Things to consider about insurance before getting a dog

Bringing home a dog is exciting—and it’s also a big commitment. Beyond picking out toys, treats, and a fun name, there’s lots to prepare: your home setup, your schedule, your budget, and yes, your homeowners insurance.

Here are a few insurance-related details to consider so you can feel more confident about welcoming a new best friend.

How will my homeowners insurance be affected if I get a dog?

Depending on factors like the size and breed of the dog, you could see changes to your premium. Some insurance companies may also restrict ownership of certain breeds as a condition of your coverage.

The reason is that dogs can increase the risk of injury to people. Even the friendliest, best-behaved dog can accidentally trip someone, get a little too rough during play, or become overly excited and knock someone over. Some breeds may also be associated with higher risk based on how they’re commonly perceived.

Be sure to connect with your agent to understand your policy’s specific guidelines and restrictions regarding dogs.

Check your liability coverage

Personal liability coverage on your homeowners policy may help protect you if your dog injures someone and you’re found legally responsible. Actual coverage depends on your policy terms and the circumstances of the loss. Review your policy with your agent to ensure you have enough liability coverage to assist with potential medical bills or legal expenses.

For extra peace of mind, talk to your agent about whether a personal umbrella liability policy could make sense for your situation. Umbrella coverage may help provide additional liability protection beyond your underlying liability limits, subject to policy terms and exclusions.

Consider pet insurance, too

Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover your dog’s routine veterinary care or most medical needs. Depending on the plan, pet insurance can help with vet expenses if your pet gets sick or injured.

Other factors to consider before bringing a dog home

A dog changes your day-to-day life in the best ways, but there are details you need to think about before heading to the shelter or breeder.

Your home

Different dogs thrive in different spaces. A smaller home or apartment may be a better match for a smaller or low-energy dog. If you have a larger home and a yard, you may have more flexibility for bigger breeds, especially those that need room to run.

If you plan on getting a fence for your dog, you’ll want to make sure it’s properly protected under your policy. Many homeowners policies include other structures coverage, which may help after a covered loss, depending on your policy.

Your activity level and schedule

Do you go jogging every morning and head to the gym right after work? Or are you more of a homebody who enjoys hanging out around the house? Your energy level and your dog’s should ideally match. Smaller dogs and working breeds, like Jack Russell terriers and collies, need lots of exercise, while larger breeds, like mastiffs, tend to be happier napping on the sofa most of the day.

Consider your free time and availability as well. Do you work long hours? Travel a lot? Or do you have time in your schedule for training, exercise, and consistency? Aligning your lifestyle to your dog’s needs can help avoid stress for both of you.

Your family and guests

Your household matters, too: kids, roommates, frequent visitors—even how often you host gatherings. Some dogs are great with small children, while others do better in quieter environments. If you’re adopting from a shelter where breed may be unclear, ask about any available behavior assessments or history so you can choose the best fit.

If you’re looking for more information on liability and dog-related incidents, check out our resources on homeowners insurance and dog bites.

Your budget

Dogs come with ongoing costs—and a few surprises. Before you commit, consider expenses, such as:

• Food and supplies
• Training
• Routine vet visits and vaccinations
• Emergency care
• Potential changes to your homeowners premium

Also, think about your savings account and ask yourself: If your dog had a sudden emergency, could you comfortably manage the cost?

Pet coverage you may be able to add

At American Family Insurance, you may be able to add pet coverage to your homeowners insurance policy. It can potentially assist with veterinarian care or final expenses if your pet is injured after a covered event. Your agent can help you understand availability and what’s covered.

What type of dog do you want to bring home?

Once you’ve thought through the basics, it’s time for the fun part: finding your perfect canine match.

Local shelters are a great place to start, and you can often learn a lot from foster notes or behavior profiles. If you’re considering a breeder, be prepared for a higher cost and potentially a longer wait, particularly for in-demand breeds.

You should also consider the age of the dog you’d like to bring home. A puppy is adorable—and a lot of work. An older dog may come with some training and a calmer transition.

Ready for the next step?

A little planning now can help you feel more confident later. If you’re thinking of adding a dog to your household, connect with your American Family Insurance agent to review how it may affect your homeowners insurance and what options are available for extra protection.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.