Pets hold a special place in the hearts of families across the world. They grow as a family does, becoming an integral part of a family’s story. Once seen as a luxury for the elite, pets have now become synonymous with friendship, loyalty and love.

September is National Pet Insurance Month, a time to highlight the many benefits that come with caring for a pet throughout its life. In America, just 2.8 percent of all pets are insured when Americans are spending more on their pets than at any point in time previously.

While pet insurance may not be the first thought for many when adopting a pet, here are some reasons why it’s an important aspect to consider.

History of pet insurance

The idea of pet insurance was first introduced in Sweden in 1890 as an option for farmers to protect their working dogs. The idea spread throughout the rest of Europe and took hold in the United Kingdom where the first pet insurance policy was established in the mid-1900s.

It wasn’t until 1982 before it was officially adopted in the United States, with television star Lassie receiving the first pet insurance policy. National Pet Health Insurance Day is April 7 every year.

Rising costs

People are spending more on their pets year over year. For essentials, owners are spending an average of $1,480 per year on dogs alone. In 2022, $136.8 billion in total sales were spent on pets, a 10.8 percent increase from 2021.

Going the extra mile, pet owners are not shy about putting an emphasis on care for their dogs and cats. Nearly half of pet owners in the United States expect to spend the same or more money on the health of their pets this year, even going into debt if necessary to get the best care.

Peace of mind

As pets needs differ over time, an insurance plan means your pet can have access to the best care at a time when they may need it most.

One of the biggest expenses is emergency visits, costing as much as $1,500. With pet insurance, comprehensive plans that include accident and illness can cost as little as $30 a month for dogs and $15 a month for cats.

Along with covering accidents, illnesses and conditions, many plans also include:

• Treatment and rehabilitation
• Specialist care
• Hospitalization and surgery
• Diagnostic testing
• Prescription drugs

Pet insurance through Westwood means protection when you need it most. Get a quote or talk with a Westwood agent today.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.