Adopting a pet

The merits of adopting a pet

Every year, many pets are abandoned by owners and end up in rescue homes through no fault of their own.  These animals urgently require new homes and families, but are often overlooked by people who want a specific kind of dog or cat from a breeder.  This is an expensive option for would-be pet owners, and one which overlooks the benefits of taking on an abandoned dog and re-homing it.  Rescued dogs or cats need a lot of love, and will be grateful for it, too.  The money you save on buying the pet can also be spent elsewhere, like inoculations, spaying or pet insurance. Spaying is a good option for rescued pets if you have no intention of breeding.  In many parts of the UK, animal breeding is out of control and the litters of animals born on the streets don't stand a chance of a decent life.

When adopting a pet, it's a good option to invest in a home insurance policy in order to reduce the cost of future veterinary bills, which have a habit of presenting themselves at inopportune times.

But pet insurance isn't just for veterinary bills.  It can also pay out if your pet is lost or stolen, or if it injures a third party: particularly useful if you leave your pet with a walker or pet sitter. However, this doesn't apply to cats: they're deemed ‘free spirits', so owners aren't responsible for their actions!

There are usually three different options for insurance to pet owners.  These are as follows:-

A set period policy

This is generally the cheapest option, and typically lasts about 12 months.  It's important to remember that if a pet is in the middle of a programme of treatment when the policy ends, it will no longer cover the cost, even if it is renewed.

A limited cover per condition policy

This level of insurance covers conditions up to a certain sum.  Anything extra will be the owners' liability.  It may not provide complete protection should an illness which is ongoing falls upon the animal.

A full lifetime policy

This level of insurance will cover a pet through its entire lifetime (if it isn't cancelled) with a cover limit per condition every year.  It can be the most expensive option, but could also deliver significantly greater peace of mind.

Further implications

For more senior pets (insurers usually consider cats and dogs who are eight years old and over as ‘older' animals), insurers will almost always charge higher premiums due to the increased likelihood of them developing a condition or dying.  Likewise, pedigree animals or rare breeds attract higher premiums due to several reasons, including their value to thieves and the frequently higher incidence of illness and medical conditions - particularly in the case of some breeds of pedigree dog.  Rescuing a moggie cat or mongrel dog from a home could be cheaper for your insurance, too!

How to save on your pet insurance

When it comes to getting a good deal on your pet insurance, it pays to shop around for the best prices.  If your pet isn't presently undergoing treatment and your insurance is up for renewal, then it's an ideal time to consider your options: you might be able to find a cheaper policy elsewhere.  Using a comparison website is a really simple method of doing this.  They allow you to browse quotes and features from many insurers with just a few simple clicks.

When comparing insurance, make sure you take the features of the policy, as well as the price, into account to ensure you're getting the cover you need.  Also check the excess, should you need to call on your insurance.