New insurance offering supports service dogs in emergency response

Service dogs are a vital part of emergency response, helping to keep communities safe and supporting frontline responders. But until recently, insurance tailored to these working animals has been surprisingly scarce. At The Emergency Services Show, Mark Walden from Agria Pet Insurance joined us to discuss how the new service dog insurance is filling that gap.

Agria, the world’s oldest pet insurance provider, started in Sweden in 1890. Over the decades, the company has expanded across Europe, initially covering working dogs such as gun dogs or show dogs. “These animals are so well trained and well looked after that it made sense for us to expand into service dogs,” says Mark. “We realised there was no insurance for some of the most remarkable dogs protecting us on the streets.”

In the UK, the absence of insurance for police dogs and other service animals often leaves handlers personally responsible for costly veterinary care. Mark noted, “Some dogs incur injuries or illnesses while working, and their handlers are expected to cover thousands of pounds themselves. That’s not sustainable.”

The new insurance product is designed specifically for working dogs, providing coverage for veterinary bills while the animal is on duty. It also includes third-party liability, protecting handlers against potential damage to property, people, or other animals, a coverage that many traditional insurers simply won’t offer. “Working dogs often operate in environments where regular pets aren’t allowed. Providing liability cover is a crucial part of what we offer,” explained Brian from Service Dogs UK, who joined Mark along with dog Ferris to highlight the need for specific polices.

Beyond insurance, Agria supports handlers with access to the 24/7 Agria Pet Health app, offering advice from veterinarians whenever needed. Mark explained, “It’s a free resource that allows handlers to get guidance without immediately going to the vet, which can be costly.” The company also partners with organisations such as Service Dogs UK to ensure policies and services meet the real-world needs of handlers and their dogs.

The approach is particularly valuable for search and rescue dogs, where even ordinary pet dogs take on life-saving tasks. “These animals may be your typical pets at home, but when they’re deployed for searches or rescue operations, there’s no insurance available. We wanted to fix that,” said Mark.

The session highlighted how tailored insurance helps services manage budgets and resources. By providing predictable monthly premiums, handlers can plan ahead rather than being blindsided by unexpected veterinary costs. This financial stability not only benefits handlers but also helps ensure service dogs receive the care they need to perform safely and effectively.

Mark emphasised that awareness of such insurance is still growing. “Some handlers we spoke to at the show had no idea that coverage like this existed. Our growth comes from education, partnerships, and engagement with the sector, not conventional advertising.”

For services looking to explore solutions for their working dogs, Agria has made information accessible online and offers guidance for interested organisations. As Mark noted, “Understanding the unique needs of working dogs and supporting their health is an essential part of protecting both the animals and the people they serve.”

Watch the full interview below.

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