Homeowners Insurance and Man’s Best Friend

Around here, dogs aren’t just pets—they’re part of the family. They ride in the truck, follow us out to the yard, greet neighbors like old friends, and curl up at our feet at the end of the day. Life just wouldn’t feel the same without them.

But there’s one simple thing many folks forget when it comes to homeowners insurance: making sure your insurance company knows about your dog.

Even the friendliest, most well-behaved dogs can get startled or protective from time to time. Maybe it’s the mail carrier pulling up, a new face at a backyard get-together, or just a moment that catches them off guard. If your dog were to bite someone or cause an injury, you could be held responsible for medical bills or other costs that follow.

And here’s where it matters—if your insurance company doesn’t know you have a dog, they may not cover the claim.

It might seem like a small detail when you’re filling out paperwork, but when an insurance company asks about pets, they’re asking for a reason. Leaving your dog off your policy can be considered leaving out important information. If something were to happen, that could mean a denied claim, out-of-pocket expenses, or even losing your coverage altogether.

The good news is, this is easy to take care of—and your local agent is here to help.

When you sit down with your agent, just be upfront about your dog. They can walk you through what your policy covers, let you know if there are any breed considerations, and help you decide if additional protection—like an umbrella policy—makes sense for your situation. It’s also worth remembering that a well-trained dog goes a long way in keeping everyone safe and comfortable.

At the end of the day, it’s about looking out for your family—two-legged and four-legged alike.

Here at Pittsfield Insurance, we know our community, and we know how much those dogs mean to you. That’s why we’re here to make sure you’ve got the right coverage in place, so you can enjoy the simple things—like a wagging tail at the door—without worry.