Teddy's Experience with Dehydration Page 2

And They Lived Happily Ever AfterPage 4

Meet FFR Volunteer Venus Hocking Page 5

CatWalk 2006 Page 6

Community Yard Sale Fundraiser Page 6

The Funny Side of Cats Page 7

President's Message Page 8

Featured Feline Page 8

Our Donors Page 8

FFR Update Page 8

By Laurie Rich

Whether or not to insure your pet is a question many pet owners ask themselves. Are the insurance benefits really worth the cost?

Any pet can succumb to a serious accident or illness at any age, so it's a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected.

Vets have access to increasingly sophisticated diagnostic tools such as MRIs; such screenings often detect problems that once would have gone unnoticed (and untreated). And treatments once reserved for humans, from radiation therapy to kidney transplants, are currently available for pets. These expensive tools and procedures mean once-fatal conditions are now treatable -- but frequently with a high price tag. Pet insurance can help ensure that, should Fluffy or Fido suffer an accident, illness, or injury, he or she will receive the necessary care and treatment.

The concept of pet insurance began several decades ago in Europe, where it continues to be popular. However, the idea is still catching on in the United States, where it is estimated that less than 5% of pet owners have purchased a pet insurance plan.

Similar to health insurance policies for people, pet insurance can be purchased in a variety of plans, deductibles, and co-pay options, depending on the type of coverage desired. Premiums are paid on a monthly or annual basis; the insurance company reimburses a portion of your pet's health care expenses after a claim form or receipts are submitted.

Researching pet insurance can be a confusing prospect. There are numerous pet insurance policies, prices, and plans. At this writing, a Google search of "pet insurance" returned approximately 2,700,000 hits.

To help get you started, visit Pet Supplies Review's web page on pet insurance: www.pet-supplies-review.com/pet-insurance.html. This helpful site explains pet insurance in greater detail, including the kinds of pet insurance available, the types of expenses most often covered by pet insurance, and questions to ask before purchasing a policy.

When considering which insurance company to go with, look for a company with a history. Almost 50 pet health insurance companies have come and gone since the early 1980s, so make sure the provider has been in business for some time.

Find out who underwrites the insurance. Does the underwriter have a satisfactory A.M. Best rating? A.M. Best Co. is the world's oldest insurance rating and information source. Best's Ratings indicate a company's ability to meet their ongoing financial obligations to policyholders. Visit www.ambest.com for additional information.

It's a good idea to check with your state's insurance department. Like human health insurers, pet insurers should be registered with state regulators.

And, select an insurance plan that can be used anywhere. Some plans may limit you to certain providers.

You may also want to ask your veterinarian for his or her recommendation. Many practices have first-hand experience with leading insurers.

If you have a multi-animal household, find a plan that provides a discount for more than one pet.

Watch for the following limitations:

• Exclusions. As with some health plans for humans, pre-existing conditions (typically defined as any illness, accident, or injury occurring prior to the effective date of a policy) may not be covered. Some hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia in German Shepherds and retrievers, may also be excluded.
• Waiting period. Ask when a policy begins and ends. For example, there may be a 30-day waiting period on coverage for illnesses from the policy's effective date.
• Insurance limits. Ask about insurance limits or "caps" on how much a company will pay for each illness or injury, per animal, per year. Be sure to ask if there are annual caps or lifetime caps.

And before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know the answers to the following questions:

• Can I stay with my current veterinarian?
• Are prescription drugs covered?
• Is routine veterinary care (including annual checkups, vaccinations, and dental care) covered?

Although the myriad pet insurance options can seem a bit overwhelming at first glance, with a bit of time and research, you'll find a plan that's a good fit for you and your pet. Just remember to check out all your options before you buy, and understand the product before you purchase. Ensure that all of your questions about a policy are answered, including what medical conditions are covered, the cost of premiums, and how the insurance works.

(All kitties adopted from Folsom Feline Rescue receive one month of free "Shelter Care" pet insurance from by PetHealth Inc. For more information about Shelter Care insurance, visit www.sheltercare.com.)

< PREVIOUS PAGE . . . . NEXT PAGE >