Dog health insurance

As companies seek innovative, low-cost ways to keep employees happy, many now provide the additional perk of health insurance for pets. A new program from VPI helps pet owners obtain sophisticated veterinary treatment, with a group discount on Veterinary Pet Insurance plans. VPI plans are available in both payroll and non-payroll deduction forms, and offer additional discounts for multiple pets. The savings provide an extra benefit for pet-owning employees to help protect their pets. Now I’m not so sure. According to 2002 figures from the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are more than 61 million dogs and 69 million cats in the U.S., with approximately 300 species of birds kept as pets. More than 60 percent of U.S. households own a cat or dog. More than 91 percent of pet owners take their dogs and cats age six weeks and older — with no upper age limit — and for birds age three months and older who have been in the owner's possession for a minimum of 60 days. Rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes and other common exotic pets must be at least six weeks old. Pre-existing problems and hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia in German Shepherds and retrievers, are normally excluded. The oldest company, Veterinary Pet Insurance, has seen its revenues climb at a 40% annual rate since 1997 -- the year it finally broke even after 15 straight years of losses, according to founder Jack Stephens. VPI, which has about 85% of the pet insurance industry. American Demographics magazine estimates that 5% of American pet owners have the insurance, up from less than 1% in 1995. Insurers have teamed with the American Kennel Club and Petco Animal Supplies to offer the insurance, while several major employers now provide the additional perk of health insurance for pets. A new program from VPI helps pet owners obtain sophisticated veterinary treatment, with a group discount on Veterinary Pet Insurance offers two levels of coverage that pay 50% to 90% of covered treatment costs after a $50 deductible. Here’s how the numbers work out. These expensive tools and procedures have helped create health-care inflation. og ealth isurance - cog hezlth indurance.