Fur Baby Insurance

on October 6, 2009
in All Posts

I finally purchased pet insurance for the dogs.

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I’ve never been one to purchase warranties or protection plans… but I looked through our vet records and realize the dogs have cost us about $2,500 in three years.  Pet ownership is not cheap!  The plan is about $15 a month per dog or $360 a year…. and if we had it last night, we would’ve be reimbursed at least $500. 

 

According to this article in The New York Times, only 2% of pets are insured.  The author makes a good point when she states, “For many pet owners, of course, neither veterinary care for complex health problems nor paying monthly pet insurance bills is affordable or even possible, so I know that having the choice is a luxury.”   So true – I really felt grateful that we had enough savings to be able to pay for James last night. 

 

Speaking of James, he’s doing good. 🙂 He’s snoozing on a new bed that I bought him this morning (he ruined the other one last night):

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Alright – enough puppy talk!  This is supposed to be a healthy living blog.  🙂

 

Lunch was divine:

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I marinated zucchini, squash, and mushrooms in balsamic and then grilled them on the George Foreman. 

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My sandwich also contained mustard, sprouts, and melted cheese.

 

Plus, a pickle and a plum:

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My plans for this afternoon include WRITING!  I missed my run last night and hope to squeeze it in later, but I’m not sure I want to leave James alone.  I’m already planning on skipping lab because he shouldn’t be alone for 3 hours.  I might do a 5 miler and swing by the house after 2.5 miles to check in on him…. I’m an obsessed fur mommy!

 

Operation Beautiful

 

Don’t forget to enter the Operation Beautiful book contest!  You could be in the book and win TONS of free swag, including a $100 spafinder.com gift card.  :)  Check out this post for official rules.  Contest ends on October 19!

 

Here’s a note that Megan from Megzz Wins at Life posted:

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Check out the site to see the rest!

{ 55 comments }

 

  • emily October 6, 2009, 1:37 pm

    I’m sure you thought of this, but just fyi, you might want to e-mail your professor. At my school you fail chem. if you miss a lab. I’m glad James is doing better!

    • caitlin October 6, 2009, 1:52 pm

      i just get deducted points. 🙁 bah.

  • Deb October 6, 2009, 1:43 pm

    Glad you got insurance for the fur babies. I don’t think you will regret it. It may be a healthy living blog but please keep us informed on James’ progress! He seems to like his new bed!

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life October 6, 2009, 1:53 pm

    Thank You soo much Cailtin!! You are just way tooo sweet!!! I am glad you got insurance.. It is worth it!! Give James some extra lovin from me 🙂

  • Evan Thomas October 6, 2009, 1:58 pm

    Pet insurance is a great idea.

  • Matt October 6, 2009, 2:05 pm

    We had pet insurance for my old dog because she was sick ALL THE TIME. It probably saved us some serious money in the long run.

  • Jenna October 6, 2009, 2:05 pm

    glad james is doing better and you seem to be a great puppy mommy!
    jenna

  • Diana October 6, 2009, 2:09 pm

    That sandwich looks amazing.

    And yep, the insurance is a good idea. You just never know, right?
    I’m glad James is ok now. 🙂

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is October 6, 2009, 2:12 pm

    Pet insurance is a great idea. And that sandwhich looks so good. I may have to try that!

  • Hallie October 6, 2009, 2:16 pm

    You know…I looked into pet insurance and it didn’t seem to cover enough stuff to be worth it. But maybe I need to look into it again because I’m on such a tight budget that if anything were to really happen to my pup (or to me, but whatever) I’d be totally screwed. I mean odds are (and hopefully) I’d never need it but that’s the whole point of insurance right?

    • caitlin October 6, 2009, 2:17 pm

      i got the minimal plan and it actually covers a lot of stuff — maybe not the entire cost but at least some. just based on our history, i KNOW we’ll be back at the vet in a year and it will pay itself back.

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance October 6, 2009, 2:22 pm

    I am so glad that you got Pet Insurance (VPI)……..I know VPI is great as I previously advised I have several friends that use it and have saved a ton over the years on routine visits and more serious ones as well!!! =) Laura

  • FirednFabulous October 6, 2009, 2:23 pm

    What lucky pooches! Your sandwich looks delish, btw–my three favorite veggies! Do you have any tips for eating a variety of foods without breaking the bank?? I seem to get stuck on the same things because I assume venturing out will cost me so much more. Eating the same foods constantly usually leads to overeating and having more “cheat meals” than I’d like to admit 😉 I really want to get better about this!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) October 6, 2009, 2:23 pm

    I’m going to check that site out now. I know that our furbabies are expensive too. I would hate to look at my bank statements to see how much. Glad James is doing better.

  • FirednFabulous October 6, 2009, 2:23 pm

    What lucky pooches! Your sandwich looks delish, btw–my three favorite veggies! Do you have any tips for eating a variety of foods without breaking the bank?? I seem to get stuck on the same things because I assume venturing out will cost me so much more. Eating the same foods constantly usually leads to overeating and having more “cheat meals” than I’d like to admit 😉 I really want to get better about this!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

    • caitlin October 6, 2009, 2:36 pm

      i try to get produce on sale. we also do a LOT of our shopping at costco — bread, for example, is $5 for two loaves! At our regular store, it would be like $7. We just freeze one loaf. It’s especially helpful for saving on cereal, oatmeal, etc.

      Try Farmers Markets, too! they are always so cheap.

  • FirednFabulous October 6, 2009, 2:24 pm

    Oh gosh, so sorry for the multiple postings, my bad!!!

  • Weekly Bite October 6, 2009, 2:25 pm

    Good thing about the pet insurance. We’ve had it for 4 years now and its the BEST!!

  • Mica October 6, 2009, 2:27 pm

    I’m a huge worrier, so pet insurance, just like human insurance, makes a lot of sense to me. I just need a pet to insure…may

  • Heather October 6, 2009, 2:36 pm

    We have used this pet insurance for several years on both of our dogs. Very good to have, ecspecially for emergency situations like yours. Have had no problems w/them.

  • MelissaNibbles October 6, 2009, 2:49 pm

    I think it’s worth it to have pet insurance. Pets are a lot of work…just like kids. You’d insure your kids right? Thanks for bringing this to people’s attention Caitlin 🙂

  • Trish (girlatgym) October 6, 2009, 3:23 pm

    I just went to that same site earlier today and got my cat some insurance. 🙂

    Your earlier post really pushed me. She had one surgery 3 years ago which cost me over $500. She’s healthy now, but I know how fast that can change. I’d been thinking about insurance for a while but just never did anything about it till today. But I love her to death and she is so worth it.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat October 6, 2009, 3:29 pm

    Thanks for the info on pet insurance! I’m definitely going to look into it. I appreciate all the fur baby talk, even if it is a healthy living blog. I think our dogs keep us healthy 🙂

  • Becky October 6, 2009, 3:35 pm

    Seeing as I am about to get a puppy and I currently have two cats, I am definitely going to check out that pet insurance.

    Also, I don’t seem to be receiving your feeds in Google Reader. The last one I received was on Sept. 28th. I’m not sure what is going on there, but I thought I would let you know.

  • Ali October 6, 2009, 3:44 pm

    Glad James is doing better and is now insured! Luch looks great! I don’t know what I would do without my George Forman grill for grilled veggies!

    You have been going a great job eating more veggies!!!!

  • Sheri October 6, 2009, 3:45 pm

    I think pet insurance is a good idea…you never know when you might need it. SO glad that James is doing way better!

  • Erin October 6, 2009, 3:47 pm

    We’ve had four dogs but never had pet insurance. Everything I’ve read says that they fight you tooth and nail to keep from having to reimburse you for anything. Hopefully your experience is better!

    Also, your sandwich looks so tasty! What kind of bread is that?

  • jenna October 6, 2009, 3:47 pm

    that sandwhich sound delicious!!! I love our g. foreman grill we use it for everything.

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing October 6, 2009, 3:57 pm

    That sammie looks sooooo good! You can’t not like veggies when they’re served like that :O)

  • Sara October 6, 2009, 3:58 pm

    Thanks for the info on Pet insurance. My hubby and I have thought about it since we have a doggie now, but as of yet we haven’t gotten it. I’m so glad to hear the James is okay! I would have been a wreck if that happened to my puppy.

  • Jenny Eastwood@ JennyLikesToRun, Healthy living blog :) October 6, 2009, 4:04 pm

    SO great to hear James is feeling all better!! 🙂 And great that you got Doggie Insurance. It’ll just make things a bit easier for your next time 🙂
    Food looks DELICIOUS! And that’s really sweet that you are so caring of your dog 🙂 we need to have more pet owners like you in the world!

  • Courtney October 6, 2009, 4:20 pm

    Can never be enough furbaby talk as far as I’m concerned. I’ve got one dog asleep on my feet and one on my lap right now…heaven!
    I’m lucky that one of my best friends in the world is a vet…nothing like having a vet on emergency call whenever something comes up. I am VERY thankful my best friend married her!!!
    Courtney
    Adventures in tri-ing

  • caitlin October 6, 2009, 4:24 pm

    testing… are comments working now? technology blows.

  • Melissa October 6, 2009, 4:26 pm

    I’m glad James is all better!

  • Lizzie October 6, 2009, 4:32 pm

    So glad to see that James is doing better!

  • Tanya October 6, 2009, 4:42 pm

    Due ti an adverse drug reaction (Etodolac) my 12 year old dog ended up costing us $10,000.00 for a week of doggy hospital care…he never had anything wrong until he was 12 and starting to have sore hips. Our trusted vet convinced my boyfriend that he needed the EVIL medication. It was awful!

    Unfortunately, they do not qualify for Pet Insurance once they reach a certain age. So get it when they are young and keep it! My company now offers VPI as a benefit- How cool is that? Good thing I had a 401K to borrow the money from for my baby- I know not the best option but it is what I had…I WOULD HAVE SPENT TWICE THAT MUCH~! He has now past but we got 2 extra years with him. When I am ready the new puppy will definitely have insurance the day he comes home…..

    adfdicted to your blog!
    Tanya in Santa Barbara

    • caitlin October 6, 2009, 4:43 pm

      you are an amazing pet owner and deserve a medal of pet mommy honor!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Jenn Eats Nutritiously Now October 6, 2009, 4:59 pm

    Seems like a pretty stressful day. Hope things calm down soon!

  • Kristy October 6, 2009, 5:35 pm

    I have often considered pet insurance because they truly are our children! My husbands job even offers it with the health insurance plans! I will definitely be looking into it more because things can happen so fast and the bills can get so expensive.

  • Ally October 6, 2009, 5:42 pm

    Aww, you’re a good fur mama to be worried about him! Whenever my puppies are sick it’s soooo hard for me to leave them. Glad he’s doing better and so glad you got pet insurance–I know a lot of people think it’s crazy, but, it really does save a lot of money and last year before our sweet Hanna died she was really, really sick and it saved us a lot of money and we were able to give her treatments that we wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. And, in my mind, I don’t have real human children yet, my pets are my children, why would I treat them any differently? (yes, I might be crazy, but, my pets are loved!)

    Hope you’re able to get a run in, but, don’t stress if you don’t! 🙂

  • Erin October 6, 2009, 5:42 pm

    That James is sooo super cute. Even though it’s not a good thing that he was in pain, his little bandaid made me smile this morning. I’m glad he’s feeling better and that the pups are protected!

    I thought it was really interesting to read the comments about everyones healthcare/insurance coverage. It goes to show just how much it effects peoples lives!

  • alli October 6, 2009, 6:08 pm

    so glad he’s doing better!!!
    your lunch looks amazing, i will be trying it out soon! for now i have been hooked on the hummus and sprout sammy that you posted a while back ago (i’m a crature of habit big time) 🙂

  • Nikka @ HealthfulGirl October 6, 2009, 6:30 pm

    Thanks for posting the info on Pet Insurance. Luckily we have only had bills around $200 but that adds up, and with a second dog there’s twice the chance of a vet visit.
    I am so glad James is feeling better, please tell him thank you from my dogs Lulu & Bosley, because of him they are insured now too.

  • AshleyLauren October 6, 2009, 7:08 pm

    Awww! I’m so glad he’s doing better, I was really worried about him! I’m used to seeing his sweet lil’ mug on here 🙂

    Have you read any of Jen Lancaster’s books (Bitter is the New Black, Bright Lights Big Ass…)? I love how even though she was broke and without insurance her pups had it. That would so be me!!

  • Steph October 6, 2009, 7:33 pm

    I’m happy to hear that James is doing better!

  • Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness October 6, 2009, 7:36 pm

    So glad that your little man is feeling better. That had to be a really scary ordeal for the whole family to go through.
    I will have to check out pet insurance. My poor little cat Rufus has been experiencing some issues of his own and my vet receipts are adding up fast, it would make much more sense to get insurance. Also our dog is pretty accident-prone herself!

  • Annabananabomb October 6, 2009, 7:53 pm

    Caitlin, I’m so so happy to hear James is doing well and also that you could afford to care for him. This is the number one reason why I don’t have any pets – it just wouldn’t be responsible for me to own a dog or cat knowing I couldn’t afford to keep them alive if anything bad happened. Insurance is a great idea!

    I’ll have an OB picture for you later today – I posted it but nearly got busted taking a photo so I’ll have to go back later and get a shot 🙂

    Happy days for you and the little ones

  • Shannon October 6, 2009, 7:57 pm

    I’m relieved to hear James will be okay. How scary! My heart goes out to animals in pain…they don’t understand what’s happening to them which makes it that much scarier for them.

  • maria October 6, 2009, 10:04 pm

    I am so glad to hear that James is doing better. I had to head over here to HTP and see how he was after that scare! And he looks so tuckered out in the pic. 🙂 Also, great idea on the insurance.

  • Kate October 7, 2009, 12:15 am

    We fortunately get good pet insurance through my boyfriend’s work benefits. I love not having to think twice about taking our puppy to the vet. Definitely a very good decision to make 🙂 Glad to hear your fur baby is doing well!

  • Heather @ live, love, enjoy nature October 7, 2009, 3:38 pm

    Your sandwich looks awesome =] bet it tasted great.

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