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More owners should be insuring their pets to increase treatment and care options if their furry friends need it, according to the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA). A new partnership between the association and Southern Cross Pet Insurance aims to raise awareness about the benefits of pet insurance for cats and dogs, and how this offering can lead to better outcomes for pets.
Currently, Kiwis have the second highest rate of pet ownership globally, and two million cats and dogs call New Zealand home. Despite this, pet insurance rates are low compared to other developed countries, even as the cost of medical and surgical care for pets can be in the thousands of dollars.
According to Scoop Independent News, one Labrador puppy afflicted by pain and limping that was insured by Southern Cross Pet Insurance has already undergone more than $4,000 worth of treatment for elbow dysplasia. Because they had a policy, the puppy’s owner was able to claim back $3,227.
Mark Ward, NZVA chief executive, said in a news release that costs can potentially leave owners with limited options for care and treatment.
“Kiwis love their pets and want them to have a good quality of life. There’s nothing worse for an owner and their veterinarian than having to choose treatment options based on finances rather than having access to the preferred treatment,” he told Scoop Independent News. “In some instances, that may mean having to choose euthanasia for a loved family pet when treatment was an option if the cost could be covered. That’s a terrible decision to have to make for the pet, the owner, and the veterinarian and their support staff.”
Ward explained that the partnership will allow NZVA to give its member veterinarians resources that they can use to facilitate discussions with their clients about pet insurance.
“We chose to partner with Southern Cross because our values align, they listen to feedback and advice from veterinarians, and their policies are market-leading. There is no expectation for our members to sell pet insurance or give advice on what policies are best,” said Ward.
While pet insurance is still in its infancy in New Zealand, owners of cats and dogs are becoming more aware about its benefits, said Anthony McPhail, Southern Cross Pet Insurance’s general manager.
“In the past year, the number of pet lives we insured grew by 28% to more than 27,000, so it’s clear that Kiwis are beginning to see how pet insurance can improve their animals’ lives. Increasing the awareness and coverage of pet insurance in New Zealand will improve veterinarians’ ability to offer animals the treatment their patients’ need,” he said.
