The following blog post comes from Fabienne Mueri, PETCO’s Pet Services Insurance Manager.

A few days ago, my friend Rachael called me in tears.  After a few minutes of sniffling and sobbing, she was finally able to tell me what was wrong: her cat, Louie, has cancer.  I felt horrible.  She proceeded to tell me how treating her cat, who is only four years old, would cost her thousands of dollars.  She went ahead, crying, telling me how she didn’t feel like she could afford the treatments and that she never expected her indoor cat, at only four years old, would ever have any issues. 

The author's cat, Cali

After a few minutes, she asked, “Would you be able to afford care if Cali had cancer?”  I hesitated before tentatively giving my answer.  “Yes, I would, but only because I have pet insurance for Cali.” 

This was my best friend.  She knew that I was in the business of pet insurance.  I could not believe after all of our conversations, she still had not insured her cat. I was frustrated, but only because I could hear how painful this was for my friend.  No one should have to make the decision to end the life of their pet. 

She felt horrible.  Rachael said she could never forgive herself if she could not afford the treatment and had to euthanize Louie, when all along, she could have just gotten pet insurance and prevented this heartache.

This is what thousands of people go through on a daily basis.  They find out their pet, a part of their family, is ill and because of the exorbitant cost of care, they have to make a choice to euthanize their pet. Continue reading »