Should You Get Pet Insurance For Your Dog?
While it is totally worth it, being a pup parent can be quite pricey, as you need to pay for food, bedding, and of course, plenty of toys.
According to NBC, going to the vet is possibly the most expensive aspect of pet ownership. Even if your dog is in perfect health, they still should go to the vet at least once a year. On average, pup parents with canine companions who have no major health issues spend about “$700 to $2,000 per year” at the vet. To help lessen the cost of your dog’s medical care, it may be a good option for you to look into pet insurance.
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“The cost of pet ownership is unpredictable, so it is always better to prepare for the unexpected – especially because it is almost definite that every pet during its lifetime will have a major vet bill,” explained Brandi Hunter, vice president of public relations and communications at the American Kennel Club.
During a 2020 YouTube video, Dr. Jessie Dreyfuss, DVM, shared similar sentiments about investing in pet insurance.
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“One question I get a lot on this topic is, ‘is pet insurance worth it?’ So I have all my pets on pet insurance, I will not get a pet without pet insurance and I’m a veterinarian, so I know exactly what things cost down to the penny, so I think it’s worth it,” stated the vet.
She then noted that she learned about pet insurance while studying to become a veterinarian.
“I’m so glad I did, I spent so much money on ultrasounds and x-rays and tests and medications in vet school and I couldn’t have done it without pet insurance. I would have been very financially strained,” explained Dr. Dreyfuss.
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Now, you may be concerned with how much pet insurance will end up costing you. Full discretion, I am a pretty darn frugal person, and I find the monthly cost reasonable.
In January 2022, Value Penguin reported that the “average monthly cost of pet insurance is $50 for dogs” or $600 per year. It is worth noting that the price of pet insurance will likely be on the higher end if you have a larger dog, a canine companion with a pre-existing help problem, and/or an older furry friend.
According to Investopedia, different types of pet insurance include preventative coverage, accident coverage, and accident and illness coverage.
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Do you believe pet insurance is worth the cost? Let us know in the comments below!