Pet health insurance is a preventative, protective and worthwhile measure. Many dog owners are not familiar with health insurance for dogs. Even my response was guarded. “Health insurance for my dog? I’m not sure. I’ll think about it.”

After the initial expense of getting a puppy, spending more money for this preventative measure was not foremost in my mind. A few years later, because of accidents, I wished I had gotten pet health insurance. My German Shepherd Bo was a healthy four-year-old when he severed the ligament that holds the knee together. The extent of his injury was not apparent for several months despite many vet visits. A chronic limp that started after exercise was first diagnosed as a sprain and then possible arthritis.

After several different opinions based on X rays and other tests, and months of painkillers, Bo had to undergo cruciate ligament surgery costing thousands of dollars. Although this is a common sports injury to human athletes, I never thought it could happen to my German Shepherd. After this long and expensive lesson, I now advocate looking into health insurance for your pet. You never know what’s going to happen over the life span of your pet–on average, ten to fifteen years. Pet health insurance operates much like human healthcare plans.

• Statistically, two out of three dogs experience major medical problems in their lifetime.
• Most pet health insurance companies let you select any vet, specialist or hospital.
• Many pet health insurance companies insure puppies eight weeks of age and up.
• Rates are usually based on age of the pet and the selected plan, averaging $100 per year and up.
• Most pet health insurance companies have plans that cover routine office visits, spaying and neutering costs, teeth cleaning, and minor ailments such as skin and ear problems, as well as accidents and major illnesses.

Ask your vet about more information and literature regarding health insurance companies. A good place to start your research is with VPI Pet Insurance.