Despite its small size, Delaware has plenty to offer pets and their families with more than 260 pet-friendly hotels, parks, restaurants, and trails for dogs to explore. Delaware definitely welcomes pets with open arms with the highest percentage of dog parks of any state. Pet owners also have access to amenities and services to help their pets stay healthy, including several pet food pantries operated by the Delaware SPCA to provide free cat litter, pet food, and other necessities.
While the Labrador Retriever is America’s most favorite dog breed, the trend is a bit different in the Northeast. As this interactive map of dog breeds by state shows, Delaware is the only state in the Northeast that follows the trend common across the rest of the nation with the Pit Bull, Chihuahua, and Labrador claiming the top three spots.
Delaware will soon have a state dog, joining eleven other states with official breeds. Delaware will name the Golden Retriever as Delaware’s state dog and it’s win isn’t surprising. The Golden Retriever is an iconic American breed and the third most popular breed in the country. Known for its friendliness, devotion, and intelligence, the Golden Retriever is surpassed only by the Labrador and German Shepherd in popularity. The Golden Retriever is also perfectly suited for the coastal state with its love of water and use in hunting waterfowl.
The Need for Pet Insurance in Delaware
Delaware has several excellent pet clinics and hospitals, including low-cost clinics for pet owners who have trouble affording care for their dog or cat. Still, veterinary care isn’t cheap and even a small mishap at a dog park, a car accident, or an illness can cost hundreds or thousands.
According to the American Pet Products Association, vet spending hit $16 billion in 2016, increasing 3.2% from the previous year. Medical supplies and pet medications are expected to increase 5% to $15 billion per year. This is in part due to higher spending for medical advances available to pets, including hydrotherapy for an injury and advanced cyberknife therapy for pet cancer treatment.
Here are sample veterinary costs in Delaware:
- Fracture: $200 to $5,000
- Stomach bloat: $1,500 to $7,000
- Glaucoma: $2,000 to $3,000 per eye for surgery and long-term treatment
- Diabetes: $10,000+ for blood work and long-term medication
- Parvo gastroenteritis: $5,000+ for medication
- Cancer: $5,000+ for chemotherapy
- Hit by car with fracture: $3,700+ for emergency surgery
Pets are at risk for a huge variety of illnesses and injuries, especially when on the road with their family, enjoying an excursion at a dog park, or exposed to other animals. The good news is pet insurance is very affordable in Delaware and offers protection against rising vet bills.
Pet owners can choose from many types of coverage from major pet insurance providers like Embrace Pet Insurance, Nationwide Insurance, Healthy Paws Insurance, and Pet’s Best. There are a number of types of coverage available, all of which have very low monthly premiums to help you keep your pet healthy without spending thousands.
Types of Pet Insurance Coverage
There are three broad types of coverage:
- Accident coverage. This type of insurance covers injuries caused by accidents. Common claims covered include fractures from a car accident, scratches or injuries from a fight with another dog or cat, and snake bites. Injuries from pre-existing conditions are usually excluded.
- Accident and illness coverage. This type of pet insurance covers accidents mentioned above plus coverage for diseases and sickness diagnosed by a veterinarian. Common claims covered include hereditary disease, skin conditions, cancer, and infectious disease.
- Comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance covers the illnesses and accidents above plus insurance coverage for routine or wellness care. A comprehensive pet insurance policy covers preventative health care like worming, de-sexing, dental treatment, vaccinations, and sometimes behavioral therapy and training.
You love your pet and want him to be as healthy as possible. The $20 or $30 a month you will spend on a monthly premium is a smart investment in your pet’s health and happiness to give you access to reliable and dependable care.
