3 min read
Do Veterinarians Need Professional Liability Insurance If They Already Have General Liability?
Dr. Lacey in Lafayette had been running her veterinary clinic for nearly a decade. Her patients wagged their tails or purred with...
2 min read
Levi Kastner
Aug 5, 2025 11:22:14 AM
“I thought general liability would handle that,” she said, staring at a bill her insurance refused to pay. She wasn’t alone—too many Louisiana veterinarians find out about coverage gaps the hard way.
If you run a veterinary clinic in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, or anywhere in Acadiana, you need to know where the weak spots might be hiding in your commercial policy. Here are three overlooked gaps—and how to fix them before they cost you time, money, or your practice’s reputation.
Most vets assume their general liability policy covers injuries or deaths that happen to pets in their care. Not necessarily. That’s where animal bailee coverage comes in.
A dog escapes its kennel and injures itself.
A cat reacts poorly to anesthesia and suffers complications.
A technician accidentally administers the wrong dosage.
If your policy doesn’t specifically include bailee coverage, you could be held financially liable—even if you were doing everything “by the book.”
Talk to your insurance agent about adding or increasing your animal bailee limits. Some policies have low sub-limits ($1,000–$5,000) that won’t come close to covering today’s veterinary costs—or someone’s emotional claim tied to a high-value pet.
It’s 2025. If your clinic stores client information digitally—including payment info or medical records—you’re a cyber risk.
Ransomware locks you out of your practice management software.
Hackers steal pet owner payment info.
A staff member clicks a phishing link that infects your network.
Cyber liability isn’t just for big hospitals anymore. Veterinary clinics are increasingly targeted because they handle sensitive information but rarely have strong cybersecurity protocols in place. Ask your agent about a dedicated cyber policy or an endorsement that includes:
Data breach response
Notification expenses
Legal defense
Ransomware/extortion protection
It only takes one former employee to file a claim for discrimination, wrongful termination, or harassment. Even if you did nothing wrong, defending yourself could cost thousands.
A technician claims they were overlooked for promotion due to age or gender.
A fired receptionist says she was let go unfairly.
A staff dispute escalates and a hostile work environment is alleged.
An EPLI policy can protect your veterinary clinic from the legal and financial fallout of employment-related claims. Even if you only have 3–4 employees, this coverage matters—especially in today’s litigious environment.
From liability and property coverage to employment and cyber protections, your veterinary business has unique needs. At Kastner Insurance, we specialize in helping Louisiana veterinary practices understand their risks and choose coverage that fits—not just check boxes.
Serving Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, Baton Rouge, NOLA, and surrounding areas, we make sure you’re protected from front desk to exam room.
Need help reviewing your veterinary insurance policies? Contact Kastner Insurance today.
Founded in 2017, Kastner Insurance Group is a full-service, independent insurance broker based in Lafayette, LA. Our insurance agents specialize in offering a variety of insurance products tailored to individual and commercial needs, making sure clients receive personalized and comprehensive coverage options from a variety of insurance companies/insurance carriers.
With over 43 years of combined experience, the team at Kastner Insurance Group is dedicated to providing expert advice and exceptional service. They proudly serve professional offices and businesses across Lafayette city/parish, Youngsville, Broussard, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria, Acadiana, and statewide in Louisiana.
Call us today or visit our website for a customized quote.
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