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Hey, Insurance Sleuth,
We adopted our first dog earlier this year and she’s a little more than a handful, to put it kindly. She seems to have separation anxiety, which has led to chewing our furniture and shoes, as well as excessive barking and a very unhappy next-door neighbor. We’ll likely need to hire a behavioral therapist but we’re worried it could be prohibitively expensive—will pet insurance pay for it?
—Woof-Weary
Dear Woof-Weary,
Congrats on your first dog! I’m sure it’s an exciting time for your family, even if it comes with a certain level of stress. It’s worth talking to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy. Some pet insurers cover behavioral therapy if your vet prescribes it.
“Anxiety is a top 10 claim at Embrace,” says Rachel Hinder, Director of Claims at Embrace Pet Insurance. “Many pet owners seek out behavioral therapy for their pets to help address issues such as anxiety, fear, aggression and destructive behavior.”
Hinder says that claims for pet anxiety problems are often between $100 and $300. If your pet is prescribed anxiety medication, it’s generally used for the life of the pet.
Create a Forever Home Where Your Dog Can Thrive
“Inexperienced or first-time pet owners should consider seeking behavioral consultations from a certified veterinarian,” says Jonathan Gonzalez, a veterinarian in Texas. Gonzalez adds that behavioral consultations are crucial for ensuring that your pet has the best chance of growing into a well-adjusted family member.
Signs of behavioral problems include biting, growling at other people and pets, resource guarding, noise anxiety and urinating in the house, says Dr. Ali Mason, Regional Director of Operations for Thrive Pet Healthcare in the New York City area. Mason recommends speaking with your veterinarian and, if necessary, your vet can refer your dog to a behavioral therapist.
“Puppies growling at people is serious,” says Mason. “And while sometimes it can look funny and cute, it is not. They can grow up to be large dogs that bite and early intervention is needed.”
“I suggest asking the vet if the observed behaviors are typical or indicative of an underlying health issue,” says Gonzalez. He recommends providing your vet with a video showing the behavior. A video can help provide context and offer valuable insight for a personalized consultation.
When choosing a behavioral therapist for a pet, Gonzalez says you should ensure they use humane training methods. He recommends arranging a meeting with the trainer and visiting the training facilities before committing to any training program.
Don’t Stress: Find a Pet Insurance Plan That Covers Behavioral Therapy
Mason recommends people who are buying pet insurance prioritize companies that include behavioral therapy. That’s because unexpected behavioral issues can arise, along with unexpected costs, says Mason. This might include vet expenses such as medications and associated lab work.
“Managing behavioral problems can be costly and it requires consistent, ongoing sessions that may be needed for extended periods of time,” says Gonzalez. He adds that pet insurance, in general, should be a top consideration early in the pet’s life and it’s important to find a policy that covers behavioral therapy.
Some of the best pet insurance companies include behavioral therapy with their base coverage, such as AKC, Embrace, Figo and Healthy Paws. Other insurers, such as Lemonade, offer optional coverage for behavioral therapy at an additional cost.
“By covering these costs, pet owners are more likely to seek out the help their pets need to live happy, healthy lives,” says Hinder. “The field of behavioral science in veterinary medicine is growing every year. There are more treatment options available than ever before for pets with behavioral conditions.”
