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Sian Victoria © - Smiling Blue merle border collie dog

Reminiscing my pethood stories with Petplan

I’m sure that all pet owners would agree with me when I say that our pets enrich our lives. From as long as I can remember I’ve been around animals and have always had a pet throughout my 28 years of existence.

Pets improve our mental health and make our lives a lot brighter, mine have been there with me throughout life’s highs and lows. So, I was delighted when the pet insurance company Petplan asked me to share my Pethood Stories, because who doesn’t love sharing photos and stories of their furry companions. I'll then discuss the pros and cons of taking out pet insurance, for you to consider if its right for you or not.

My first ever pet was a Maine coon cat called Sarah (rubbish name for a cat, I know!), I was just 3 years old when I had her as a tiny ball of fluff that could sit in the palm of my moms’ hand. Sarah was a huge part of my childhood and adult life as she lived for an impressive 19 years, which was probably down to the fact she was a lazy house cat treated like a goddess.

Despite being a little diva, I absolutely loved coming home after school to spend time with her in the garden with my pet rabbit named Fluffy and my hamster named Henrietta.

Sian Victoria © - Sarah the Maine Coon cat

When Sarah passed away from old age, the entire family were absolutely devastated, my Mom, Nan, Sister and Aunties were all in tears and on occasion we still talk about her now till this day.

She was a huge part of our lives and because of her age and being in perfect health up until the day she passed away it came as a complete shock and it certainly left a gap in our hearts.

There are so many things to consider before getting a pet, and being prepared to say goodbye to them at some stage in your life is one of them. It can be heartbreaking if you have built a strong bond with them.

Sian Victoria © - Blue merle border collie dog

As I work from home, I got very lonely by myself during the day after Sarah passed. The home didn’t feel complete without having a bundle of joy around the house, so after almost a year we decided to get a blue merle border collie and named him Blue.

As a puppy, he looked so angelic with his fluffy white and grey fur, gorgeous brown eyes and infectious smile but he was an absolute nightmare, destroying everything in sight including the post - we nicknamed him the 'devil dog'.

Even after long walks exploring the nature reserves in the West Midlands, running for the ball (which he would never give back), he would play dead on the way home and just slump himself down, I would have people driving past and well-behaved dogs with their owners walking by just laughing at us.

At one point I could just about pick him up and make stops for a breather on the way home, but he soon got too heavy to be carried like a baby. Thankfully for my back, he grew out of it.

Over the past four years me and Blue have built a strong bond, his my best friend and is there to lighten up my day while I work from home with his funny habits of sitting in the most unusual positions, looking at me with his perfectly straight teeth out, sucking his blanket like a baby, giving my hands a slap to put my mobile down and stealing my seat if I go and make a cuppa to get my attention or attempting to sit his bum on my laptop so I can’t type and the comical strange sounds he makes.

He always senses if we are sad or stressed and will come and plonk himself down across my chest and just give me the most amazing cuddles (they are worth the struggle for air!).

Despite taking over my king-size bed and doing his best to push me out during the night I wouldn’t change him for the world (although I would prefer it if he didn’t roll around in fox poop!), his perfect in every way.

He has also brought the family a lot closer together as we all enjoy taking him out on walks, which is something we didn’t have to do when we had Sarah, so we now spend a lot more quality time together outdoors, like hiking the many peaks in the West Midlands region. Or going on dog-friendly UK staycations and visiting beer gardens in Birmingham, which are made all the more fun for having Blue with us.

He was born with dewclaws, so we knew we had to have Petplan Pet Insurance for when he was old enough to have them surgically removed at the vets and for peace of mind with him being a large active dog.

After the treatment, I remember him being so adorable and feeling sorry for himself with his cute cartoon bandages, I was with him all the way while he recovered. Which his clearly not forgot about because if we have the flu or generally not feeling our best his the first one to comfort us and won’t leave our side (he will even try to invade our privacy in the bathroom to make sure we're ok!).

He doesn't have any awareness of giving someone personal space - but his too perfect for us to care.

Blue is such a caring and loving dog with an adorable character and plenty of funny mannerisms. Although I obviously still think of Sarah, Blue has filled that empty gap and just completes the family.

According to the Petplan pet census 2018, I’m not the only one who considers their pet as a best friend as 41% of owners do. The census also found that 50% of pet parents had to make changes to their lives and working routine to suit their pets.

This is something I can also relate to because if it wasn’t for Blue I wouldn’t be as active going for walks 2/3 times a day. Before having Blue, I would work all day from home without proper breaks or exercise. So, having a pet has without a doubt brought happiness and health to my life and has encouraged me to create a balanced lifestyle.

Pros and cons of pet insurance

Pet insurance offers pet owners valuable financial assistance and peace of mind, providing a safety net for unexpected veterinary expenses. However, making an informed decision about whether pet insurance is right for you requires careful consideration of its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of Pet Insurance:

So, let's explore the benefits of having pet insurance for dogs:

1. Financial Protection:

Pet insurance eases the burden of unforeseen veterinary treatments, accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and related expenses. This financial support ensures you can provide essential care for your beloved pet without financial strain or hesitation.

2. Peace of Mind:

Having insurance coverage for your pet brings a sense of tranquillity. Knowing you have financial backing in emergencies enables you to concentrate on your pet's health and well-being, free from worries about veterinary costs.

3. Flexibility:

Many pet insurance plans offer customisable coverage options and reimbursement levels, allowing you to tailor a plan that aligns with your budget and addresses your pet's specific needs effectively.

4. Extensive Coverage:

Depending on the policy, pet insurance covers a wide array of treatments, including accidents, illnesses, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and even alternative therapies such as acupuncture or physiotherapy. This comprehensive coverage ensures your pet receives the necessary care without compromise.

Sian Victoria © - Border collie dog on Hollywell bay beach, Cornwall

Cons of Pet Insurance:

Now you know the benefits of having pet insurance, what are the disadvantages of taking out pet insurance and if it’s worth having.

1. Cost:

Pet insurance premiums accumulate over time, influenced by factors such as your pet's age, breed, location, and the chosen coverage level. Assessing the cost against potential benefits and your pet's unique requirements is crucial to determine its affordability and value.

2. Pre-existing Conditions:

Most pet insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, including illnesses or injuries that existed before the policy's effective date. Additionally, some policies may impose waiting periods for specific conditions, necessitating a careful review of policy terms and conditions.

3. Exclusions and Limitations:

Pet insurance policies often incorporate exclusions and limitations on coverage. Certain hereditary or breed-specific conditions, elective procedures, and preventive care may not be covered. Plus, coverage amounts, annual or lifetime maximums, and deductibles may also be subject to restrictions that require thorough consideration.

4. Reimbursement Process:

Pet insurance typically operates on a reimbursement basis, where you initially pay the veterinary bills and then file a claim for reimbursement. This process consists of paperwork, documentation, and waiting periods for claims to be processed. Familiarising yourself with the claims process and associated waiting periods is essential for a clear understanding.

5. Premium Increases:

Pet insurance premiums may rise over time, especially as your pet ages. Being mindful of potential premium increases and incorporating them into your long-term budgeting is important for financial planning.

To conclude

Deciding whether to opt for pet insurance depends on your unique circumstances, your pet's health condition, and your financial situation. Thorough research on different insurance providers, policy comparisons, and scrutiny of terms and conditions are vital steps toward making an informed decision.

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