House Directors with pets
We are receiving an increasing number of calls asking for our risk management opinion on House Directors with pets in the chapter house. Historically, we have addressed these types of situations on a case-by-case basis, but with the recent influx in the number of questions, we decided that a position paper on the topic was in order.
Ownership of any pet is a liability exposure. In light of recent claim activity and the corresponding risk management concerns (see attached article for reference), we are now asking that that any House Director with a pet secure a tenant’s policy (also referred to as “renter’s policy”) with a minimum liability limit of $500,000. We recommend that the House Corporation require proof of insurance with a minimum liability limit of $500,000 from the House Director before allowing the House Director to have a pet on the premises.
We strongly discourage House Corporations from allowing the House Director to own or care for any of the following:
- Wild animals kept as pets, such as iguanas, snakes and tigers;
- Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, American Straffordshire Terriers (or any of the variety/breed commonly known as “pit bulls”), Boxers, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Dogo Argentinos, Filas, German Shepherds, Huskies, Mastiffs, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Tosas and wolves/wolf mixes;
- Any dog trained as a guard or attack dog;
- Any animal/pet that needs to be restrained or confined to ensure the safety of people present in the same area;
- Any animal with a bite or other liability loss history.
The Personal Lines Department of MJ Insurance may be able to place a tenant’s/renter’s policy for House Directors. Please contact your Client Executive for more information.