Pets are an integral part of a family. Whether they are cuddly and fluffy like a kitten or lean and playful like a dog, pets can become a part of the family through their constant companionship and loving support. It makes sense then that pets should be protected like any other member of the family. That’s where pet insurance comes in.
With over 76 million cats, the United States has more felines than any other country. Some statistics place the number of feral cats at around 60 million, though many cats (some say around 84%) are spayed and neutered. This makes cats one of the most popular pets within American families.
Dogs are equally as popular, with between 37% and 47% of U.S. households owning a dog, which amounts for 46.3 million U.S. households. While the majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members, 28% of dogs are purchased from breeders, while 29% of dogs and cats are adopted from shelters and rescues.
It almost goes without saying, however, that cats and dogs both get into a great deal of trouble. Whether it’s a dog running through the yard with sharp sticks or a cat jumping from the kitchen counter to the top of the refrigerator, the potential for an accident with an animal runs fairly high over the course of their lifetime.
Even without an accident, pets can also become sick like any other creature and a quick trip to the veterinarian can cost hundreds of dollars without insurance. This goes for both an accident or an illness, and while projections can sometimes account for this additional expense, it can be tough to predict, leading to a sudden money shortage.
This is where pet insurance comes in. A company that offers pet insurance often includes wellness visits, vaccinations, accidents, and illnesses. Pet health insurance plans work to protect your animals health, whether that is protecting your outside dogs in the summer months or allowing you to see cat health specialists without breaking the bank.
Here is a quick primer on how to choose pet insurance plans.
When looking at how to choose pet insurance plans, it’s always important to research different plans for pet insurance to discover which one suits you and your pet’s needs. Looking into what the plan provides, such as health check-ups, vaccinations, illnesses, or just general wellness, will give you a stronger idea on how to choose pet insurance plans.
An important consideration is the cost of the premium, whether that cost is annual or monthly, and what you can afford as part of your budget, while also outweighing the costs of a possible hospitalization for your pet or sudden accident. Knowing what you need and comparing plans on different websites is important for discovering the right plan for you and your pet.
Your pet, however, is an integral member of the family. His or her health is important.