We do not currently quote this product online, but to get a quote in under 15 minutes please give us a call.
What are you looking for?
Manage your policy and information directly with our self-serve options.
Haven't set up your account?
Quickly pay your invoice online using our secure payment system.
Manage on the go, download the BrokerLink Insurance App
Get reliable veterinary liability insurance coverage tailored for you by BrokerLink.
Tailored insurance coverage for your clinic, staff and furry friends. Whether you operate a small veterinary clinic in Nova Scotia, a large animal hospital in downtown Toronto or a mobile practice in Edmonton, you face unique risks. Whether it be surgical complications, treatment errors, data leaks or regulatory disciplinary hearings, having the right liability coverage in place as a veterinary professional is essential to safeguarding your business, reputation and finances.
Get a free vet liability insurance quote with BrokerLink today.
BrokerLink compares rates from a wide range of providers, ensuring you get the best deals available.
Vet liability insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed for veterinary professionals in Canada. It typically combines the following:
Professional liability insurance (malpractice insurance) to protect you from claims alleging treatment errors, misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes or a failure to provide appropriate care
General liability to safeguard you against third-party injuries or property damage that occurs at your clinic
Other forms of liability protection such as cyber liability, bailee coverage and more
Flexible vet insurance for carers of furry friends from coast to coast.
Independent vets with private clinics
Multi-vet hospitals and surgical centres
Mobile veterinary practices
Telehealth or virtual vet services
Clinics offering pet boarding, grooming or daycare
Veterinarians working with exotic or large animals
Multi-location or franchised veterinary operations
View More
According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), there are 16,359 veterinarians practicing across Canada and approximately 4,379 active clinics as of 2023. If you’re one of these professionals, you know that veterinary medicine is a high-risk profession where a single claim, lawsuit or unexpected loss could jeopardize your entire practice and livelihood without the right coverage in place.
Some common risk exposures veterinary practices may face include malpractice claims if a pet suffers complications during routine surgery, bodily injury claims if a pet owner is hurt on your premises, costly equipment breakdowns that require immediate replacement, and liability lawsuits if an animal in overnight care is lost, injured or dies. Practices may also face cyber security risks from virtual care platforms, as well as travel and containment risks associated with mobile veterinary services.
When it comes to insurance for veterinarians in Canada, there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It all comes down to your needs and risk exposure. However, some standard policies you’ll find recommended to you no matter where you go include:
Professional liability insurance (errors and omissions)
Commercial general liability insurance
Commercial property insurance
Equipment breakdown insurance
Business interruption coverage
Animal bailee coverage
Cyber liability coverage
Mobile vet and transport equipment coverage
Employee theft or dishonesty protection
Livestock or exotic animal endorsements
Professional liability insurance for employees
Professional liability insurance protects veterinary professionals against claims related to treatment errors, misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes or professional negligence. This coverage is important because even experienced veterinarians can face allegations that their advice, treatment or care caused harm to an animal. It can also help respond to claims involving failure to provide expected services or mistakes made during a procedure. If a lawsuit is filed against you, professional liability insurance can help cover legal defence costs, court fees, settlements and other related expenses.
Commercial general liability insurance covers third-party injuries or property damage that occur on your business premises or during regular business operations. This coverage is especially important for veterinary clinics because clients, delivery personnel and other visitors may regularly enter your location. It can help protect your business if someone is injured at your clinic or if your operations accidentally damage someone else’s property. If a claim is filed, commercial general liability insurance can help cover medical bills, repairs, replacements, legal fees and settlements.
Commercial property insurance protects your physical location, inventory, furniture, medical supplies and business equipment from covered damage. This can include damage caused by theft, vandalism, fire, water and severe weather. Veterinary practices often rely on costly equipment, specialized tools and stocked medical supplies, which can be expensive to repair or replace after a covered loss. Commercial property insurance can help your business recover more quickly by covering eligible repair or replacement costs.
Equipment breakdown insurance protects your tools, technology and surgical equipment from sudden and accidental breakdowns. This coverage can apply to important equipment such as X-ray machines, sterilizers, diagnostic tools, refrigeration units, computers and other systems used in daily operations. A sudden equipment failure can delay appointments, interrupt procedures and create unexpected repair or replacement costs. Equipment breakdown insurance can help reduce the financial impact and allow your practice to resume normal operations more quickly.
Business interruption coverage protects your veterinary business from lost revenue if your clinic is temporarily closed due to a covered loss. While commercial property insurance can help repair physical damage, business interruption insurance focuses on the income your clinic loses while operations are paused. It can also help cover ongoing expenses such as rent, utilities, employee benefits, wages and other necessary costs during the closure period. This coverage can provide financial support while your clinic recovers and prepares to reopen.
Animal bailee insurance covers liabilities that may arise while an animal is under your care, custody or control. This coverage is important for veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, animal hospitals and other businesses that temporarily hold or care for animals. It can help respond to claims involving injury, death, theft, escape or other harm to an animal in your care. If a pet owner files a claim, animal bailee coverage can help cover related veterinary costs, legal fees, settlements and other eligible expenses.
Cyber liability insurance protects veterinary clinics from the financial impact of cyber attacks, data breaches, ransomware incidents and unauthorized access to sensitive information. This coverage is important for clinics that store patient data, booking records, payment details and personal contact information for pet owners. It can also be valuable for veterinary businesses that offer telehealth services or use online booking and payment systems. If a cyber incident occurs, this coverage can help pay for legal fees, notification costs, system recovery, investigation expenses and settlements.
Mobile vet and transport equipment coverage helps protect veterinary businesses that provide services outside of a traditional clinic. This may include commercial auto protection, equipment transport coverage and liability protection for tools and supplies used while travelling. Mobile veterinary services face added risks because vehicles, equipment and employees are often on the road or working at client locations. This coverage can help protect your business from losses involving vehicle accidents, damaged equipment or liability claims during mobile service visits.
Employee theft or dishonesty protection helps protect veterinary business owners from internal theft, fraud or employee misconduct. Veterinary clinics often handle cash, medications, equipment, supplies and sensitive business records, all of which can create financial risk if misused or stolen. This coverage can help reimburse your business for losses caused by dishonest acts committed by employees. It can provide added peace of mind for clinics with multiple staff members, inventory access or regular cash transactions.
Livestock or exotic animal endorsements provide additional protection for veterinary businesses that treat animals outside of standard companion pets. This may include large animals, exotic pets, reptiles, birds, livestock or other specialized species. These animals can create unique risks due to their size, behaviour, value, handling requirements or specialized care needs. An endorsement can help ensure your liability coverage reflects the specific risks associated with this type of veterinary work.
Professional liability insurance for employees extends protection to registered veterinary technologists, assistants and support staff involved in animal care. This add-on endorsement is useful because veterinary care often involves a team of professionals supporting exams, procedures, medication administration and daily clinic operations. If an employee makes an error while assisting with care, your practice may still be named in a claim. This coverage helps protect both the business and eligible staff members from legal defence costs, settlements and other related expenses.
Let us be your resource for all things veterinary liability insurance
Discover what sets BrokerLink apart. Our commitment to personalized service, expert advice and comprehensive coverage options ensures you get the best protection tailored to your needs.
31941+ Reviews
Average rating of 4.6
Prompt, helpful with advice and finding the right insurance for my small business.
"I had a wonderful experience with Broker's intact at the Calgary branch of BrokerLink. They were incredibly patient and took the time to explain the differences between my old policy and the new one...
The people I have dealt with are always very helpful and quick with answers to my questions and/or changes to my policy.
Fast, efficient, knowledgeable service. Helpful staff.
Everything went perfectly including prompt follow up.
If you need a broker, this is the best place to deal with! Amazing staff!!
Very fast and effective service. Was insured within 24 hours of initial call. Fantastic service.
Friendly staff very quick turnaround with assistance anytime I’ve ever needed it. I feel very well taken care of by my insurance company.
My experience with broker link has been very positive one of the best experiences I've actually ever had with the insurance company my representative was very knowledgeable very understanding and I wo...
Excellent service, quick, efficient, and professional. Highly recommended.
What a wonderful place of friendly workers always with smiles and happy to help. She sure did wonders on savings me and my hubby on our house and garage insurances next is our vehicles in a couple o...
Your price for my insurance is the best overall and the service for handling my problem was great.. I am a very satisfied customer and I recommend Broker Link with anyone.
Friendly, hassle free service. I'm impressed. Would highly recommend.
Omg... 10 out of 10.. in customer service, helpful and friendly. I would highly recommend this company for anybody's insurance purposes.
Lovely service, great communication and very helpful!!
insurance companies
We shop among Canada’s leading insurance companies to offer you a range of options.
customers
Trusted by Canadians to protect what matters to you for more than 30 years.
employees
Ready-to-serve insurance specialists for your needs.
The cost of your veterinary liability coverage can vary significantly based on your risk profile and daily operations. Insurance companies look at your clinic’s size, location, services, equipment, claims history and risk management practices when calculating your premium. Understanding these factors can help you choose the right business insurance coverage and identify ways to manage your costs more effectively.
Larger veterinary clinics and those with more employees usually face higher liability exposure than smaller practices. More staff members can mean more appointments, more client interactions and a greater chance of errors or workplace incidents. Larger clinics may also need broader business insurance protection to cover their operations, equipment and employees. As a result, premiums may be higher than they are for solo practitioners or smaller clinics with fewer daily risks.
According to the CVMA, there are approximately 8.5 million cats and 7.9 million dogs living in households across Canada. The type of animals your clinic treats can affect your insurance costs. Clinics that mainly treat household pets like cats and dogs may have different risks than practices that work with exotic animals, livestock or wild animals. Larger or more specialized animals can create added liability concerns because of their size, behaviour, handling needs and potential value. If your practice treats higher-risk animals, your insurer may recommend additional coverage or higher limits.
Mobile and virtual veterinary services can increase your risk exposure because your work is not limited to a traditional clinic setting. Mobile vets may face risks related to travel, equipment transport, client homes and unfamiliar work environments. Virtual services can also create professional liability concerns if a client alleges that remote advice or diagnostics led to harm. Because these services add complexity to your operations, they may affect your insurance premiums.
Your claims and discipline history can play an important role in determining your insurance rates. If you have previous insurance claims or disciplinary board complaints on file, insurers may view you as a higher-risk customer. This can lead to higher premiums or fewer available coverage options. A clean record can help show insurers that your veterinary practice is well-managed and less likely to experience future claims.
The value of your equipment and inventory can influence how much your insurance costs. Veterinary clinics often rely on expensive surgical tools, diagnostic machines, computers, medications and medical supplies. If you add equipment or commercial property insurance to your plan, higher-value assets may require higher coverage limits. This can increase your premiums because replacing or repairing specialized veterinary equipment can be costly.
Strong risk management practices can help lower your clinic’s overall risk profile. This may include staff training, continuing education, safety procedures, patient handling protocols and clear documentation systems. Clinics that take these steps may be viewed more favourably by insurers because they are actively working to reduce errors, injuries and claims. Strong internal processes can also support your commercial general liability insurance and professional liability protection.
Where your clinic is located can also affect your insurance premium. Clinics in urban hubs like Toronto or Vancouver may face higher foot traffic, theft risk and liability exposure. Rural veterinary practices may face different risks, including severe weather, aging infrastructure or longer emergency response times. Insurers consider both your physical location and the specific risks connected to operating in that area.
The coverage limits and deductibles you choose will directly affect your insurance costs. Higher limits usually cost more because they provide greater financial protection if a claim occurs. Choosing a higher deductible can sometimes lower your premium, but it also means you will pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim. The right balance depends on your clinic’s budget, risk exposure and ability to absorb unexpected costs.
Although veterinary insurance is a necessary expense, there are practical ways to lower your business insurance premiums without compromising the protection your clinic needs. By managing risk, keeping your coverage up to date and working with an insurance professional, you may be able to reduce costs while still protecting your practice, staff, clients and animals in your care. Here are a few options:
Maintaining a clean claims history is one of the most effective ways to keep your insurance costs manageable. Insurers often review your past claims when determining how risky your clinic is to cover. The longer you go without filing a claim, the more favourably your business may be viewed. Strong safety procedures, staff training and clear documentation can all help reduce the chances of future claims.
Clear treatment protocols and documentation systems can help reduce the risk of malpractice claims, patient accidents, employment disputes and other hazards. This may include standardized patient records, informed consent forms, staff checklists and written safety procedures. These systems can help your team provide consistent care and respond more effectively if a complaint arises. They can also show insurers that your clinic takes risk management seriously.
Bundling your coverages under one provider may help simplify your insurance and reduce your overall costs. For example, you may be able to combine your veterinary business insurance with eligible home and auto insurance coverage. BrokerLink’s Bundle + Save program and home and auto insurance bundles can be useful internal links for this section. Before bundling, make sure each policy still provides the right protection for your clinic and personal needs.
Choosing the right deductible can help you manage your insurance costs. A higher deductible may lower your premium, but it also means your clinic will pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim. This option may make sense if your business has enough cash flow to absorb a larger upfront cost. The goal is to choose a deductible that balances affordability with financial protection.
Regular staff training can help reduce the chance of treatment errors, safety issues and client complaints. Training should cover patient handling, workplace safety, documentation, medication procedures and regulatory expectations. Maintaining compliance also helps demonstrate that your clinic is proactive about managing risk. This can support your insurance application and help protect your business from avoidable claims.
Working with an experienced BrokerLink broker can help you find coverage that fits your veterinary clinic’s needs. A broker can compare insurance options, explain coverage differences and help identify policies that reflect the risks of working with live animals. They can also help you understand which coverage options are essential and which add-ons may not be necessary. This can make it easier to build a plan that fits your budget without leaving major gaps.
Your insurance needs may change throughout the year as your veterinary practice grows or evolves. You may hire more employees, buy new equipment, offer mobile services or expand the types of animals you treat. Reviewing your coverage annually can help you remove unnecessary add-ons and identify new gaps before they become a problem. BrokerLink’s Service and Claims page can be a helpful internal link if you want readers to learn about managing policy documents, requesting changes or accessing support.
Paying for your veterinary insurance upfront may help you avoid extra fees that can come with monthly payment plans. Many insurance companies charge additional administrative costs when premiums are divided into monthly installments. If your clinic’s budget allows, paying in one lump sum can make your overall policy cost easier to manage. It can also simplify your business expenses for the rest of the policy term.
Veterinary professionals play an important role in caring for millions of Canadian pets each year. But with this responsibility comes risk, which is why specialized coverage is needed.
Whether you’re a small business in Calgary, one of the top surgical pet hospitals in Vancouver or a telehealth platform serving animals coast to coast, BrokerLink can help you find the right insurance coverage at an affordable cost. Our brokers understand the veterinary industry in Canada, the regulatory requirements across provinces and the unique exposures you face.
Contact BrokerLink by phone or email to speak to a broker directly or use our online quote tool right now for a free quote.
Find a branch
Check out our wide range of resources, offering valuable information and tools, all in one convenient place.
Check out blog
Service and claims
Visit a branch
About us
Yes, even if you are working under someone else’s veterinary practice in Canada, you can still be exposed to liabilities and other risks. Verify whether your clinic’s commercial insurance extends to employees. If not, purchasing individual coverage is recommended.
Not always. Bailee coverage is often an optional endorsement that can be added to your plan. However, it is highly recommended, especially if you have animals under your care.
The coverage limits your small veterinary clinic should carry depend on the services you offer and the risks you’re exposed to. In any scenario, the higher your coverage limits, the more financial protection you’ll receive if a claim arises. So, keep this in mind when purchasing your insurance coverage.
General liability covers veterinary practice owners against accidents or property damage that may occur on your premises. In contrast, professional liability insurance protects you against claims alleging mistakes, negligence or a failure to provide promised services.
Offering virtual appointments does add a level of risk to your practices. Whether it’s misdiagnosing a patient, data privacy issues or other errors, adding a Telehealth malpractice insurance endorsement to your plan is recommended to bridge any gaps in coverage.
Yes. Mobile veterinary practices carry additional risk while travelling to various locations. Endorsements like commercial auto insurance are recommended.
Explore our other insurance products to find additional coverage options that fit your needs. Discover more ways to protect what matters most.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Commercial Property Insurance
Commercial General Liability Insurance
Event Liability Insurance
Professional Liability Insurance
Cyber Insurance
Farm Insurance
Home Business Insurance
Equipment Breakdown Insurance
Directors & Officers Liability Insurance
Business Interruption Insurance
Course of Construction Insurance