AA Pet Insurance has announced that it is partnering with the New Zealand Epilepsy Assist Dog Trust (NZEADT) in 2022 as a sponsor.

NZEADT is a charity formed in 2007 to aid in the independence and security of New Zealanders with severe epilepsy affecting their daily lives.

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The partnership will see AA Pet Insurance sponsoring the insurance premium for eligible NZEADT dogs for the next 12-month period. In addition, there is also an allocation of funds gifted to assist NZEADT in its mission to help people living with severe epilepsy achieve independence by providing trained assistance dogs.

Mark Savage, general manager of AA Pet Insurance, said the move is a “fantastic new partnership for AA Pet Insurance.”

“One in 100 people in New Zealand have epilepsy or develop it at some stage in their lives, so we are thrilled AA Pet Insurance will be contributing to this life-changing trust, giving people with epilepsy more independence and freedom,” said Savage. “We are pleased we are now providing these service dogs with insurance protection against sickness or injury, and in turn know that this will give their owners some peace of mind if anything were to happen.”

Jan McEwen, board member at NZEADT, said that her organization is “delighted to be partnering with AA Pet Insurance.”

“Vet expenses can be an unexpected cost at any stage of life for a service dog, so knowing that our insured dogs are covered will be very reassuring for our financial planning,” McEwen said.