Definition of 'working dog' for insurance?

sam10

Can anyone share their experience on this please?

We are soon to bring home a new working cocker spaniel puppy, and I'm looking into getting some pet insurance to cover him.

The puppy is from working stock, and his breeder covers all their dogs with full 'working dog' insurance. This is only offered by a small number of providers, and (as you might expect) is considerably more expensive as working dogs could be seen as being more prone to accidents in the field.

Does anyone know how insurance companies define a 'working dog'?

We won't ever work our dog formally as part of a shoot, but my husband would like to train him in working dog style, and will take him out occasionally with the local pigeon shooting club. Of course I want to make sure he's properly insured, but without paying for cover that might not be necessary.

Many thanks in advance

sheramber

You have said a dog used in the field would be more prone to accidents and you propose to use your dog in such a way. It doesn't matter how often you do if your dog has an accident on one occasion. You do need to be honest with any company you insure with or you could end up with a refusal to pay out.

Each company has its own eligibility criteria. Some are stricter than others

You would be best to phone any company you are interested in and ask them. If you take out cover get it in writing that they will cover your dog used as you propose.

Helen2k8

I think you'll need to ring and ask individually. To my mind, the "take him out occasionally for local pigeon club" definitely counts as "working".

teddysmum

Helen2k8 wrote: »

I think you'll need to ring and ask individually. To my mind, the "take him out occasionally for local pigeon club" definitely counts as "working".

With the added risks of being accidentally shot, caught in bushes, damaging an undocked tail, which would account for the extra cost involved.

sam10

Thanks all. I'll continue to make enquiries with individual insurers.