While it’s easy to budget for routine pet care expenses like food, kitty litter, and trips to the groomer, a serious pet injury or illness can lead to thousands of dollars of unexpected veterinary expenses. One recent FACE case, a pug named Sophie, is a perfect example of this. Poor Sophie slipped and fell backwards when trying to jump on the couch for a snuggle. She landed on her back and began crying in pain. Sophie was diagnosed with IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease from acute trauma).

Sophie needed an operation called a Hemilaminectomy, a major spine surgery costing thousands of dollars, to save her. Sophie’s owners received assistance from FACE so that she could get the medical treatment she needed. While this case has a happy ending, many pet owners are faced with the heartbreaking decision to euthanize their pets when told about veterinary expenses they simply can’t afford.

Is pet insurance a good option for pet owners to consider? Here are some points to keep in mind when making the decision, courtesy of Consumer Reports:

• Make sure you understand the insurance plan’s coverage limitations, like preexisting conditions.
• Know how much your deductible or co-pay will be before you sign up.
• Find out what conditions are excluded from coverage, such as hip dysplasia.
• Be prepared to pay the bill up front and then wait for the insurance company to reimburse you.
• Pet insurance can be most valuable if your pet develops a costly, chronic medical condition while already covered.

If you think pet insurance is the right option for you, check out our website to learn more about the Embrace FACE Partnership. FACE has teamed up with Embrace Pet Insurance to offer our friends a 10% discount on your pet’s insurance coverage, plus other benefits like 25% off your premium, if eligible. Just click on the above “Embrace FACE Partnership” hyperlink to find out more.

Thank you for taking steps toward keeping your pet safe, healthy, and happy!