Every month, I allocate nearly $100 for pet insurance covering my two dogs and a cat. This investment has proven to be one of the wisest financial decisions I’ve made.
Before my daughter was born, I wasn’t particularly fond of animals. I preferred a neat, tidy home, and the thought of pet hair, messes, and accidents made me uneasy. As an adult, I had never owned a pet.
However, my daughter’s deep love for animals changed everything. Despite facing her own developmental and physical challenges, she seemed to have an innate connection with every creature she encountered. It was truly heartwarming and something that gradually softened my stance on pets.
To satisfy her affection for animals, I began taking her to local shelters. Within a year, we welcomed our first dog, followed by a cat and another dog. We’ve since become foster parents, and my daughter remains a beloved volunteer at our local shelter.
When we adopted our first dog, I was clueless about pet ownership. When the vet suggested getting pet insurance, I promptly signed up for a policy that night. Shortly thereafter, our new pup developed severe gastrointestinal problems, and the insurance (which has a $300 deductible and covers 90% of expenses up to $10,000) more than paid for itself in those initial months.
However, it was our female pup, Luna, who truly highlighted the necessity of pet insurance for me this past year. Shortly after her first birthday, she stopped eating and began vomiting. A visit to the emergency vet revealed a bowel obstruction. Faced with a $6,000 surgery bill, I was able to confidently say “do what needs to be done,” thanks to having insurance.
Later, we discovered that Luna had significant joint issues and suspected autoimmune disorders. After consulting with several veterinary specialists, we were advised that she required two hip replacement surgeries, amounting to around $9,000. Fortunately, these surgeries fell under different policy years, allowing insurance to cover 90% of all costs. This support has been crucial in keeping Luna alive.
As a staunch advocate for pet insurance, I recently advised a friend who adopted one of our foster puppies. I shared my perspective: “If you can easily cover a few thousand dollars in vet bills, insurance may not be necessary. But if that kind of expense would be a struggle—potentially forcing you to consider leaving your pet behind—then absolutely sign up for it.”
We use PetPlan and are pleased with their service, but I’ve heard positive reviews about other major insurers. It’s wise to check with your vet as well; they often have partnerships with certain insurance providers that can offer discounts. Regardless of the provider, I believe having pet insurance is essential.
My pets enjoy better insurance coverage than I do—an unfortunate reflection of the U.S. healthcare system. For Luna, pet insurance has literally saved her life, and for that, I am incredibly grateful, far beyond what my previous pet-averse self could have imagined.
So, if you’re contemplating pet insurance, take the plunge. You won’t regret it; the alternative might leave you heartbroken.
For more insights on family planning and pet responsibilities, check out this other blog post for engaging information. If you’re looking for expert advice on home insemination, Make a Mom is a reputable source. Additionally, Resolve offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
Investing in pet insurance is crucial for pet owners, as it can alleviate financial burdens during unexpected medical emergencies. Personal experiences illustrate how insurance can save lives and enhance the pet ownership journey.
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