Care, Custody and Control Insurance Explained
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Nov 21, 2025
- 5 min read
Care, Custody and Control Insurance Explained
Care, Custody and Control insurance — often shortened to CCC insurance — is one of the most misunderstood but important types of cover for dog walkers, pet sitters, groomers, trainers, and boarding providers.
Many professionals assume public liability insurance protects the dogs in their care. In reality, it usually doesn’t. CCC insurance exists to fill that gap.
What Is Care, Custody and Control (CCC) Insurance?
Care, Custody and Control insurance covers injury, illness, loss, or death of an animal while it is under your responsibility as part of your business.
A dog is considered in your care, custody or control when:
You are paid to look after it
You are responsible for its safety
You are making decisions about its handling or welfare
This applies whether you are walking, sitting, transporting, grooming, training, or boarding a dog. [napps.pets...urance.com], [ppg-insurance.com]
Why CCC Insurance Is Needed
Standard public liability insurance usually excludes property in your care, custody or control. In legal terms, pets are classed as personal property. This means that if a dog is injured while in your care, public liability alone may not respond. [napps.pets...urance.com], [investopedia.com]
CCC insurance is designed specifically to cover this exclusion.
What Care, Custody and Control Insurance Covers
CCC insurance for dog professionals typically covers:
Injury to a Dog
If a dog in your care:
Is injured during a walk
Is hurt during handling or transport
Injures itself while under your supervision
CCC insurance can help cover veterinary fees and related costs. [petcareins.com]
Loss or Escape
If a dog:
Escapes while on a walk
Goes missing from your care
Is stolen while under your supervision
CCC cover may include costs associated with recovery, advertising, or compensation to the owner, depending on the policy. [petcareins.com]
Death of an Animal
If a covered incident leads to the death of a dog while in your care, CCC insurance can provide compensation in line with policy limits and conditions. [ppg-insurance.com]
Legal Claims from Owners
If a dog owner claims you were responsible for injury, loss, or death of their dog, CCC insurance can also cover:
Legal defence costs
Settlements or compensation (up to policy limits). [petcareins.com]
What CCC Insurance Does Not Usually Cover
Care, Custody and Control insurance generally does not cover:
Pre‑existing medical conditions
Illnesses not linked to an insured incident
Disease outbreaks
Intentional harm
Normal ageing or congenital conditions
Exclusions vary by insurer, so policy wording always matters. [petcareins.com]
CCC Insurance vs Public Liability: What’s the Difference?
Type of Insurance | What It Covers |
Public Liability | Injury to people or damage to property caused by your business |
Care, Custody & Control | Injury, loss, or death of animals in your care |
Most professional dog walking insurance policies include both, because one does not replace the other. [confused.com], [protectivity.com]
Who Needs Care, Custody and Control Insurance?
CCC insurance is strongly recommended for:
Dog walkers
Pet sitters
Dog groomers
Trainers and behaviourists
Boarding and daycare providers
Anyone paid to look after animals they do not own
If you are responsible for someone else’s dog, even briefly, CCC exposure exists.
Is Care, Custody and Control Insurance a Legal Requirement?
No — CCC insurance is not legally required in the UK.
However:
Many clients expect it
Many insurers and councils recommend it
Without it, you may be personally liable for vet bills or compensation
Because vet costs can run into thousands of pounds, CCC cover is considered essential best practice.
The Bottom Line
Care, Custody and Control insurance:
Covers dogs in your care, not the public
Fills a major gap left by public liability insurance
Protects you financially if a dog is injured, lost, or dies
Is a key marker of professionalism in dog services
For dog professionals, CCC insurance isn’t an extra — it’s a core protection.
A Note on The Dog House, Professionalism & Purpose
This space is written on one clear assumption:
you are a professional, not a casual pet lover with a lead and some spare time.
The Dog House exists because pet care, when done properly, is skilled work. It involves responsibility, judgement, boundaries, risk management, and decision-making — often under pressure and without applause.
Caring deeply does not mean operating loosely.
In fact, the more you care, the more structure you need.
You are allowed to:
• Treat your role as a profession, not a favour
• Expect clients to respect your time, policies, and expertise
• Put systems in place that protect your energy as well as your income
• Talk openly about boundaries, burnout, and business realities
• Acknowledge that loving animals does not mean tolerating poor behaviour from people
• Build a business that fits around your life, not one that consumes it
The Dog House is not about being harsh, cynical, or closed-off.
It is about being clear, grounded, and realistic.
Clarity reduces conflict.
Structure reduces stress.
Professionalism protects everyone — including the animals.
This space is here to support you in doing this work well, ethically, and sustainably, for the long term.
Because pet care businesses built on clarity and self-respect don’t just get by — they last.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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