Liability insurance for cat sitters: How to ensure rental property damage is covered
29 Sept 2025
6
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
You are looking after a friend's cat and discover a deep scratch on the door of the rental apartment. Who will pay for the damage that might cost around 800 euros? This article clarifies the complex liability issue regarding property damage caused by cat sitters and shows how you can properly protect yourself.
The topic in brief and concise terms
As a private cat sitter, you are liable for damages if your own personal liability insurance does not include the clause 'looking after other people's animals'.
Damages to rented property, i.e., damages to the rented apartment, must be explicitly covered with a high sum in the policy of the sitter or keeper.
The legal basis consists of § 833 BGB (owner liability) and § 834 BGB (animal supervisor liability), whereby the sitter must prove their diligence.
The €700 misunderstanding: Who is liable for damages caused by the guest cat?
A typical case: While you are away, the cat you are taking care of scratches a door frame, and the repair costs 700 euros. In Germany, the animal owner is generally liable for damages caused by their animal, as regulated by § 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB). However, as soon as you take over supervision, § 834 BGB comes into play, the liability of the animal supervisor. Your personal liability insurance often only applies if it explicitly includes the care of other people's animals. Without this protection, you might be left with the 700 euro cost. It is crucial to clarify whether this is purely a favour between friends or a regular, contractually agreed care arrangement. This distinction has significant implications for the insurer's liability.
Protection for the sitter: Why your personal liability insurance is crucial
As a cat sitter, you are not automatically covered by the pet owner's insurance. Your own personal liability insurance is your most important safety net. A good policy should offer at least ten million euros in coverage for personal and property damage. Specifically, look for the clause "caring for other tame pets," as only then are you insured as a pet sitter. Many basic policies for under 50 euros per year already include this important protection. Without this addition, nine out of ten standard insurance policies will not cover damages. The right policy protects you from claims that can quickly reach four-digit amounts. This way, your love for animals does not become a financial burden.
Focus on rental property damages: When scratches turn into four-figure amounts
Rental property damage is a particularly tricky category as it can quickly become very expensive. This includes damage to parts that are permanently attached to the property. A spilled glass of red wine can ruin a carpet worth €2,000. A scratched wooden door might require repairs costing over €1,000. Therefore, it is essential that your insurance covers rental property damage, ideally with a coverage amount of at least one million euros. A good pet sitter liability insurance explicitly includes such damages. Check the exact conditions of your contract, as some insurers exclude damage caused by "excessive wear and tear." This ensures that the insurance also covers you in case of major mishaps.
Legal Pitfalls: The Liability of Animal Owners and Animal Keepers in Detail
Our expert tip: Understand the difference between the holder's strict liability and your own liability as a supervisor. The animal owner is generally always liable under § 833 BGB, even without any fault of their own. As an animal supervisor, you are liable under § 834 BGB if negligence can be proven, such as a breach of duty of supervision. The crucial point is the reversal of the burden of proof: you must demonstrate that you have exercised the required care. A court ruling from the OLG Hamm showed that damage caused by cat urine is considered "excessive strain" and may be excluded from insurance coverage. Therefore, a clear agreement and good liability and legal protection insurance are essential for both parties.
Crafting the Optimal Policy: A Checklist for Sitters and Owners
To close coverage gaps, both cat sitters and cat owners should review their policies. Here is a list of the most important points:
For the Cat Sitter: Check your personal liability insurance for the inclusion of ‘caring for other people's tame animals’.
Coverage for rental property damage: Is this explicitly listed and sufficiently high, at least one million euros?
Gratuitous damages: Are damages that occur in the course of an unpaid friendly service also covered?
Key loss: Is the loss of the flat keys insured? The cost of replacing a lock system can quickly exceed 2,000 euros.
For the Cat Owner:
Third-party carer risk: Does your insurance cover damage caused by someone else whilst caring for your cat?
Rental property damage protection: Is your own policy strong enough to cover damage in the sitter's home?
Communication: Clarify the insurance coverage with the sitter before arranging the care. A brief email can be invaluable in the event of damage.
This careful review of both policies prevents future conflicts and ensures clarity.
In three steps to comprehensive coverage for cat care
With a systematic approach, you can minimise liability risks. A basic check can be carried out in less than 30 minutes. First, you should thoroughly analyse your existing contracts. Specifically, look for the terms "Tierhüter" and "Mietsachschäden". Secondly: Before starting cat care, openly discuss the insurance coverage. Clarify whose insurance would apply in an emergency. A simple conversation can avoid misunderstandings and costs of over 1,000 euros. Thirdly: Tailor your insurance coverage if needed. Extending your personal liability insurance often costs only a few euros a year. This small effort protects you from significant financial concerns.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Get your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Gesetze im Internet, an official source from the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, provides the Civil Code (BGB), which contains the fundamental liability regulations in Germany, such as §§ 833 and 834 BGB.
Haufe offers a detailed professional article that addresses damage to rented property and how it is covered by personal liability insurance, highlighting important aspects for insured individuals.
FAQ
Who is responsible if I look after a cat for a friend free of charge?
Even when providing a friend with a service without payment (a favor), you can be held liable. Therefore, a good personal liability insurance should also include 'damage caused by acts of kindness' to protect you as a cat sitter.
What should the coverage amount for rental property damage be?
Since repairs to building parts such as parquet floors or doors can be very expensive, experts recommend a coverage amount of at least one million euros for rental property damage.
What is the difference between the liability of the animal keeper and the animal guardian?
The animal owner is generally always liable for their animal (strict liability according to § 833 BGB). The animal keeper is only liable in the event of their own negligence, but must be able to prove that they acted with due care (liability for fault with reversal of the burden of proof according to § 834 BGB).
Does the insurance also cover if the cat urinates on the carpet?
This is a borderline case. Insurances and courts may classify such damage as 'gradual damage' or 'excessive strain' and refuse compensation, as demonstrated by a ruling from the Higher Regional Court of Hamm. Prompt reporting and resolution is crucial here.
Does the cat owner's insurance cover damages for the sitter?
Not always. The owner's insurance should cover the 'custodian liability'. However, it's safer if the sitter has their own suitable liability insurance, as they can be held directly accountable.
What is the cost of private liability insurance with protection for cat sitters?
Good rates that include pet sitting and damage to rented property are often available for just 50 to 70 euros per year. The small premium compared to a basic tariff offers significantly greater protection.
