House Directors with pets
Increasingly, House Directors are expressing interest in keeping a pet in the chapter house. While this can be a perk of employment, it is important for you to consider the potential risks of having an animal, likely a dog, in the chapter house.
Ownership of any pet is a liability exposure. In light of recent claim activity and the corresponding risk management concerns, we ask 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. In addition to requiring this tenant’s insurance, we recommend that the managing 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.
In an increasingly litigious society, the number of dog bite claims has risen 48% over the last decade, with the total cost of claims reaching nearly $1.6 billion. This exposure is particularly concerning and it is crucial that any approved pet for a House Director or other animals in the chapter house (see our ESA article) not have a history of biting.
If your house corporation has any questions or concerns regarding house director pets or any other animals in the chapter house, please contact your Client Executive for more information.