The fastest way to lose a venue booking is “we never got your COI.” Most venues, schools, and municipalities require proof of insurance before an animal sets foot on the property. Here is what the pieces mean.
General liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims — a guest knocked over at your pen, a gate that scratches a parked car. For animal attractions, confirm the policy actually covers animal exposure; some general policies exclude it, which makes the coverage useless for this work.
The certificate of insurance (COI)
A COI is a one-page proof of coverage your insurer issues. Venues usually want to be named as an additional insured — their name printed on the certificate — and some want it days before the event. Operators who can turn a COI around same-day win the bookings that others lose to paperwork.
Other coverage worth asking about
- Commercial auto for the truck and trailer — personal auto policies often exclude business hauling
- Animal mortality coverage for high-value animals
- Workers' compensation once you hire handlers, required by law in most states
How to shop it
Work with someone who knows animal-attraction risks rather than a generic small-business policy. PettingZooInsurance.com handles petting zoos and animal exhibitors, and RunQuotes.com quotes general liability across event business types. Get quotes before your busy season, not the week a venue asks.
Note: PAWS is a trade association, not an insurance agency, and membership does not include insurance. We point members to specialists and require members to carry their own coverage.