Workers’ compensation insurance for veterinarians is a must-have insurance policy to protect your employees and their wage needs. You’re also protecting your veterinary practice in the process, should an incident occur. 

Despite this, when you think of occupations, you may not associate the role of a veterinarian with danger or harm. However, every time a vet comes into contact with an animal, they are placing themselves at risk.



Every appointment, scan, or operation runs the risk of harm to the vet. For example, you may be bitten, scratched, or exposed to hazardous substances, gases, and even radiation. And that’s only the beginning of it – now add on the stress of working in a fast-paced environment for long hours.

Sure the cute animals make up for it, but we can’t ignore the need for workers’ compensation for veterinarians. 

So, while vets may not be fighting fires, tackling crime, or operating heavy machinery, the job still contains inherent risk. 

With that in mind, the remainder of this blog post will discuss more on workers’ compensation, what it includes, why you need it as a veterinary practice, and what happens if you need to use veterinarian insurance policy.  

What is workers’ compensation insurance?

Workers’ compensation is a coverage insurance necessary in almost all states in the United States of America for most businesses. Although, in states such as Florida, businesses only require this type of insurance if the business reaches a certain number of employees or conducts specific activities.

Oh, and then there’s Texas, where workers’ compensation insurance is not required. But we’d still recommend investing in it – you’re not only protecting your employees; you’re also safeguarding your practice. 

Anyways, what does this insurance do? It’s a type of financial insurance protection for employees and employers.

If an employee becomes ill or unable to work on the job, then the employees receive medical wage replacement benefits. In some cases, disability benefits and vocational rehabilitation can also be provided. However, in exchange for insurance, employees surrender their right to sue their workplace for claims of negligence. 

Workers’ compensation insurance is common in the workplace – it allows employees to work with confidence and peace of mind, just in case something is to happen (although, let’s keep our fingers crossed no harm happens at work).

Workers’ compensation for veterinarians

Workers’ compensation insurance is often associated with labor-intensive jobs, think construction, and other roles that require heavy lifting, heights, and heavy lifting.

But as you already know, the role of a vet is also dangerous – there are many risks that you encounter daily, which could potentially result in an accident, injury, or illness.

Purchasing this insurance as an employer protects your employees if an accident is to happen. It also protects you (the business owner), as any employee cannot sue for negligence, providing you peace of mind and financial care to support their return to work.

What to do if a member of staff gets hurt at work

So, you purchased veterinary insurance, and a member of staff got hurt at work – whether a bite, a scratch, or something else, it’s essential to get them the help they need first.

Not only is this the right thing to do – but it supports your insurance claim.

Once they’ve received help, you need to contact your insurance provider to report all injuries. 

The longer you wait to report an injury, the higher future claims will be.

It’s important to report injuries sooner rather than later, so all parties can get the help they need.

Request a quote today 

We highly recommend investing in workers’ compensation for veterinarians – it’s a challenging job in a fast-paced environment with lots of associated risks.

From scratches to bites, and even radiation, providing your employees financial coverage is paramount. 

And if you do live in a State such as Texas where workers’ compensation is not required, purchasing this is still recommended.

To request a free quote or to find out more about veterinary insurance, check out our dedicated workers’ compensation page.

For more details, or if you’d like to speak to a member of the Pro Plans team, then feel free to contact us – we’re here to help.