At the beginning of 2019, there were 2.15 million pets insured in the United States, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association.
In the past few years, many AKC breeders have begun to share their knowledge of the importance of pet insurance with their new puppy owners. While the offer of 30 days of accident and illness pet insurance that comes with AKC registration is a great introduction, many puppy owners rely on the wisdom of their breeders to fully understand how important a tool pet insurance can be during the life of their dog.
We’ve already covered the common misconceptions pet owners have about pet insurance, but it’s equally as important to explain the many ways pet insurance can help your puppy owners provide the best care for their pups.
- Accidents
Puppies are curious creatures, which means it often seems as though they seek out trouble anywhere they can find it. AKC Pet Insurance has seen a variety of accident-related claims for puppies ranging from broken bones to digestive issues. Earlier this year in Texas, a Golden Retriever was treated for foreign body ingestion, and his owners received a veterinary bill for $3,575! Luckily, they had enrolled in pet insurance and were reimbursed more than $2,600 for their claim. In March, a Siberian Husky in Wisconsin was treated for a gunshot wound, and his owners took home a bill for $1,858. Thankfully, they had an accident and illness pet insurance policy and were reimbursed more than $1,550 for the bill.
- Illnesses
Even the most careful pet owner can find themselves in a situation where their dog has contracted an illness. Some common puppy illnesses include ear infections and allergies, however pet insurance can also help reimburse towards more significant illness-related vet bills for conditions such as cancer or hypothyroidism. Earlier this year, a Vizsla’s owner was billed $2,985 for treatment of a non-cancerous tumor. Because the pup’s owner had enrolled in a pet insurance policy, the owner received more than $2,300 back in reimbursement from his pet insurance policy.
- Alternative and Holistic Treatments
Increasingly, vets are looking to holistic and alternative treatments to supplement conventional methods. Chiropractic care, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, behavioral and many other therapies used to treat conditions can be eligible for coverage under a pet insurance policy.
- Wellness and Routine Care
Most breeders already relay the importance of an annual wellness check for the puppies they are sending home, but pet owners aren’t always aware that some of the expenses can be reimbursed by pet insurance! From a puppy’s first wellness visit to check-ups throughout his life, pet insurance wellness coverage can reimburse towards vaccinations/titers, flea and tick preventatives, and much more.
- Exam Fees
Did you know pet insurance can help reimburse towards the fees that come with just walking in the door at your veterinarian’s office? Veterinary clinic exam fees can start around $45 a visit and in some places can be as high as $100!
- Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
This coverage option encompasses conditions considered hereditary or congenital and other chronic conditions that may crop up over the years. A few examples of conditions that may be eligible for coverage would be heart disease, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and diabetes.
Sharing Your Knowledge with Puppy Owners
Encouraging your puppy owners to enroll in a pet insurance policy early on is a great way to set your puppies up for healthy new lives. Pet owners who have policies with AKC Pet Insurance are better able to choose the highest quality care for their dog when it’s needed rather than worrying over the cost. Breeders who would like to provide more information to their puppy owners can contact their breeder support specialist to request brochures or complimentary pet safety handbooks. Don’t forget to remind your new puppy owners that when they complete registration with the AKC they will receive 30 days of accident and illness pet insurance as well!
All claim payment examples are based on actual cases. Benefits paid under accident and illness plan. Results may vary.
*Insurance is underwritten and issued by Independence American Insurance Company, rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best Company, with offices at 485 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10022 and in WA, by American Pet Insurance Company, 6100 4th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98108. Insurance plans are offered and administered by PetPartners, Inc., a licensed agency. “American Kennel Club,” “AKC” and the AKC logo are trademarks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.; used under license by PetPartners. “AKC Pet Insurance” is the name used by PetPartners to offer and administer insurance plans and is neither an American Kennel Club business nor an insurance company. American Kennel Club does not offer, administer, solicit, market or sell any insurance plans. Eligibility restrictions apply. For complete details refer to www.akcpetinsurance.