More and more people are disassociating themselves from the “dog owner” label and are embracing the role of pet parent instead. We are realizing that dogs are not mere objects to be owned, but members of our family and therefore should be treated with as much care and respect as you would your own children. Birthdays, holidays, family vacations and even the occasional day at the spa or out to a restaurant are some of the events in which including the family dog ​​is no longer so unheard of.

As a beloved member of the family, it’s important to keep your dog happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. Proper obedience training, biologically appropriate nutrition, and regular visits to your vet are important ways we can help ensure our dogs have the best chance at living long and happy lives.

When it comes to your dog’s health, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for anything; because you never know when an accident will happen or you or your pet will encounter a medical emergency.
Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand with all the necessary items to keep you and your family safe…including your dog!
You should keep a first aid kit on hand at home, in the car, at work, and even when traveling with your pets.

Health insurance is no longer just for people

Another way to be prepared in case your dog is injured in an accident or contracts an illness is to have a pet insurance policy. Health insurance is no longer just for people. Pet owners now have the opportunity to purchase insurance for their dogs to help offset future healthcare costs.

Like health insurance for people, pet insurance can cover everything from routine checkups, emergency procedures, alternative therapies, and even genetic conditions (depending on the plan).

Advantages and disadvantages of pet insurance

So why would you want to get health insurance for your dog? Well, the benefits of pet insurance are many:
• Pet insurance can help cover costs associated with routine care, accidents, illnesses, medications and immunizations (depending on the plan).
• Some policies will cover prescription foods or alternative therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, or hydrotherapy.
• Many plans can be customized so you can add or remove coverage as needed.
• Most companies offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide to cancel and don’t use the insurance within the 30-day window.
While there are many people who are confident in having insurance for their pets, there are some critics who are not so convinced. The main arguments against pet insurance are:
• Some policies do not cover pre-existing conditions and have strict guidelines on what is considered a “pre-existing condition.”
• Some companies have age limits established within their plans. This means older pets may have reduced coverage or, worse, may not even qualify for coverage.
• Some plans require you to seek care from an in-network veterinarian to qualify for insurance reimbursement.
• Some plans charge a penalty if you cancel your plan early, so keep this in mind.

Questions to ask when shopping

There are many different companies now offering pet insurance. Before making a decision, it’s a good idea to do some research to make sure the plan is right for you and your dog.

Here are some questions to ask:
1. “Can I choose my own vet or does it have to be part of your plan network?”

2. “Do you cover:”
Genetic (inherited/congenital) conditions?
Alternative therapies (chiropractic, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, etc.)?
Pre-existing conditions?
Breeding, childbirth, pregnancy?
Prescription drugs or food?

3. “How is the refund calculated?” (Actual vet bill vs. average fee for service)

4. “Can I customize my plan, like choosing my own deductible or adding/removing benefits?”

5. “Are there policy payment limits? If so, what are they and are they based on per incident, annual or lifetime?”

6. “Do you exclude raw-fed dogs from your coverage?”

7. “Are there multiple pet rates, military discounts or other offers available?”