Give me Shelter! Petplan Data Suggests Shelter Pets are Just as Healthy as Purebred Pets
Petplan Pet Insurance encourages prospective pet parents to consider giving homeless and “second-hand” pets a second chance at a loving home
PHILADELPHIA (August 18, 2011) – Recent data from Petplan, America’s top rated pet insurance company, shows that, despite popular belief to the contrary, pets adopted from shelters are actually about 5 percent less likely to have an unexpected trip to the vet compared to pets purchased through pet stores or other sources. As shelters and humane societies around the country gear up to celebrate ISAR’s National Homeless Animals Day on August 20th, Petplan Pet Insurance encourages prospective pet parents to consider adopting their next four-legged family member from a shelter or rescue organization.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people think that shelter pets aren't as healthy as pets who come from breeders or pet stores,” says Dr. Jules Benson, Vice President of Veterinary Services at Petplan. “In fact, according to our data, adopted pet s are actually 5.2 percent less likely to require an unexpected visit to the vet than their purpose-bred counterparts. Since the majority of rescue or shelter pets are mixed-breed pets, it’s possible that their ability to avoid unexpected vet visits might be due to them having fewer of the hereditary diseases we see more often in purebred pets.”
Since its inception, Petplan has been committed to helping vulnerable pets. In addition to donating money to animal welfare causes, Petplan also has developed innovative partnerships with shelters, rescues and humane societies across the country to provide adopted pets with 30-day promotional pet insurance. The program, which helps alleviate the stress of unexpected vet bills for adoptive pet parents, ensures second-chance pets get optimum care – especially during the critical transition period.
Despite the great work of shelters nationwide, there are still misconceptions about shelter pets. Petplan separates fact from fiction on some of the most common myths:
• Myth: If you want a puppy, you have to go to a breeder.
Fact: Shelters and rescues have pets of all ages – including puppies.
• Myth: Shelter pets aren’t spayed or neutered.
Fact: Many shelter pets are spayed or neutered, and some even come with other benefits – such as a microchip – and low-cost veterinary care at the shelter. Some even come with free pet insurance.
• Myth: Shelter pets are prone to bad behaviors or health problems.
Fact: Shelter pets are no more prone to poor behavior or health problems than their purebred counterparts. In fact, most shelter pets receive extensive medical observation and care to ensure they are healthy and ready for adoption.
• Myth: You can’t find a purebred pet at a shelter.
Fact: Twenty-five percent of all dogs in shelters are purebreds, which demonstrates the tremendous variety of dogs and cats at shelters.
• Myth: Shelter pets are harder to train.
Fact: Many shelter pets receive training and socialization before adoption to help make the transition into their new family easier.
For more information about Petplan and its work with shelters, please visit www.GoPetplan.com.
ABOUT PETPLAN
As America's top-rated pet insurance provider, Petplan, through one or more licensed insurers, offers customizable policies to meet any coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. The policies offered by Petplan cover all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet – without dollar limits per condition. For information, visit www.GoPetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.
