Trust & Safety
at
Paws Nearby

Insurance & Liability Information

A Guide for Paws Nearby Members If you’re taking the time to read this page and think about insurance, that’s already a good sign. Responsible pet owners think ahead, ask questions, and take steps to protect themselves and others. We encourage exactly that. Paws Nearby is a membership-based platform that connects neighbours who wish to exchange pet care. We do not provide insurance coverage, and we are not an insurer. Because every exchange involves people, pets, and homes, we encourage all members to understand how their own insurance policies may apply before participating in an exchange. Insurance coverage depends entirely on individual policies and circumstances.

Important Notice (Please Read)

This page is provided for general informational purposes only to help Members ask better questions of their own insurance providers. It is not insurance advice, legal advice, financial advice, or a recommendation of any insurance product or coverage. Paws Nearby does not provide insurance, does not sell or arrange insurance, and does not act as an insurance broker or agent. We do not review, verify, or confirm any Member’s insurance coverage or eligibility. Insurance outcomes depend on your specific policy wording, underwriting, exclusions, and the facts of any incident. Do not rely on this page as a statement or guarantee of coverage. You should speak directly with your insurer (or broker) and, if needed, a qualified professional advisor. This page is provided “as is” and “as available”. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Paws Nearby disclaims all representations and warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of this information. Your use of the Platform and any pet-care exchange remains governed by the Terms of Service and related policies, which control in the event of any inconsistency.

---

Membership Model & Insurance Considerations

Paws Nearby operates on a membership model. Members pay a fee to access the platform and connect with other pet owners in their neighbourhood. Members do not pay or receive payment for individual pet-sitting exchanges. Some insurers draw distinctions between paid services and informal arrangements, but a membership fee, frequency of exchanges, or other factors may still affect how an insurer characterizes the activity. Only your insurer can confirm how your policy applies. We strongly recommend speaking directly with your insurance provider to confirm how your coverage would apply to a membership-based, neighbour-to-neighbour pet-sitting exchange arrangement.

---

Personal Liability Coverage (Homeowner or Tenant Insurance)

Most homeowner and tenant insurance policies include personal liability coverage. This coverage typically protects the policyholder if they are legally responsible for:

• Accidental bodily injury to another person
• Accidental damage to someone else’s property
• Legal defence costs if a claim or lawsuit is made

Coverage limits often range between $1M–$2M, but policies vary.

Example Situations

Example 1: A dog bites someone during an exchange. In many cases, the dog owner’s personal liability coverage may respond if they are legally responsible for the injury. Example 2: A sitter is injured while inside the pet owner’s home. If negligence is involved, the homeowner’s personal liability coverage may respond. Example 3: A pet damages property in someone else’s home. If legal responsibility can be established, personal liability coverage may apply. Important: Personal liability insurance only responds if legal liability exists, the policy does not exclude the situation, and the insurer accepts the claim.

---

Property Insurance (Home Insurance)

Home insurance typically covers damage to your own property (for example, fire or water damage), subject to policy terms and deductibles. Example If accidental damage occurs inside your own home during an exchange, your property coverage may respond — depending on your policy terms. Insurers may assess fault and responsibility before determining coverage.

---

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is separate from liability insurance. It typically covers your pet’s medical expenses due to accident or illness. Example If your pet becomes ill or injured during a pet-sitting exchange, your pet insurance policy may help cover veterinary costs, subject to deductibles and policy limits. Pet insurance does not typically cover:

• Injuries to people
• Property damage
• Legal defence costs

---

What Paws Nearby Does Not Provide

Paws Nearby:

• Does not provide insurance coverage
• Does not guarantee reimbursement for injury or property damage
• Is not a party to the pet care arrangement between members
• Does not assume responsibility for incidents that occur during exchanges

Members enter into pet-sitting exchange arrangements directly with one another. Please visit our Terms of Service for more information.

---

Why It’s Important to Speak with Your Insurance Provider

Insurance policies vary significantly between providers and even between policyholders. We strongly recommend that you contact your insurance provider and ask:

• Does my personal liability coverage apply if I exchange pet care with a neighbour?
• Does my policy cover incidents involving my pet while temporarily in another home?
• Are there any exclusions related to frequent or recurring arrangements?
• Are there breed or prior-incident restrictions that apply?
• Does my tenant/home policy include personal liability coverage?

Only your insurer can confirm how your specific policy would respond.

---

Practical Risk-Reduction Steps for Members

Before any exchange, we recommend that members:

• Meet in person beforehand
• Disclose pet behaviour history
• Share emergency veterinary information
• Clarify where care will take place
• Confirm insurance coverage with their provider
• Agree in writing (via message) on expectations

Clear communication significantly reduces misunderstandings and risk. Members are solely responsible for selecting one another, agreeing on terms, and managing safety, security, access to homes, keys, emergency care decisions, and any related risks.

---

Final Reminder

Insurance coverage depends on:

• The wording of your individual policy
• The facts of the situation
• Whether legal liability exists
• Applicable provincial laws

Paws Nearby encourages responsible participation and informed decision-making, but members are solely responsible for confirming their own insurance coverage and managing their individual risk. If you are unsure, please speak directly with your insurance provider before participating in an exchange.