If you, or your family, have contemplated buying pet insurance for your beloved dog or cat, know that the financially proactive decision is something that people have been concerned with for more than a century. Looking back in history, the first recorded account of pet insurance dates back to 1890, when Claes Virgin, founder of the Länsförsäkringar Alliance of Sweden, created the first known health insurance policy for animals to protect the health of his livestock.
There is no question of the importance of pets in the family structure. From the dawn of time, humans have bred and kept dogs to help perform roles vital to the survival of humans. For example, dogs are known to be skilled at helping with hunting, herding, protection, transportation (think sled-dogs), assisting the police and military roles, and more recently, as guides for those with disabilities.
The majority of us are familiar with dogs and cats as companion pets. Today, there are approximately 172 million companion dogs and cats currently owned in the United States. Pet insurance is on the rise in the United States and around the world as individuals place more importance on the protection of, and relationship with, their pets. After Claes Virigin, it took another 35 years for the next recorded policy was written in 1924, when a pet insurance policy was written for a dog in Sweden. Since this time pet insurance has spread throughout the world and advanced in coverage, affordability and public recognition.
Beyond their ability to perform important tasks, dogs and cats are more often a source of great comfort and humor for people today. A favorite way to have fun with your pets is to dress them up in various costumes, such as a lobster! Here are a few of our favorite examples:
Is your dog one of the estimated 77.5 million companion dogs in the United States or do you own one of the approximately 94 million pet cats? The growth in animal companionship throughout the world has directly correlated with an increase in veterinary care costs — as medical care for pets gets more expensive pet insurance can help pay veterinary bills and offer the assurance that you will never have to choose between your pet’s well-being and your personal finances. Historically pet insurance has grown by 20% in each five-year period of time since the early 20th century and these numbers are expected to increase even further by 2012. Shouldn’t your pet be protected?
More pet parents are purchasing pet insurance plans than ever as they realize how it can help pay veterinary bills, cover emergency medical costs and offer piece of mind when the unexpected happens. Is your pet protected? Review plans starting at less than $10 a month and pet insurance coverage options to find the best protection for your pet today. However, lobster pets are unfortunately not covered.
