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Chicagoist loves pets. They just make life better. Which is why we weren’t surprised to hear that Americans will spend $9.4 billion this year on the health of their pets and that the number of Americans going into debt to protect their pets is rising. This according to Urbanhound.com, which has compiled the Urbanhound Pet Insurance Guide.
The guide includes information about the major pet insurance companies and compares cost, policies and coverage.
The idea of pet insurance may seem outrageous to some and simply practical to others. Either way, it brings up an interesting question: Just how much are you willing to spend to keep your pet alive and healthy?
So, we’re wondering, do you have pet insurance? Does your company offer it? Who’s your favorite vet? Is it true that cats rule and dogs drool?
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We have two dogs, now 6 and 9. We had pet insurance for them for quite a while. However, this year, we didn't renew. Why? The premiums were too high and the benefits too low. Our thought was that we'd like to have the girls covered in the event of some really traumatic event. But, when it comes to potentially really traumatic events, the insurance didn't do that good.
Put your money in a rainy day (or got hit by a car) fund instead.
Dr. Janik at Animal Medical Center (on Diversey, just west of Ashland) is the kindest gentlest soul you'll ever meet. She's great with animals, but just as importantly, she's great with people too. She'll talk to you, and she'll listen to you. She's great. Best vet I've ever been to, anywhere.
My favorite vet/animal hospital is Portage Park Animal Hospital. I have been bringing both of my cats there for years and found that the doctors are attentive, and the staff remembers most, if not all, visitors.
I love Urbanhound, don't you? I've been a big fan for many years now so I was delighted to see that they now have a Chicago version of their site. About time!
I've had pet insurance for 4 years now and had one large claim in 2002 of over $1,200 when our family had no income and a baby on the way. I wouldn't have bought the insurance if it weren't for the fact that I was researching pet insurance products at the time and the best way to learn about them is to experience them. After that claim, I was so happy to have it! What a relief that was.
Once I started investigating pet insurance, I realised how poor the products and services were. So, now after 4 years of research, I've finally started my own pet insurance company, Embrace Pet Insurance, in the hopes that we can do better, much better. Pet insurance is the only way to avoid the life or money decision that's happening more and more because of the amazing development of veterinary medical care over the last 10 years.
Pet insurance isn't for everyone, but for those people who would spend any amount on their cats' or dogs' medical care, pet insurance spares you the financial burden that that responsibility brings.