Meta Pixel tracker

Nous utilisons des cookies pour mesurer l’audience et améliorer votre expérience. Vous pouvez accepter ou refuser. Consultez notre https://www.assur360.ca/en/privacy-policy-and-personal-information/.

A pet store in Quebec has very different risks than a regular business : live animals are usually NOT covered by a standard policy. An aquarium filtration failure can kill $15,000 worth of fish in 6 hours. A cat scratching a customer can generate a liability claim.

Pet store insurance requires several specific endorsements: live animals (if applicable), equipment breakdown (aquariums, terrariums, ventilation), loss of animal goods (refrigerated food), bite/scratch liability. Premium: $2,000 to $4,400/year.

$2,000+
premium avg.
6 hours
Filtration failure = lethal
$15K
typical aquarium
$2M
Recommended RC

Risks specific to your pet store

Death of live animals

The standard policy excludes live animals. A specific endorsement is required — often a sub-limit ($5,000-25,000) with a deductible. Check the causes covered (electrical failure vs. illness vs. negligence).

Breakdown of filtration / aeration

Marine aquarium without filtration 4-6 h = total loss. Reptile terrarium without heat 24 h = mortality. Equipment breakdown + loss of essential animal food.

Customer Bites and Scratches

Cat scratching, dog biting a child: public liability $2 million minimum. Exotic animals (iguana, ferret) = increased premium.

Animal health regulations

Newcastle disease, psittacosis, salmonella reptile: MAPAQ can order the euthanasia of a contaminated batch. “Order of the authorities” coverage recommended.

Essential Protections to Include

Live animals (endorsement)

Fish, reptiles, birds, rodents. Sub-limit + deductible.

Expanded equipment breakdown

Aquariums, filtration, pumps, heating, lighting.

RC $2 million + bite

Specific pet injury coverage.

Order of the authorities

Compensation if MAPAQ orders euthanasia or quarantine.

Get your personalized pet store quote

Compare up to 3 specialist insurers – free and without obligation

Start my quote

Premium 2026 — indicative table

ProfileVolume / DetailAnnual Bonus
Pet Store <1,000 sq. ft.LowValue Animals$2,000 – $2,600
Pet Shop + AquariumExotic Fish$2,600 – $3,400
Pet Store + Reptiles/ExoticsLizards, Snakes$3,200 – $4,000
Pet store + grooming/daycareService + sale$3,800 – $4,400

The amounts are indicative. Your actual premium depends on your claims history, location, security systems, and coverage chosen.

Tips for lowering your premium

  • Generator or UPS on filtration: essential for marine aquatics.
  • Temperature alarms on terrariums + remote monitoring.
  • Warning signs “Do not touch the animal without an employee”: due diligence.
  • Veterinary certificate on the purchase of each animal: reduces the liability of hidden defects.

Frequently Asked Questions — Pet Store Insurance

How much does pet insurance cost in Quebec in 2026?
Average premium: $2,000 to $4,400/year depending on size, sales volume, location, and your claims history. The 2026 rates reflect the increase in the cost of materials and parts.
What protections are essential for a pet store?
Minimum: Commercial liability (2-5 M$), building/content (replacement cost), equipment, business interruption. Specific endorsements for your industry (Live Animals (endorsement), Equipment Breakdown) are often crucial.
Is the CNESST included?
No. The CNESST is a mandatory contribution managed separately by the employer. Commercial insurance complements the CNESST for civil liability claims outside of work (clients, third parties).
Do I have to declare all my income exactly?
Yes. A underreporting can result in a proportional penalty (proportional rule) in the event of a claim: if you declared $400k but actually make $800k, you receive 50% of the compensation due.
Are my subcontractors covered by my policy?
No. Each subcontractor must have their own liability insurance. Always request a certificate of insurance and add yourself as an additional insured on their policy. Otherwise, you remain responsible for the damages they cause.
What is a replacement cost vs depreciated value?
Replacement cost: you are reimbursed the current price of an equivalent new piece of equipment. Depreciated value: amount reduced for wear and tear (e.g., fridge 10 years old = 30% of its new value). Replacement cost is recommended — additional cost 10-15%.
Can I insure my commercial vehicles with the same policy?
Often yes, but sometimes it is more advantageous to separate: distinct commercial fleet policy. We compare both scenarios to choose the most economical.
How long does it take to be compensated after a claim?
With up-to-date inventory + photos + financial documents: settlement in 4-8 weeks. Without evidence: can drag on for 4-12 months. That’s why we recommend a digital inventory backed up off-site.
What should I do if my insurer refuses to renew it?
Common causes: repeated claims, change of activity, relocation. Assur360 has access to 15+ insurers (including 3-4 specialized in difficult risks). We usually find a solution in 90% of cases — call 1-866-357-4451.
How do I get my pet store quote?
Fill out our 3-minute form with your annual income, area, number of employees, and current coverages. You will receive up to 3 compared quotes within 24-48 business hours. Free, no obligation. ☎ 1-866-357-4451.

Why choose Assur360

✓ AMF & Chamber of Insurance
Accredited and certified firm
✓ 15+ insurers compared
Intact, Desjardins, Beneva, Aviva, Economical, Belair…
✓ 100,000+ Quebecers served
Since 2008
✓ No cost, no obligation
Our commission is paid by the insurer

Helpful Resources

Ready to protect your pet store?

3 minutes — up to 3 quotes compared — no commitment

Start my quote ☎ 1-866-357-4451
Scroll to Top