6 minute read
Pets
INSURE
YOUR PET'S FUTURE
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PET INSURANCE
STORY: Laura J. Moss
Almost 70% of U.S. households have a pet, and Americans spent more than $72 billion on their furry friends in 2018 alone, according to the American Pet Products Association. That number encompasses the cost of food, grooming, toys and veterinary care. But, for most Americans, it doesn’t include the monthly expense of pet insurance. Only 2.16 million pets were insured as of 2018, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association—even though the APPA estimates that one out of three pets will require emergency veterinary treatment during their lives.
The average cost of an unexpected vet visit is $800 to $1,500, according to pet insurance company Petplan. As pets age, the likelihood of developing serious health issues increases, which is why Lyndsey Lewis opted for insurance for her 11-year-old tortoiseshell cat, Belle.
“Belle is an older cat, and although she's always been healthy, my husband and I are planning ahead for problems that advanced age may bring,” says Lewis, a multimedia content specialist at Buckhead’s Piedmont Healthcare. “We also wanted a safety net for expensive emergencies or accidents, making pet insurance an attractive choice.”
When Lewis first considered pet insurance, she did her research. After reading reviews and learning that Trupanion, a national provider underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, covers 90% of eligible expenses and doesn’t increase its annual premium as pets aged, she enrolled Belle two years ago.
“We haven't had to use the insurance yet, thank goodness, but we're grateful for how transparent Trupanion is in sharing benefits and costs,” Lewis says.
Numerous companies offer policies for cats, dogs and other animals, and their policies can differ widely. Often, pet insurance will cover illness, accidents, dental procedures and wellness treatments such as flea, tick and heartworm medications. Some policies will even cover breed-specific genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia. Pet insurance companies generally won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Experts recommend that pet owners purchase insurance as soon as they adopt, when the odds of a kitten or puppy having a pre-existing condition is low.
Pet insurance costs are like other types: You’ll pay more for more coverage. Costs can range from $10 to $70 a month or more.
Considering pet insurance for your canine companion or feline friend? Start by doing your research, reading reviews of different insurance companies and talking to your veterinarian. “The vet probably has lots of experience dealing with various policies and claims, so their knowledge could benefit you enormously,” Lewis says.
While the monthly cost of pet insurance adds up over time, the investment could be worthwhile if the unthinkable happens, and a furry member of your family needs emergency care or surgery. Plus, Lewis says, there’s another important consideration: “The peace of mind [pet insurance] offers is invaluable.” n
DETAILS
Trupanion trupanion.com
Petplan gopetplan.com
North American Pet Health Insurance Association naphia.org
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Macy’s
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CELEBRATE BACK-TO-SCHOOL DAYS WITH THESE CHEERFUL PRODUCTS STORY: Karina Antenucci After being at home for so long, going back to school feels like a dream—for kids and parents. Brighten up school days with these brilliantly hued items that bring functionality and style.
Organization Bound Russell & Hazel Mini 3 Ring Binder in Calhoun ($12.99) Thankfully, gone are the days of needing to carry an enormous three-ring binder to classes. This helpful mini binder that lies flat when opened is only 7-by-9 inches and won’t weigh down an already full backpack. The 1-inch ring size holds up to 120, 6.5-by-8.5-inch binder paper sheets (sold separately), and lets kids put pen to paper to jot down notes, lists and ideas. check of what’s going on. The various icons represent when there’s a test, meeting, asLunch Buddy signment due, sports game, project to work Fulton Bag Co. Dual on, friend birthday, study group, party and Compartment Lunch Bag more. The vivid colors stand out on your kids’ in Lavender ($8.99) planners or family calendars. No excuses! Kids can easily see everyThe Container Store thing inside this roomy containerstore.com lunch box that organizes snacks and lunch on the go with a transparent, zip
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homework, right?
TAMING THE PANDEMIC SCARIES
All of the changing safety protocols and uncertainty of today’s school climate can be anxietyinducing for kids. Here are a few tips from Megan McSwain Mann, Ph.D., owner and art therapist at Peachtree Art Therapy & Counseling in Buckhead, on how to help your children get through it.
1. Validate Their Feelings “Allow space for your child to talk openly about their feelings. Rather than try to convince them not to worry, it is more productive to admit that this is scary, and it's perfectly understandable that they would feel anxious.” 2. Reassure Them “Discuss with your child ‘our job’ vs. ‘your job.’ A parent’s job is to keep you safe and know how to best protect you and others; the child's job is to communicate honestly how they are feeling and not hold any feelings inside.” 3. Masks Are Capes “Seeing others in masks and having to wear masks can be scary. It might be helpful to explain to children that their masks are really superhero capes for their faces. The mask's main job is to protect others. By wearing them, we are superheroes!” 4. Learn to Calm Down “At some point, the feelings will get overwhelming. Prepare ahead of time by teaching your child tools to calm down. It could be anything from going for a walk to having a cozy corner to go to and relax. Deep breathing can also be helpful.”
Peachtree Art Therapy & Counseling 1708 Peachtree St., Suite 204 Atlanta 30309 678.222.2987 peachtreearttherapy.com
SIMPLY LIVING
HOME
No Place Like Home P28
— Susan Verlander, managing broker of Lake Lanier’s Marina Bay
Known for its fleet of wooden boats, Lake Rabun is one of the many area lakes seeing a boost of interest from city dwellers.
