[warning - you are about to experience overwhelming cuteness. Don't say I didn't warn you]
Most breeders are very particular about who they sell their puppies or kittens to and they will often have you fill out a questionaire before you are approved by them, and they will send along recommended food and favorite toys with your new pet.
Now, there's a new addition to the accoutrement that might come with your new family member - pet insurance.
At Embrace, we are seeing an increasing number of breeders include 1 year's worth of Embrace Pet Insurance coverage with their puppies and kittens. For example, one of our breeders bought 8 policies for her recent litter of 8 Coton de Toulier pups in the name of the new pet parents, each policy in the range of $150 - $190 for a year's worth of coverage (the amount varies on the location of the new owner).
Our most recent breeder to be Embraced, Roseann, raises pugs in NJ at Teyha Pugs. She kindly agreed to let me interview her about her decision to get a pet insurance policy for each pup.
Why did you buy a pet insurance policy to send along with your puppies?
The first year owning a puppy is like a child first learning to walk, they get into everything and the unexpected does happen. Puppies love to chew on EVERYTHING they can get their teeth into, 99% of the time they chew on things they shouldn’t as pet parents and new pet parents we learn as we go along so the insurance is just a pre-thought-about back up plan for the new owners in case their puppy eats something that is not food or they got hurt in some accidental way.- Why did you choose an Embrace policy in particular?
I’ve taken the time out to carefully read up on all the health insurances out on the market including reading the tiny fine print; aside from speaking with other pet owners that currently have pet insurance asking for their good and bad experiences. More than 60% told me purchasing the insurance was a waste of time; 20% never had a need to use their insurance for the unexpected and cancelled their policy after a year and 20% were happy with their current insurance but don’t know what would happen if one of they dogs came down with LP or HD. Without naming companies I noticed Clause after Clause after Clause on what is not included in their Insurance plan and found most sicknesses and some accidents are all excluded from being covered included hereditary disorders that can go unnoticed the first year of life. With Embrace I placed several calls and spoke to a really informative lady who answered all my questions. The first thing I did was check out what is NOT covered and compared that to what IS covered. I was very impressed to see Embrace covers what others don’t. - Did you use the addition of policy as a selling feature for your Pugs?
Absolutely not. Purchasing insurance for each of the puppies I produce and sell brings me peace of mind and I hope it also brings peace of mind to those new pet parents. - Is this something you plan to do for all your puppies going forward?
Absolutely; as long as Embrace Pet Insurance continues to give such great coverage I see no reason for me to stop. - Would you recommend other breeders (of any kind of dog or cat) send a policy along with their puppies or kittens?
I sure would. I also think it’s a wonderful idea for all breeders who are insuring their pets to communicate with one another and share their experiences. - What do you say to people who think that having a pet insurance policy included with the purchase of their new pet might indicate potential future ill health in their new four-legged family member?
I have always been very selective in placing my puppies with strict rules in my contract including all pets must be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. I’ve always welcome all to come visit my home so they can see how my pugs are raised, loved and see the healthy coats and glow about them. Anyone that meets me and my pugs know I’m not one to breed and raise sick puppies or knowingly sell puppies with potential future health issues. I’ve always given my puppies a life time guarantee for life threatening genetic health issues; does this mean I give them that guarantee because I’m worried about potential health issues? Absolutely not; it means I love all my furchildren including my grandfurchildren and want only the best for them and their new owners; since accidents can happen at any time I hope to give each family peace of mind.
Check out Roseann's babies at Teyha Pugs.
What would you think about having a pet insurance policy come along with your new pet? Would you think it worrying, weird, worth mentioning, or wonderful?
