| Each year, 3 to 4 million pets were | | | | becoming afflicted with chronic diseases |
| euthanized because their owners were | | | | usually found in humans, such as |
| unable to afford their treatment or had | | | | diabetes and arthritis. These conditions |
| pet care insurance. Most pets are part | | | | can be costly over the long term with |
| of the family and many owners are | | | | regular visits to the vet and expensive |
| heartbroken when they have to put down | | | | medication. Considering these costs, pet |
| their beloved friend because the vet | | | | care insurance will pay for itself over |
| treatment was too costly. This is why a | | | | time. |
| growing number of people are beginning | | | | Start Early - Start Now |
| to take out pet care insurance to | | | | The best time to begin paying for pet |
| protect their pet if the worse happens | | | | care insurance is when your pet is still |
| to their pet's health. | | | | a puppy or kitten. Most companies will |
| Give Them The Very Best | | | | accept puppies and kitten from 8 weeks |
| Pet care insurance is common in the | | | | of age. By starting this early you are |
| United Kingdom, with research indicating | | | | insuring your pet before pre-existing |
| that the market will grow to ₤1.17 | | | | conditions can develop. If you wait till |
| billion by 2011. This means the | | | | later to purchase pet insurance and your |
| competition is fierce and there are many | | | | pet does develop some sort of condition, |
| companies on the market offering | | | | that particular condition is unlikely to |
| excellent policies at low prices. And as | | | | be covered by an insurance policy |
| expensive treatment usually reserved for | | | | because most don't cover pre-existing |
| humans - such as chemotherapy, joint | | | | conditions. Furthermore, at such a young |
| replacements and scans - is being used | | | | age, it is not uncommon for kittens or |
| more and more for cats and dogs pet care | | | | puppies to catch a virus or another |
| insurance is becoming a must have. For | | | | illness before they are older and |
| example, open-heart surgery for your pet | | | | stronger. Also, with them being so |
| can cost over ₤10,000. Pet | | | | active but somewhat fragile, emergency |
| insurance makes it possible for your cat | | | | treatment for accidents is also not |
| or dog to have the very best medical | | | | uncommon. |
| treatment for as long as is required. | | | | But what if your pet is older? Some pet |
| Don't Get Caught Unaware | | | | care insurance companies still offer |
| Pet care insurance has recently paid off | | | | insurance for older pets. You will |
| for a friend of mine. Her dog was struck | | | | probably pay a little more but as |
| by a car and the resulting medical | | | | (barring any accidents) most medical |
| treatment included x-rays, ultrasounds, | | | | costs for pets are in their last years |
| several operations, physiotherapy and | | | | of age, you should start as soon as |
| medication for an infection. Luckily for | | | | possible. |
| her, her pet insurance enabled her to | | | | There has never been a better time to |
| pay for the treatment. Otherwise, she | | | | consider buying pet care insurance for |
| was unprepared and would have had to | | | | you furry friend. Considering the cost |
| have faced the terrible decision of | | | | can start at only a few pounds a week |
| euthanizing her beloved dog. | | | | and will can save your thousands of |
| Pet care insurance doesn't have to just | | | | pounds when needed, there is no excuse |
| cover accidents. Increasingly, pets are | | | | not protect your cat or dog. |