Health Insurance for Your Pet The Real Costs

The average first-year costs for a newly adopted cat or dog are shown below, along with typical ongoing expenses as your pet ages. For those pets who are truly cherished family members, spending becomes a personal choice with a wide range of items you can spend your money on—from puppy day care to grooming to spa services and more. We’ve grouped together the ownership costs for both dogs and cats, with smaller animals on the low end of the spread.

- Donna Moriarty

NEW-PET EXPENSES

Adoption Fee (Westchester); does not reflect the cost of acquiring a specific breed dog

Spay or Neuter*

Initial Vaccinations and Veterinary Costs*

License/Collar Tags*

Microchipping*

Pet Supplies (e.g., crate, litter box, scratching post, toys, treats, bed, leash, carrier, training pads, etc.)

*May be covered by adoption fee

RECURRING EXPENSES

Food (cost will be higher for large breed dogs and specialty food)

Recurring Veterinary Visits (vaccinations, wellness, illness, emergencies)

Preventive Medications (for ticks, fleas, heartworm, etc.)

Pet Supplies (cat litter, toys, bedding, cleanup bags)

Kennels or Pet Sitters

OTHER/OPTIONAL EXPENSES

Pet Insurance

Grooming and Spa Care

Behavior Training (house manners, aggression, etc.)

Puppy Day Care, Socialization Classes, etc.

End-of-Life Costs

$200+ per year

$150-$750 per year

$100-$300 per year

$120+ per year

$20-$45 per night / per visit

$30-$75 per month

$95-$150 per visit

Group Classes: $50 per session Private Training: $125 per hour

$45 for a full day; $200 per week

$200-$300

Data compiled from CNET, Canine Journal, Consumer Reports, American Kennel Club, US News & World Report, Rover.com

Yep, we humans aren't the only ones who can benefit from a good health insurance policy. That's because, as a pet owner, you can expect to incur at least one bill for emergency veterinary care at some point during your pet’s lifetime; that cost can run into the thousands of dollars. Health emergencies or hereditary conditions that surface later in a pet’s life sometimes force their families to make agonizing decisions: preserve the pet’s life and health at great expense or euthanize because treatment is not affordable.

Yorktown veterinarian Dr. Phillip Raclyn comments that “not enough” patients in his practice have pet health insurance, but the ones who do are glad they have it. To illustrate, he says, “A chronic condition like pancreatitis can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket, with no guaranteed outcome. That’s a hard gamble without insurance.”

Pet health insurers range from established companies (Nationwide, Trupanion) to newer players (Lemonade, Fetch), which may be more affordable or flexible. You’ll pay a monthly or quarterly premium, based on factors like breed, condition and age of your pet, where you live, and the amount of your deductible. After a brief waiting period, covered costs incurred for the care your pet receives will be reimbursed to some amount, depending on the particular insurance plan.

Most plans offer three levels of coverage: major medical, for accident, injury, or hospitalization; wellness, which may include shots, annual checkups and dental care; and comprehensive plans. Though they come with the highest premiums, some comprehensive plans may cover certain pre-existing conditions like diabetes or hip dysplasia.

Unlike pet health insurance plans of the past, most of today’s insurers cover annual exams, flea, tick and heartworm prevention, vaccinations, and blood tests. Websites like Rover, Money and CNET offer comparisons and reviews, along with links to the insurer’s website for an instant price quote for your specific pet.

- Donna Moriarty

The Kensington White Plains is proud to introduce “Thrive with Parkinson’s,” our program for new and current residents with movement disorders and their families. We are committed to improving the quality of life for our residents as well as those who care for them. So we are pleased to partner with leaders in the eld of movement disorders to offer weekly on-site and virtual classes, support groups and educational events.

Program features include:

Wellness classes • Body movement programs, such as yoga, tai chi, dance Expressive arts therapy • Music therapy with a board-certied music therapist

Resident and family caregiver support groups • Specially trained team members

Neurologic Certied Specialists on-site • Ongoing educational events for families

Specialized physical, occupational and speech therapies