Pet liability insurance for renters: understanding what it is and why you might need it

Pets are an important part of their owner’s life – but they don’t always know how to behave. Whether it’s ripping up a friend’s jacket or getting a bit carried away when playing, our furry family members often leave a mark. For renters, particularly bad messes and damage might see you facing repair bills or even legal expenses. That’s where pet liability insurance can step in to help. 

Often included as part of personal liability coverage within a tenant insurance policy, this financial support is designed to help you when pets damage third-party property or injure other people. But what exactly does it cover? And what else do you need to know about pet liability insurance and how it might apply to you? We’re going to discuss all of that in this informative guide. 

Does tenant insurance cover pets?

Tenant insurance doesn’t cover the day-to-day costs of caring for your pet, but it can sometimes cover you if they hurt someone or damage a third-party’s belongings. It all depends on what kind of policy you have, and what your specific provider offers. 

Because pets are legally considered your “property”, they fall under the personal liability coverage part of your tenant insurance. 

That means that often it’s this part of your coverage you'll make a claim against if you need to pay for pet-related damage. How much you could be covered for will again depend on your provider and their specific policy limits and rules. 

What is pet liability insurance?

Pet liability insurance is a part of your personal liability cover, which helps to financially protect you against pet-related damages or injuries. If your pet is found to be responsible for an incident, your tenant insurance policy might kick-in to help you pay for repairs, replacement, or legal costs. 

Here are some examples of incidents which might trigger a pet liability insurance claim: 

• Your pet scratches or bites a guest and they end up needing medical attention 

• A pet pees on the floor of someone else' s home, causing a stain that you can’t get out of the carpet 

• Your pet travels with you and damages or injures someone while away from your home

In most cases, pet liability insurance won’t apply to your landlord’s property, as this is usually covered under their own insurance (as well as a pet damage deposit, if you live in a province where these are legal). Where and when you’ll actually be covered will depend on a few factors. Keep reading to learn what they are. 

What does pet liability insurance cover for renters?

Exactly what’s covered by pet liability insurance will again vary by provider. But there are some common coverage themes which you’ll find included in most policies. 

• Injuries to people. If someone is hurt as a result of your pet – whether they were bitten, scratched, or even just knocked off their feet – and they require medical attention, pet liability insurance can help you afford their medical bills and your legal costs, in the event they take you to court. 

• Damage to third-party property. If a pet destroys someone’s belongings, or damages a neighbour’s fence, you may be covered. If your pet leaves a stain on someone else's rug when you visit them, this might also be something which is included in a policy.

• Legal fees. It’s possible to face legal action for something your pet did. If action does end up being taken against you, pet liability insurance can partially cover you when it comes to things like court costs and lawyer fees. 

What might not be covered by pet liability insurance? 

Pet liability insurance is not a catch-all blanket which means any problems caused by your pet will help to pay for legal fees or repairs. There are circumstances where your pet may cause damage or harm, but you aren’t covered. 

• Intentional damage. If you command your pet, or knowingly allow them to cause damage or injury, you won’t be covered. This is something which will be true across any insurance provider. 

• Damage to your property. If your pet damages your own property, you most likely won’t be able to make a successful claim. Some providers might allow you to add enhanced coverage options which also financially protect your own belongings, but this isn’t a given. 

• Harm to you. If a pet accidentally hurts you or your family members, you won’t be able to claim for any medical expenses you might have to pay. This usually only extends to people covered by your tenant insurance agreement – which means if you have a roommate who you don’t share a policy with, you might still be covered if they’re the ones who are injured. 

• Damage to a landlord’s property. Landlord’s insurance, or even pet deposits in some provinces, are what’s usually used to pay for the cost of repairs to the building of your home. 

• Vet visits and pet care. This kind of insurance is not designed to help you afford medical bills for your pet, or their general upkeep. 

• Some breeds of dog and exotic animals. Not every kind of animal is covered on a standard pet liability insurance policy. That extends to different types of dog breeds. Make sure to understand what may or may not be covered as part of your policy. 

Can a landlord ask for a pet damage deposit?

In some parts of Canada, a landlord might ask you to pay a deposit up front. This pays for damages caused by your pet which aren’t covered by your tenant insurance. Just be aware that this is not legal in every province. Here’s where pet deposits are and aren’t legal in Canada:

Provinces where pet deposits are allowed:

• BC

• Alberta

• Saskatchewan

• Manitoba

Provinces where pet deposits are not allowed: 

• Ontario 

• Quebec 

• Nova Scotia

• New Brunswick 

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• Prince Edward Island 

Source. Information accurate as of June 19, 2026

It’s also important to remember that if your pet is a certified guide or service animal, no landlords can ask for this deposit, regardless of which province you’re in. These animals are exempt. Understanding your rights as a renter is important, so be sure to know when a pet deposit is or isn’t allowed as part of your lease.

What’s the difference between pet liability insurance and pet insurance?

It could be easy to confuse pet liability insurance with traditional pet insurance. In reality, the two things are totally different. Here’s what you need to know about each: 

Are there pet breeds which might be excluded?

Not every pet is treated the same when it comes to your personal liability coverage. Whether a pet is or isn’t included might depend on their breed, species, or even their personal history. Here’s what you should keep in mind. 

1. Species. A lot of exotic animals are excluded from basic policies. That means creatures such as: 

• Reptiles and amphibians 

• Large or non-domesticated felines

• Primates 

• Venomous and dangerous creatures 

You might also find that more common pets like birds, rabbits, and hamsters aren’t always included, so be sure to check with your provider. 

2. Breed. While dogs are often included as part of your liability insurance, some breeds might be excluded. These are usually dogs with a higher risk of biting or being aggressive. Every provider will have their own list, but at APOLLO*, basic coverage won’t extend to:

• American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or Staffordshire Bull Terriers, all commonly known as Pit Bulls

• Doberman Pinschers

• Rottweilers

• Chow Chows

• Presa Canarlos

• Wolf Hybrids

• Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Japanese Akita

• Cane Corso

• Tosa

• Dogo Argentinos

• Fila Brasileiros

• German Shepherds

• Huskies

• Boxer

• Bullmastiffs

• Labrador Retrievers

• Guard Dogs

3. History. If your pet has a personal history of biting or injuring someone, they might also be excluded. 

4. Type of animal. These rules tend to only apply to regular pets. If you own livestock or hobby farm animals, you’ll need a different kind of insurance altogether.

Do I need pet liability insurance?

Just as with any kind of insurance, whether or not you actually need it depends on your exact situation. If you rent and are a pet owner, having a policy which helps cover costs could be in your interest. Many tenant insurance policies include pet liability insurance, but always check with your provider first. Weigh up your options, and think about whether you see it as a useful benefit to you. 

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*Apollo Insurance Agency Ltd. o/a APOLLO is a licensed insurance intermediary operating across Canada (excluding Quebec and the territories). Coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. 

The information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice, a recommendation, or an offer to sell insurance. Every individual's insurance needs are unique and depend on personal circumstances. We encourage you to consult with an independent licensed insurance broker in your province who can assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate coverage.