How to Talk to Your Employer About Pet Insurance

Americans spend $16 billion annually on veterinary care services and nearly $70 billion on pet supplies and food.  Most pet owners understand the critical responsibilities of providing food, comfort, and a safe living space for our pets. But are you prepared for the unexpected? An unanticipated illness or injury can add up to significant veterinary bills, especially if your pet requires surgery or lengthy hospitalization.  

If your pet is adequately insured, you’ll never have to choose between providing life-saving care for your pet and keeping up with household expenses. So how do you go ask your employer about providing pet insurance? 

The first step is to meet with your human resources manager. They’ll have a complete understanding of your company’s benefit options. If your company doesn’t already offer pet insurance, here are some points you can highlight.  

Pet insurance acknowledges the evolving role of pets in our lives.  

As more couples choose to remain child-free or to delay in starting families, pets have in many ways taken on a role of surrogate kids. Many “pet parents” celebrate their pets’ birthdays, buy their pets clothing, and have social media accounts for their pets. So shouldn’t our pets also have the healthcare options other family members get? 

Companies that offer pet insurance are among the most progressive.  

If your company chooses to offer pet health insurance, it will join the ranks of firms such as Microsoft, Delta Airlines, Walgreens, and Exelon, which provide pet benefits to their workers.   

Pet insurance gives workers peace of mind—which makes them better employees.  

The most effective employees are those who are skilled and focused. But distractions—like worrying how to pay for the care of a sick or injured pet—can actually detract from workplace productivity.  

Pet insurance is no hassle to administrate.  

Your employer may be reluctant to add pet insurance to their benefits package because they fear the additional paperwork.  But the fact is that pet insurance is incredibly easy to administrate. The low monthly premium can be deducted from your pay or can be billed to your credit card automatically.  

Pet insurance means never having to put your pet’s health second.  

If you’re a pet owner, chances are you’ll receive at least one $1000+ vet bill in your lifetime. One of the greatest benefits of pet insurance is that it never makes a pet owner choose between their animal’s health and basic home necessities. No matter the nature of the illness or injury—your pet’s covered. 

Pet insurance makes your company more competitive.  

These days, the search for skilled and talented workers is more competitive than ever. And top companies need to woo top talent. Offering pet health insurance is just one way your company can attract the best people while shoeing that it values its workers. 

If your company already offers pet insurance, ask how you can sign up. Pet insurance is a great way to boost peace of mind, increase focus, and reduce stress over bills.   

Cecily Kellogg is a pet lover who definitely has crazy cat lady leanings. Her pets are all shelter rescues, including the dog, who is scared of the cats. She spent eight years working as a Veterinary Technician before becoming a writer. Today she writes all over the web, including here at Figo.