insurance for pets

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What’s more important to you? Your family or your pet?

September 30, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance by admin | No comments

OK, we know your pet is part of the family – but you know what I mean –  people family, or your animal family (your pet)!  Now this question is not as strange as it sounds.  In fact it seems that in the United Kingdom the majority of pet owners are more likely to get insurance for their mobile phone or pet insurance before they sort out  life insurance!

In fact, life insurance protection, only came 6th on the list, after car, home, pet, and mobile according to the website MyVoucherCodes.co.uk (August 2011).

In the UK 30% have a pet health cover insurance (pet insurance), whilst in Australia it’s only around 3%.  So it would seem in Australia, so far at least, people are more likely to have life insurance than pet insurance!  Having said that, it’s estimated by Ibis world that Aussies spend around $7.88 billion on pet products and services each year. With 10 million pet owners (63% of households), that amounts to a whopping $1,460 average expenditure per pet, per household each year.   How  much do you think your pet will cost you over his or her lifetime?  You can help reduce that cost with pet insurance that pays a proportion of the inevitable vet’s bills that will crop up over your furry friend’s lifetime.  Even in the unlikely event that you don’t claim for, say, 3 years – it only takes one major event to even up the score and put you in profit!  For example, if an average annual premium is around $500 for a plan that pays an 85% benefit (this example taken from a 2 year old labradoodle cross), an event such as a simple ingestion of a foreign body costing $5,000 would mean the savings on your vet bill could be as much as $3,500, and if you hadn’t claimed for 3 years then the saving would be $2,500!!

Like all insurance, pet insurance is there to help with unexpected events.  It gives a bit of peace of mind knowing that if your four legged pal got sick, or injured in an accident, you would at least have some help with the vet’s bills. 

 

Tags: Cost of vet bills, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover, pet insurance rates

Protect yourself from rising vet bills

September 28, 2011 in Pet insurance by admin | No comments

Money Matters report that vet bills for cats and dogs have risen by as much as 500% in the past 2 years.  Like everything else, there is normal inflation of vet costs, but on top of this, advances in technology provide many more treatment options for your four legged friends.  In days gone by, pets would die of cancer, nowadays you can give your pooch or moggie a whole range of treatment options, which as you would guess, cost money!  This means more pet lives are being saved, and pets are living longer. But I don’t need to remind you – there’s no Medicare for pets – so when you choose these treatments you pay the full amount with no subsidies, so the costs can certainly mount up.

As an example, Choice magazine revealed highest vet expenses claims of $25,700 for cancer, $16,865 for diabetes, $11,035 for a snake bite and $8,760 for an ear infection.  When you consider these costs against an annual premium for pet insurance averaging around $400 for cats and $570 for most dogs, pet insurance is surely worth the price?

Of course pet insurance may not be for everyone, but if you do not have such a plan in place think about keeping some cash aside each month to take care of an emergency.  No-one would want to have to put their beloved pet down because of financial considerations, but the reality is, without a plan, this is all too possible.

Read more – visit www.news.com.au/money/money-matters/sick-as-a-dog-as-vet-bills-soar-by-500/story-e6frfmd9-1226148801851

www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/money/insurance/personal/pet-insurance-policies-review-and-compare.aspx

Tags: Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Compare pet insurance, Compare pet insurance cover, Cost of vet bills, insurance for pets, pet insurance, pet insurance premium, pet insurance rates, Taking care of pets

Pet Care Essentials

September 18, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | No comments

Pets are vital members of a family –  they provide unconditional companionship, especially important for those who live alone. Pets are considered a blessing into the lives of many. However, there are responsibilities that we have when bringing a pet dog into the home. We must ensure the pet is provided with the right care and attention, and during times of illness, the pet must be cared for like any other family member.  For starters, here are 3 things to think about:

Maintain the right weight – Allow your pet dog to do daily exercise because it burns calories that can assist in weight management. You should be able to find your dog’s backbone easily underneath the coat. Then again, your dog may be under weight when its ribcage can be readily seen. Weight problems can happen all too easily with dogs and as with humans once it is piled on it can be difficult to get off! When you sense that your dog is rapidly losing weight or gaining excessive fat, it’s good to see the veterinarian for an evaluation of your pet.

Mental health is important – Your dog needs loads of fresh air, socialisation and activities.  One way to engage with your dog is to teach him or her a few tricks. Don’t forget lots of pats, massages and plenty of attention. Toys can also help with alleviating boredom with your pets. Keeping your dog busy and engaged with you will help with his or her mental well being.

Give your pet dog an appropriate diet – As tempting as it is to give them the odd treat, make sure it’s always appropriate.  Like humans, dogs also benefit from organic foodstuffs. Many dog owners these days are adopting the use of excellent wholesome foods for their pets.  Some veterinarians recommend fish oils to give a shiny coat and protect against skin diseases and other organ malfunction.

All these are good practices to follow when you want the best pet care for your dog. A healthy dog will have a life relatively free of sickness. That means you can enjoy more years with your dog.  It’s also worth considering having dog health insurance in place – to help with the vet’s bills if your pet unexpectedly falls ill, or has an accident.

Tags: Buying a new dog, Care for your cat, Care for your dog, Compare pet insurance cover, Ethics of pet ownership, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, Taking care of pets

Pet insurance can help with the high cost of vet’s bills

September 18, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | No comments

People often only consider pet insurance when they face the vet’s huge bill for treatment. Like any member of the family, treatment costs for pet injuries and illnesses is not cheap – an unfortunately there is no medicare for pets. Think of Pet Insurance as a safety net to help you take care of the cost of unexpected vet bills, so you can take care of your pet in the manner in which he or she deserves!

Why consider insuring your pet’s health?

Over time, just as with humans, your little pal is likely at some point to face an illness or accident.  All to often this can cost thousands of dollars, and unfortunately only a few people have instant access to this sort of cash. Only yesterday, I heard about a well-known Australian personality who paid $4,000 to get his cat’s tail fixed.  As he said, that could have paid for a face lift!!  (Not for the cat)!!  Jokes aside, health care, whether it is for humans, cats or dogs is simply expensive. 

With no pet insurance in place, your expenses can blow up. Think about where the cash is going to come from – selling the car, giving up a holiday or a loan from the bank? With Pet Insurance in place which can pays a sizeable proportion (for example up to 85% with no excess) of the vet’s bills, this sort of situation can be avoided. This is one good reason why you should consider pet health insurance for your cat or dog.

 How do you compare pet insurance options on the market?

When you look at pet insurance options, you will discover that most policies in Australia accept cats and dogs from 8 weeks up to 9 years of age, for accident and illness cover.  If you leave it too late (ie if they are older than 9 years old) then you may only be able to get cover against accidents.  Many plans also include routine care for things like teeth cleaning, vaccinations, heartworm and help with tick and flea control.  A word of caution – most policies EXCLUDE  pre existing conditions. So this means anything your pet has been treated for before the cover took place, is unlikely to be covered in your policy.  So the important thing is to get the insurance sorted early, whilst your pet is young and healthy – so that the cover is there when it’s needed!

When choosing the level of cover best suited for your pet and your family, think about the level of cover you would like (ie the proportion of the vet’s bills that get paid), and your budget – look out for plans that also include an excess – they may be cheaper, but do not necessarily provide the cover you are looking for.

Tags: Compare pet insurance, Compare pet insurance cover, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover

Welcoming a new pet into the family

September 18, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance, Pet insurance rates by admin | No comments

Anyone who has experienced the joy of cats and/or dogs as family pets will definitely tell you that they require care and grooming, and just like kids, can call for substantial attention. Learning how to take care of your family pet is essential when you decide to welcome a pet into your family. Whether you choose a pedigree or a “bitza”, to get the best out of your four legged friend, pet owners need to have an understanding of good pet care and be prepared to provide them with real attention.

Preparing for a new pet

Are you getting ready for a new puppy’s arrival? Is the kitten coming this weekend? You have to make your home dog proof and cat proof. These young ones require more care and attention at first because they can grab everything they see and reach. A useful tip is to keep these pets busy with toys such as stuffed animals and soft balls. Let them engage in play. Plus remember to start off as you intend to continue, and consistently feed them with proper quantity of food at the right time – your vet can give you guidance here.

Pet feeding

Your pet dog can get sick when you are not feeding it the right way. There are nutritious meals prepared for them, according to their age. The market has plenty of formulated meals that are easy and convenient – but a quick tip - some of the brands on the market have very high fat content which is not good for your pet.  If you have the time you can prepare homemade pet food as well.  It takes a good knowledge of what ingredients you should include in making your pet food. Some food is actually dangerous for your dog – chocolate for example! (Make sure you keep it locked away – especially if you have a labrador!)

A puppy can get introduced to adult food once it reaches 6 months. For pet cats, you have to be careful in formulating their homemade ration. Those that can be found in supermarkets are more likely to contain the right raw components that your pet cat needs. Giving them the right food helps keep them strong and healthy, and hopefully also could lengthen their life span.

Pet insurance – help with the cost of vet bills

Pet insurance can help protect you financially, and is a convenient way to help ensure you can afford unexpected vet bills if and when they crop up. Compare pet insurance cover options.

Tags: Buying a new dog, Compare pet insurance, Compare pet insurance cover, Ethics of pet ownership, insurance for pets, pet insurance, pet insurance cover, pet insurance rates

What dog is best for me?

August 14, 2011 in Pet insurance by admin | No comments

It seems that lifestyle and convenience work against a few breeds, in particular the Fox Terrier, Jack Russell and the fluffier Pomeranian.  These breeds are dumped and destroyed in record numbers.  They are very cute puppies and people buy them on impulse from pet shops, without understanding their temperament, needs, and the long term responsibility of pet ownership. 

Dogs are beautiful animals who give us unconditional love, but they rely upon us for their wellbeing and indeed their survival for as much as 12 years or more.

So it makes sense, doesn’t it, to consider what breed would fit best with you, your budget, your lifestyle and the home you can offer them – before you go ahead and bring a new puppy into your life. 

Here are some things to think about in advance.

  •  How much time do you have to give your dog daily exercise?

Like humans, all dogs need a leve of exercise.  An overweight dog will not be as healthy as he can be, and as a result this can affect his longevity and his happiness.  Think about how much exercise you can give your pet, but dont be unrealistic – remember you are going to need to keep it up for 12 or more years!

  • How much time do you have to devote to grooming your dog?

Often overlooked – depending on the breed, grooming could mean a daily activity for you and your pet.  It’s important to consider just how much time you have available before you choose your pet.
 

  • How much can you afford to pay for dog food each week / month?

Big dogs eat more!  A new dog is also a financial decision which needs to be planned for.   Remember to include dog food in your budget.

  •  Have you considered the cost of vet expenses?

There’s no Medicare for dogs, and vet expenses can cost a fortune.  No-one would want to have to put their pet down because they couldn’t afford treatment.  That’s why many people choose pet insurance to assist with the vet fees.  But of course it’s important to make sure you can afford the pet insurance in the first place!  The breed of dog also affects the premium you pay. Get a quote now, to see how affordable it can be for you.

  •  Will your pet be around young children or elderly people?

 The’re all different.  Some dogs are child friendly, and others prefer the quiet life!  Very activy dogs can be too boisterous for the elderly.  (Of course getting an older dog – perhaps from the pount – can also solve this problem)Some dogs love to have a run with their owners, others prefer to stroll – what would be best for your family?

  • Does anyone in your family or someone who visits you frequently suffer from allergies?

Some breeds are less liketo to cause allergies than others. It’s all about their hair!

  • Do you have an exercise area for your dog?

Some breeds love to snooze indoors for most of the day (as long as they have a couple of walks), whilst others go mad for the outdoors and love physical exercise.

  •  How much time will your dog be alone each day?

Dogs are essentially pack animals and love company..  If you are going to be leaving your pooch alone for long periods of time, consider whether getting a second dog would be a good idea – so they can keep each other company

  • Are there other pets that your new dog will need to get on with – for example cats, rabbits, birds, etc.

To keep the household on an even keel, you need to think both about how your existing pets will embrace an imposter, and how the new dog will fit into the new environment. 

  •  Are you expecting your dog to protect your property?

In some breeds, the desire to defend property is higher than others consider this if you are looking for a guard dog.

  •  What size of dog do you prefer?

Remember the puppy will grow up!  You need to bear in mind what size it will grow up to when you choose your puppy. 

  •  What sort of coat would you prefer your dog to have?  What sort of shedding would you be able to tolerate?

What would you like to feel when you run your hand along your dog’s back?   Smooth, woolly, long, short?   Are you house proud?  Would a “shedder” drive you nuts?  Consider this before you choose your pet.

  •  How active would you like your dog to be?

Do you like them active, or would a lazy pal suit you better?

Tags: Buying a new dog, dog breeding, dog rescue, Ethics of pet ownership, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, pet insurance cover, pet insurance premium, pet insurance rates, puppy farm

The ethics of pet ownership

July 17, 2011 in Pet insurance by admin | No comments

The right way to go about buying a pet

Congratulations! You’ve decided to buy a pet; let’s say a puppy. You’ll be joining the 50 per cent of Australian families that own a pet. It’s a rather exciting decision, but one that many people don’t take seriously enough.

Before you forge ahead and welcome the little bundle of joy into your home, ask yourself:

How much am I prepared to spend?

What is the upkeep of my pet going to cost – micro chipping, desexing, vaccination, obedience training, pet insurance, food, holiday boarding and other incidentals?

Do I have enough time and energy to exercise my dog?

Is my home suitable for a pet? What about future plans? (A pet is not just for a month or a year).

What kind of dog or cat do I want?

What should I look for in a breeder?

Choosing a dog or cat

Obviously you need to ‘tailor’ your choice to suit your home and family. Good sense must prevail. For instance, even though you may long for a big dog like you had when you were a kid, it would be selfish and inconsiderate to have a large highly active dog in a small space.  So make a sensible choice, based on the well-being of your pet.

 A good breeder will question you on your living conditions and offer ongoing advice and support. It’s advisable to go to the breeder personally, so that you can inspect the breeding premises. Internet purchases offer less certainty about the conditions and quality of the breeder and rely more on luck than evidence.

Things to know about ‘designer dogs’

The popular new ‘breeds’ like cavoodle, spoodle, labradoodle and so on are not considered breeds. They are the result of crossing two pure breeds and producing a dog for particular qualities – appearance, low maintenance (minimum shedding) and temperament.  However, because genetics are very complex, the dog may not necessarily turn out exactly to formula. The other point to note is that because these dogs are not considered a breed as such, they are not registered with the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) and the breeders do not have to be scrutinised under the ANKC) rules. So make sure you choose a reputable breeder.

Rescuing a dog

Saving a dog from euthanasia is a compassionate and rewarding act. There are so many animals that are discarded by owners for many reasons – moving, the arrival of a baby, divorce…all sorts of changed conditions can cause an owner to abandon a pet. These pets (cats and dogs) deserve a good home.

From your point of view they cost far less than buying one from a breeder and if you go to a reputable organisation like RSPCA,  Animal Welfare or DoggieRescue as they will ensure that the pet is desexed, vaccinated microchipped and dewormed and checked for behavioural problems.

Pet health insurance for your dog or cat

Pet insurance can save you huge, unexpected costs. It is best taken out when you buy the puppy and should be considered a set-up cost like vaccination etc. Like all insurance, pet insurance gives you peace of mind and if you never have to claim that’s the best outcome. But if your pet meets with an accident or develops a serious illness, you could be up for thousands of dollars in vet fees.

Contributed by Marcelle Grolman

Tags: breeding cats and dogs, Buying a new dog, Ethics of pet ownership, insurance for pets, Lifetime cost of pet care, pet insurance, puppy farm

Dogs and cats doing their bit for the economy

June 13, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance by admin | No comments

Think humans are the only creatures supporting the Australian economy? Well let us not be so smug. Our four-legged pals are pulling their weight in no mean way, by eating, sleeping in nice beds, being well groomed and kitted out, taking holidays at the kennels and by requiring veterinary services.

There are currently more pets in Australia than people – around 33 million, with the pet industry contributing over $6 billion to the Australian economy, according to a 2010 report published in the Sun Herald.

When you look at your little pet, it’s hard to believe that the pet industry employs more than 47,600 people. And of course every person it employs contributes to the economy.

Today pet owners are spending more and more on their animals. For one thing, the choice of pet food has increased massively. Scan the supermarket shelves and you’ll find all sorts of gourmet treats, with tempting descriptors – yummy chicken dinner, beef and liver, turkey and vegetables, fish mornay…the selection goes on and on. There are snacks and chews of all kinds, with food accounting for $1.83 billion each year (and growing). And $111 million a year was spent on kitty litter alone.

This is before we look at jackets, jumpers, baubles and beads to play dress-ups with our pets. They must have the latest bed with special cushions and the right lead with car seat belt attachment. How about the range of shampoos and conditioners for dry, normal, and sensitive skins plus grooming aids to keep their fur immaculate? Eat your heart out you mere human.

 A happy pet is one that gets to play and don’t they love their squeaky toys! Pet shops these days have an entire toy section to ensure your pet is not bored. Eat your hearts out kids!.

Getting serious

By far the greatest contribution made to the economy by the pet industry comes from vet services. According to the report “A staggering $2.22 billion, 37 per cent of all expenditure goes on veterinary services, which reflects the importance of our pets in our lives.” 

No pet-owning household can escape. You can have the healthiest pet in the neighbourhood, but they still need vaccinations, they still need veterinary check-ups, preventative medications, and possibly desexing. And if (God forbid) they get hit by a car and need major surgery, you’re talking thousands of dollars. If they are too seriously affected, euthanasia might be the only option and that too is a cost you must bear.

 Pet insurance is a big contributor to the economy. Because if you consider the cost of restoring an animal to heath or saving its life, pet insurance looks like a good investment. The smart way is to insure them young. Once they are age 7 or older, you are unlikely to be eligible to apply for cover. Companies like Petsecure can give you the details about the variety of levels of cover available.

Tags: dogs and cats help economy, insurance for pets, pet insurance cover, pet insurance premium, pets help economy

When Should You Buy Pet Insurance

May 18, 2011 in Pet insurance by admin | No comments

The question of when you should by pet insurance is remarkably simple. The sooner you buy insurance for your pet the better. Just like humans, when cats and dogs are kittens and puppies respectively, they are more susceptible to accidents and illness. Think of them like baby humans that are fearless and have little or no idea of safety. Just like humans their bones are relatively soft, they have very little coordination, and their immune systems are yet to develop meaning they struggle with illness and infection.

For all those reasons it pays to have pet insurance early to make sure your four-legged friend is getting the best possible treatment from the vet at a very early age. But does this mean that the ship has sailed if you haven’t bought pet insurance for your puppy or kitten? Of course not! If your pet is fully grown and a ripe age it still pays to buy insurance for pets.

As dogs get older they are likely to incur more and more vets bills. Annual visits to the vet and vet bills along the way all add up. That is why it pays to have insurance from Pet Secure. With Pet Secure you can choose for us to pay 75% or 85% of your annual vets bills for up to $8000 for accidents and $12,000 for accidents and illness.

Tags: insurance for pets, pet insurance

Do we need to breed more dogs and cats?

April 10, 2011 in Cat cover, Dog cover, Pet cover, Pet insurance by admin | 3 comments

Consider this – over 250,000 animals are destroyed each year around Australia.  So how on earth do healthy, full of  life dogs and cats end up in pounds?   Basically, it’s supply and demand.  In an unregulated industry, simply too manydogs and cats are  being bred (for profit), and  many  are not being de-sexed prior to sale.  The industry is out of control, and it’s costing the lives of many dogs and cats, that deserve a lot better.  Find out what your council’s policy is on animals that end up in the pound under their control.  Does your council sell dogs, cats, puppies and kittens that are undesexed?  You may be surprised to know that this is indeed the case for many.  Let’s start naming and shaming!

Tags: breeding cats and dogs, cat breeding, dog breeding, insurance for pets, pet insurance

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