Farmers increasingly insuring working dogs as valuable farm assets
Friday 2 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Some farmers are taking out insurance for their working dogs, which can be valued at $5,000 or more for elite breeding. Veterinarian Dr Robyn Haasbroek noted that approximately half of the 200 farmers she works with have opted for coverage to protect against injury or loss.
Key facts
3 facts
- Working dogs can be worth $5,000 or more for elite breeding.
- FMG dog policies cover dogs aged six months to nine years.
- Approximately half of the farmers Dr Haasbroek works with have insurance.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Veterinarian Dr Robyn Haasbroek is encouraging farmers to consider insurance for working dogs to mitigate financial stress. She notes that if a dog cannot perform its job, the farmer loses a valuable asset that must be replaced.
Dr Haasbroek, based in Gisborne, observes that about half of the 200 farmers she works with have dog insurance, though she believes this is insufficient. She warns that medical costs for injuries, such as a dog falling down a bluff, can easily reach a minimum of $5,000 to $6,000 without specialist clinic involvement.
Rural insurer FMG offers policies for specified and unspecified farm dogs aged between six months and nine years. For unspecified dogs, the policy pays up to $3,000 for certain causes of death including accident, disease, illness, and theft.
FMG's policy also covers injury or illness that leaves a dog permanently unable to perform its duties, paying out 75% of its value. Additionally, the insurer provides up to $1,000 for veterinary bills to extend a dog's working life or prevent death.
How it developed
- Fri 2 Oct, 1:54pmFMG also pays up to $1,000 in vet bills to extend a dog's useful working life or prevent death.
Where reports differ
- One report mentions insurance numbers have decreased by 6% over five years, while the other report is cut off regarding a slight trend.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and RNZ.