strictly by-appointment and limited to one private party at a time with a mandatory 30-minute buffer between guests to prevent any interactions. All guests must acknowledge a liability waiver and confirm vaccinations before booking."

Pro Tip

Ask for an "Endorsement": Many Canadian insurers offer a "Home-Based Business Endorsement" for a small annual fee. This is often the simplest way to get full "blessing" from your insurance company to host with total peace of mind.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional insurance advice. Insurance laws and policy requirements vary by province and provider. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified insurance broker or legal professional to ensure your specific property and business activities are adequately covered.