Message from our President:

What will happen to your dogs in the event that you can no longer care for them? What will happen if you are in the hospital, or if you pass away, and cannot make any decisions as to their care? Accidents happen. People get sick. It’s not something any of us want to think about, but it’s so important for our beloved dogs.
Please think of what you want to happen. Do your dogs go to a family member or friend you trust? Do they go to rescue? It’s not enough to ask someone if they will care for your dogs if you are unable, you need to put it in writing, put it in your will, put it in your living will. It’s best to talk to your lawyer and discuss different options. Do not leave it to chance. If no one has POA for you and there are no directives in place, it’s likely your dogs will go to the shelter for a period of time while the legalities are worked out. The shelters do the very best they can to take of the animals, but there are typically a lot of animals there. Some are better than others. Shelters are loud, and filled with strangers (from your sheltie’s point of view), and scary. Think about that. Do you want your sheltie stuck in that situation for a period of time? Please be proactive and ensure you have a plan in place, in writing, notarized, and that your family and friends know what your wishes are. Not just for your shelties, but for all pets you have in your home.

What is pet insurance?

To put it simply: pet insurance helps cover the cost of vet bills in the event of an injury or illness.

A guide to pet insurance

Our pets are an important part of our family and when they get sick, we want to give them the best medical attention that we can. Unfortunately, veterinarian bills aren’t much cheaper than medical bills. For this reason, many pet owners decide to buy pet insurance. Just like medical insurance, pet insurance companies are a dime a dozen so it can be hard to know how to choose the best pet insurance. This article will help you weed through your top choices and decide on one for your little furry friend of the family.

Cost and Value

Unless you have extra money to throw around, you will want to compare cost and value in determining the best pet insurance for you. The cheapest isn’t always best and the same goes for the flip side. Just because an insurance costs more doesn’t mean it covers more.
Make sure you are checking your deductible and compare it to your monthly premium. Some people prefer a higher deductible, some prefer a per incident deductible, while others would choose a lower monthly premium.
Most routine vet visits are relatively affordable, so you want to make sure that the bigger things are covered in your policy because this is when your insurance will really come in handy and save you money.

Does it Fit Your Needs?

Not all pet insurance policies are created equal. Just as there are insurance policies created for different types of people, there are pet insurance policies for different types of pets. Some pet policies are made for just cats and dogs, while others will cover more exotic pets. What type of pet you have will be an important aspect of what type of insurance you need.
It’s always best to enroll your pet while they are young and healthy because the premium will be much lower. However, sometimes you get a pet that is already past that point. How to choose the best pet insurance for your older pet can be a difficult question.  Some additional coverage might be necessary.
Also, you know your pet better than anyone. Are they more of an accident-prone pet? Do they like to get into tricky situations? Do they have an illness that will need extra attention? The answer to these questions will help you decide which plan will cover the special needs of your pet.

Check the Reviews

There is no better way to find the credibility of a company than the read what the public is saying. Scourer the web. Do your research. If they are a horrible insurance company, believe me, someone will rat them out. Checking the reviews of a pet insurance company is one of the best steps in how to choose the best pet insurance.
Another thing that you can do is talk to your veterinarian. They deal with plenty of pet insurance companies and will undoubtedly have a few favorites that they like to deal with. They will also know which tend to be easier to deal with and which will try to skirt out of paying for certain procedures.
Ultimately the choice will be yours, but it is always nice to know the experiences of others in deciding on a policy.

Read the Fine Print

All the legal mumbo jumbo and fine print can be tricky to wade through. Don’t let the extensive wording intimidate you. Carefully read through all the paperwork that the insurance company gives you and make sure you are covered when it matters.
Read the terms and conditions. Check for gaps in coverage. Look for exclusions, and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to call the company and ask them.
How to choose the best pet insurance company is a diligent endeavor. It would be horrible to buy a policy only to find out that it doesn’t really give you much help when it is needed the most.
Having the right pet insurance is a long-term investment in your pet. That’s why is important to know how to choose the best pet insurance now before your pet needs medical attention. Not only will it save you a lot of cash, but it can also potentially be a lifesaving decision for your pet.

Can pet insurance be important?

Yes, pet insurance can be important. Pets can fall ill, or have an injury at any age.
Pet insurance gives you peace of mind that your pet is covered. And, you won’t have any unexpected vet bills.

How to choose the right provider.
Choosing the right provider for your pet insurance is no easy task! You could spend hours, if not days researching. This includes reviewing terms and conditions of what you’re covered and not covered for It becomes a headache.

So what’s the best way to find a reliable provider?
The best and easiest way is to use a review site. They review all the best providers and analyze everything they have to offer. They also share the positives and negatives of each provider.
As a result, there are no hidden costs or restrictions. You know exactly what you’re buying, and what you’re covered for.

Final thoughts

We hope you have found this guide helpful, and you will now have the knowledge of what to look for when considering pet insurance.

Disclaimer: SSPSNJ does not make any endorsements, does not recommend and is not partners with any pet insurance company. We only post this guide as something for pet owners to think about when adopting a new furry family member.