US – Friday, July 30

The other health care debate: Pets

Considering many pet owners don’t have coverage themselves, it might seem like a strange time to consider pet health insurance. But as money becomes tighter and veterinarians offer everything from joint replacements to oncology for increasingly older animals, it’s an option more owners are considering.

“Pet insurance does seem to be getting more popular,” says Dr. Kimberly May, assistant director of professional and public affairs at the American Veterinary Medical Association, who points out that insurance has long been popular with horses. “As treatments advance, veterinarians are now able and expected to offer the quality of care physicians offer. There’s the expectation, and the expense, of going the full gamut. And people are willing to pursue it.”

And while it’s not right for every owner or breed, insurance does — in the case of trauma or disease —  ease financial stress. “If you’re looking at paying for groceries or paying for surgery for your dog, it’s not an easy decision,” says May. “When money is out of the equation, you can ask what is in the best interest for the animal.”