Showsurance - specialised insurance for dog shows and the pet sector

19/02/2024

Canine Society Rescue Insurance

Showsurance has seen a sudden rise in questions about a society's third party public liability (TPPL)when dogs are occasionally taken in by members and re homed under the auspices of the club.

As far as Showsurance is concerned, a club would not normally need a separate insurance unless its rescue activity was 'significant'. If this is the case, a separate organisation with its own constitution and committee such as an unincorporated organisation (which most canine societies are), a company limited by guarantee or charity should be set up, such as those for German Shepherds, Border Collies, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and some others. They may be supported or sponsored by a breed club or clubs, but should be independent. It would need its own TPPL cover.

'Occasional' rescue activity is covered by Showsurance, but we suggest that clubs should have something in its rules which refers to 'occasional rescue activity'. For instance: 'The committee may authorise, provide documentation and pay the costs of the taking in of a (insert breed) by a club member, with a view to assessing it, submitting it for a veterinary check and rehoming it.'

The singular ensures that the activity is 'limited' so would remain within the cover provided.

Societies should have some simple documents in place which sets out the conditions for acceptance of a rescue dog and for the owners of a dog rescued. Showsurance can provide suitable documents if requested.

These terms refer only to Showsurance: other insurance providers may have different arrangements.

If the activity becomes more than 'occasional', it would be sensible to have a separate organisation which would need its own Third Party Liability Insurance, the costs of which would depend on the extent of the activity, the premises used and its ownership, volunteers or employees. Showsurance can provide such cover through its brokers.

Call now to connect with business.

10/01/2022

Two new societies signed up to Showsurance within one week of the New Year. Both are delighted with their policies which as well as the usual public liability, includes employers liability, food and drink extension, Trusted Persons cover and Legal Expenses as standard. And ti is all automatic - not negation and waiting for a 'quote' Just complete the online application form and see what the premium will be at www.showsurance.co.uk

17/12/2021

Showsurance now includes Trusted Person status, legal helpline, and legal expenses as standard. These can cost over £60 extra on most other 'basic' policies. You can get an immediate quote online by completing the form at

14/11/2021

Any question - do not hesitate to contact me

28/11/2020

The Kennel Club has issued a press release which refers to insurance:

'One of the main concerns for societies is whether there will be adequate insurance cover. It is always best to check with the society’s own insurance provider. It is unlikely that any Covid-19-specific insurance will be available but general public liability will be available. A society should ensure that best efforts are undertaken to ensure that the venue/ground is Covid-19 safe, in line with government advice available at the time (including risk assessments).'

Those covered by Showsurance can be assured that their policy is fully compliant and that our Hazard. Health and Safety template (free to all societies at www.showsurance.co.uk at the bottom of the home page) has been updated. Should societies need any specific advice Showsurance is always pleased to help. Email: [email protected]

23/11/2020

It has just been announced that the 'Find it' section of the new Kennel Club website are not going to be ready until the new year - which has resulted in a satisfying spike in the membership of our website. More importantly there has also been a significant increase in traffic from which I hope you have benefited. It would therefore be a good time to share/forward this email to friends who my be interested in joining us
Home and business insurance
As local authorities finally get their head around the 2018 Regulations for breeders and other licensable pet related businesses such as home boarding, I have had several queries from members who are having problems with insurance. When they come to renew their normal insurance or when the local authority demands to see evidence as part of the licensing process, it appears that some companies cannot or will not add the required third-party liability cover for running a small pet related business from home to their standard product.
Showsurance, which was founded 40 years ago and provides Third Party Public Liability cover for many dog shows, has recently extended its service and arranged particularly suitable policies through their Brokers especially designed for these circumstances. Completing the form will generate a call from our Brokers at a time to suit you. Showsurance has been working with them for many years and although there is no guarantee that they will provide the cheapest quote, you can be assured that their experience is such that you will have cover which fulfills your needs.
Just click on this link (https://www.cognitoforms.com/Showsurance/RTCAssociatesHouseholdInsuranceAndorPetRelatedBusinessPublicLiabilityEnquiry) to access the form. It is short and everything is on one page so it only takes a couple of minutes to complete - you know I like to keep it simple!

27/08/2020

Our risk assessment template has been updated to include details of advice on Covid19/. Go to www.showsurance.co.uk and click on the link at the bottom of the home page

22/08/2020

Since my Showsurance post about 3rd Party Liability with respect to dogs shows and Covid19 I have been asked about the advice being given to those taking gazebos to Bournemouth that they should ensure that they are covered for public liability in case anyone trips over a guy rope or tent peg. Being covered is important but few people need to take out a special policy for they will be covered for their personal leisure activities (other than those classes as 'dangerous') by their household public liability insurance. Showsurance covers you for such activities if required (www.showsurance.co.uk) but most people can rest easy. If you are unsure check with you household insurer who can easily add it to your policy if such liability is not covered. It is certainly not worth taking out separate cover.

18/08/2020

For your information. Happy to answer questions on this thread or a [email protected]
How does Covid19 affect my insurance cover
Covid 19 or no, Kennel Club Regulations demand that all canine societies carry Third Party Public Liability Insurance whether or not the society is running a show. There is nothing any of us can do about this but several societies which use Showsurance with its almost 40 years experience in this specialised area of third party public liability, have sensibly asked what the implications are as far as Covid19 is concerned.
Every insurer is likely to have a slightly different response but societies should bear in mind that under normal circumstances the transmission of an infection is not considered a public liability as far as a show is concerned: such a risk is outside the responsibility of the show management. Covid19 presents a different problem in that in planning their show, guidelines from the government insist that organisers of events should take account of all the increased risks that their visitors, whether they be exhibitors, volunteer helpers, judges or spectators might be subjected to by their attendance.
In theory, the risk of infection is being run by those who attend, not by the officers of the society but taking reasonable steps to reduce risk under these circumstances is important. This does not mean ‘going over the top’ - the key word here is ‘reasonable’. All those attending should be aware of the risks they take in the same way as they except a degree of risk in cycling or if you are more adventurous, skiing or skydiving.
And enforcing the law or guidance of say, face masks or social distancing, is not the responsibility of the show in just the same way as managers of retail premises are not responsible for enforcing the government’s demand to use face masks in shops.
Making it clear that those attending do so at their own risk and instructions that anyone who has symptoms or been in contact with the infection, is a good start and suitable signs reminding people of their personal responsibilities is also important. Show should also implement sensible and practical measures to reduce crowding at ‘pinch points’ and the spread of infection by having sanitising stations beside each ring: these measures are more than enough to ensure that the public or members of the society would not have a public liability case.
Entry forms already have the contact details of exhibitors in case they are required for contact tracing and it would be wise for the secretary to also have full contact information of all judges, stewards and other helpers. For indoor shows where there is a suitable entrance, the mobile phone numbers and/or email addresses of spectators would also be useful.
Showsurance was founded in 1982 by David Cavill FRSA of RTC Associates with the help of David Pation, a member of Lloyds and at that time secretary of the Afghan Hound Club. Full details and online applications for policies are on its web site at

09/07/2020