Sources &
Citations

Facts about Pet Insurance

Less than 1% of American dogs and cats are insured.
Dogs run hotter than humans..their average temperature is between 101 and 102 F.
There are an estimated 80 million dogs in the USA, over 80% of which are spayed or neutered.
Mixed breed dogs are the most insured pets in the U.S.
94.2 million is the total number of cats owned in the U.S.
89.7 million is the total number of dogs owned in the U.S.
CCL (cranial cruciate ligament rupture, dog’s ACL -tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament-) TOTAL VET BILL $5,524.20
Intestinal Foreign Object TOTAL VET BILL $3,910.08
IVDD (intervertebral disk disease) TOTAL VET BILL $6,815.85
Diabetes TOTAL VET BILL $1,116.81
Did you know? In 1982, the famous TV dog Lassie received the first pet insurance policy in the United States
A pet receives emergency medical care  every 2 ½ seconds.
Every 6 seconds a pet parent is faced with a vet bill for more than $1,000
1 in 3 pets need emergency veterinary treatment every year.
1 in 3 dogs get cancer. Treatment can cost well over $10,000 and as much as $20,000
Why do cats meow? 
To initiate play, petting, or to get you to talk to them.
Why do dogs lick people? 
It’s a sign of affection. Relieves stress. You just taste good.
Why do cats purr? 
To show contentment or as a mechanism that helps them rest and repair.
Why do dogs pant? 
It’s their way of cooling down when they are overheated. It’s also an important way  for them to oxygenate their blood.
Why do cats like boxes? 
Because they like to hide and it gives them a cozy, safe and secure place to sleep.
Why do dogs howl? 
To attract attention, to make contact with others and to announce their presence.
Over 50% of policy holders file a claim each year.
75% of pet owners make a claim during the first three years after enrollment.
35% of all pet insurance claims are for chronic conditions. 
The most common pet insurance claims are for torn knee ligaments in dogs. 
The most expensive health issue is heart disease, which can exceed $20,000. 
A dog has 42 teeth requiring specific care.
21% of pet owners spend over $5000 for emergency surgery on their pet. 
Obesity is the number one health problem for dogs.
Dogs under the age of one are 2.5x more likely to have an unexpected visit to the vet. 
Pet Owners spend $9,000 to more than $13,000 for medical treatments over their pets’ lifetimes... yet only 1% of pet owners have pet insurance!
39% of Americans don’t have adequate savings to cover a $1,000 emergency
1 in 3 pets will require unexpected accident or illness care each year at an average cost between $800 and $1,500.