The Importance of Early Pet Insurance for New Puppy Owners
Encouraging new puppy owners to enroll in pet insurance is a great way to set puppies up for healthy lives.
By the end of 2022, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association reported that over 3.8 million pets were insured in the United States. Many reputable breeders now share their knowledge about the importance of pet insurance with new puppy owners. While the 30 days of accident and illness pet insurance included with the AKC registration is a great introduction, many owners rely on their breeders to fully understand how important pet insurance can be.
Breeders who wish to provide more information to their puppy owners can contact their breeder support specialists to request brochures or complimentary pet safety handbooks.
Why It’s Important to Educate Puppy Owners
It’s important to remind new puppy owners that they will receive 30 days of accident and illness pet insurance when they complete registration with the AKC. Explaining the many ways pet insurance can help owners provide the best care for their pups is essential.
Dealing with Accidents
Puppies are curious creatures, and accidents happen. In the United States, a pet receives emergency veterinary care every 2.5 seconds, and one in three pets needs emergency care each year. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing they have protection from potentially costly veterinary bills.
Handling Unexpected Illnesses
Even the most careful pet owners can experience an illness in their dog. Common puppy illnesses include ear infections and allergies. Pet insurance can also help cover more significant illness-related vet bills for conditions like cancer or hypothyroidism. In cases of serious illnesses, some policies may also cover visits to specialists, enabling specialized care without the owner worrying about the costs of treatment.
Seeking Alternative and Holistic Treatments
Increasingly, vets are recommending holistic and alternative treatments to supplement conventional methods. Pet insurance can help cover a combination of both treatment options.
Many therapies, such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy, can be eligible for coverage under a pet insurance policy. This allows owners to consider these options without shouldering the financial burden.
Encouraging Wellness and Routine Care
Most breeders already emphasize the importance of annual wellness checks. Insurance coverage makes owners more likely to seek medical attention for their pets, including preventative care. Wellness coverage can reimburse for vaccinations, flea and tick preventatives, and more.
Handling Exam Fees
Pet owners aren’t always aware of all reimbursable expenses, including exam fees. Veterinary clinic exam fees can start around $45 a visit and sometimes go up to $100. With pet insurance, new puppy owners can avoid worrying about the upfront costs of veterinary care. This provides owners more flexibility to manage veterinary care expenses.
Treating Hereditary and Congenital Conditions
AKC pet insurance may also offer coverage for curable and incurable pre-existing conditions. This can encompass conditions considered hereditary or congenital and other chronic conditions. Examples of conditions that may be eligible for coverage include heart disease, arthritis, hip dysplasia, and diabetes. Many of these conditions often require specialized care or long-term treatment. Pet insurance can also help with preventative care costs to help keep your young puppy in top shape.
*Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/sample-policies. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address. Insurance products are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581) or Independence Pet Insurance Company (NAIC #17543). Independence American Insurance Company and Independence Pet Insurance Company are Delaware insurance companies located at 11333 N Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Policies are produced by PetPartners, Inc. (NPN #7612549) 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 350, Raleigh, NC 27617. California producer license #0F27261, PPI Pet Insurance Agency, Inc. “AKC Pet Insurance” Program is a marketing name used by PPI and is not an AKC business nor an insurer. AKC does not offer or sell insurance plans. “AKC” and its related trademarks are used by PPI under license; AKC may receive compensation from PPI. Related article: Setting up Your Dogs Emergency Caregiver https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php
