Pet Insurance by Dr. Michael High

This little puppy is Lily. She’s a little Corgi puppy who just moved to the Edmonton area with her new owner. They have only been together for a few months and already have developed a really strong bond. That is part of what made it so difficult when Lily broke her leg.

She had been well cared for but still got an injury (that is why it is called an accident) that needed to be fixed right away. Her owner was frantic about the situation where he found himself. He certainly wanted to do the best for Lily, but he had just started a new job and did not have any extra cash for surgery on his dog. Lily’s care could not wait until he was able to get the money. This put Lily’s owner in a real bind.

When Morinville Veterinary Clinic first opened decades ago, this sort of problem only had two solutions:  Either the owner went into some kind of financial hardship to pay for the proper standard of care, or he paid for a lower standard of care that could be afforded. Thankfully, there is now a third option: Pet Insurance.

Several insurance companies have produced policies geared to the veterinary care of pets. Every year, a larger proportion of the pets that we see from the Morinville and St. Albert area are insured. Many owners of new puppies and kittens will sign up for insurance at the time of their first check up at Morinville Vet Clinic. That makes the staff at the clinic very happy, because it means that medical decisions can be based on what is best for the pet.

If you look at the long-term, insurance has a great benefit for pets. Owners pay a small amount each month, probably less than they would on pet food. When the time comes to make a claim, they may have the insurance cover treatments that add up to thousands of dollars. At that moment, you know the owners are thankful to have insurance. Certainly, the vet is happy because the best possible care can be offered. Obviously the pet is happy because it does not have to wait for treatment.

Not every pet and owner will find themselves in the stressful situation that Lily and her owner were in. If they did though, they would certainly be glad they had insurance.

The next time you are in Morinville, stop by and talk to our staff about pet insurance. It may be the best move you make.

Written by Dr Michael High