The love that cat and dog owners have for their furry friends is almost unparalleled, and rightfully so. Whether you have a pup or a kitten, or any other pet for that matter, an animal pal can bring any pet owner so much joy and comfort. In fact, there are studies that show that spending time with animals can even mitigate the effects of depression and other illnesses.
Knowing that pets can give so much to their human pals, it makes sense that pet owners want to return the favor by keeping their pup or other pets healthy as well. That means regular trips to the vet for checkups, of course, and also treatment for animal illnesses if a pet gets sick. All those vet bills can start to add up pretty quickly, which is why pet owners often start to research pet insurance coverage as soon as their animal friends come home. Are you adopting a new friend? If so, read on to learn about what you should look for in the optimal pet insurance policy.
How old is your pet?
This is a key question to ask yourself as you think about enrollment in pet insurance. If you’re adopting a very young pup, for instance, that puppy will have different (and probably fewer) care needs than an older dog or cat would. That said, an older dog may have already received all their vaccines and may not need as much preventive care.
Just like different pet parents need varying levels of insurance coverage based on their age and health, consider the age and health condition of your pet before buying an insurance policy. You can use a pet insurance plan comparison tool online to get all the information you need about deductibles and exclusions, and then discuss your options with the vet to make sure you’re making an educated decision.
What type of pet do you have?
This, too, will be a key factor in deciding which pet insurer is the best for your pal. Remember, the best pet insurer for a purebred small dog is not necessarily the best pet insurer for a gecko or a cat. Often, purebred dogs are predisposed to various specific illnesses and chronic conditions, and these may require more care.
If you’re adopting a French bulldog, for instance, you’ll probably take that pup to the veterinarian more often, so you’ll want to be sure the deductibles and exclusions a pet insurer is offering are appropriate for what you’ll need in terms of routine care.
Consider your lifestyle.
The way you live your life makes a difference in your choice of a pet insurer as well. If you stay in one place, you’re taking on less risk than you would if you regularly take nationwide trips across the U.S. There are a few ways to mitigate this risk.
One way is to make sure that your pet insurance plan will pay for emergency care in case of a car accident. Another is to invest in the best dog seatbelt around. If all your other family members need to buckle up, why would it be different for your pup, right? A safety harness that adjusts to fit smaller dogs and larger dogs alike will give you the most peace of mind when it comes to pet safety as you make your way from New Jersey to North Dakota to California and anywhere else your travels take you.
Becoming a pet parent is one of the greatest joys a person can have, despite the many details that go into adopting or purchasing a furry (or scaly) friend. Make sure you keep pet safety on your mind and you’ll be enjoying time with your new pal for many years to come.
