Should I buy Pet Insurance?
Read on for advice from one of WBBR's co-founders, Chantelle.
You may have seen the ads on TV, maybe in the newspaper or a pamphlet at your vet. Have you had the chance to read a brochure, talk to your vet, considered registering? Have you even heard of Pet Insurance? Many people vaguely know that Pet Insurance is out there and a growing number of people are insuring their pets whether from accidents, illness or both. When you first pick up the pamphlets you look at the costs, depending on what type of coverage you are looking for it can cost anywhere from $10-$50 per month. If you?re anything like me you probably closed the pamphlet quickly and put it back on the shelf. I know I did at first because when would I ever need that much spent on medical bills and then to spend that much a month, I could think of many better things to do with the money. Soon my mind changed!
Just over 5 years ago my husband and I adopted our first boxer, Morgan. We love her to pieces and at our first vet appointment I noticed the pamphlets about Pet Insurance. I picked them up and took them home. I did open them up and do some reading but didn't really think it necessary. And then 6 months after Morgan entered our lives she was diagnosed with a luxating patella. We were referred to the Animal Critical Care Group of Vancouver and Morgan had her first appointment. Close to $2000 later Morgan was back on her feet and running around like every other happy boxer, my husband and I on the other hand were left feeling a little shell shocked at the vet bills we had just paid. We quickly realized what expenses could be ahead of us and registered for insurance. I figured if we didn't use it I could just cancel it.
Over the last 4 and a half years Morgan has had 17 payable claims, close to $10 000.00 in coverage. Yes this is a little high for most family pets but as we found out quite possible. Morgan had rotten teeth pulled, a couple of lumps removed, an eye problem, a couple of infections and was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease, all fairly small claims but in total close to $4000.00. Then in February of 2005 Morgan started limping, we assumed it was her joint acting up as it was the right leg for it, after a week of medication it had not healed like it normally did and we went in to the vet. We were quickly referred back to Animal Critical Care where Morgan under went x-rays, exams, tests and later exploratory surgery. After all this she was diagnosed with bone cancer and her leg was immediately amputated. Our bill in the end was just over $6000.00. We were given no guarantees as to how long our Morgan would be with us or if the cancer would be fully removed but at no time did we questions the costs involved as we knew we had our insurance.
Morgan is still with us a year later, happy and healthy on 3 legs. I can' thank our insurance enough or that I made the decision 4 and a half years ago to sign up for it. Next time you are at your vet, surfing the web or looking in a magazine think twice before you think maybe later or we won't ever need it, take a good look and it might just be worth signing up.
Is there a lot of work involved with adopting an LA boxer?
There s no more work involved in adopting an LA boxer as there is adopting a local boxer. An application form must be filled out and a home visit conducted before WBBR will proceed with the adoption process. A WBBR volunteer will discuss with you after your application has been received and during your home visit what type of boxer would best suite your family. A WBBR and BRLA volunteer do the rest. Once a boxer is found at the LA shelter that matches what your family is looking for you will be sent a picture and short biography of the boxer. Your family can ask questions and we will answer them the best we can (remember the dogs are all rescue dogs and often rescue has no history on them). When you make your final decision to adopt then arrangements will be made for your boxer's flight.
Can I be specific in what type of boxer I'm looking for?
LA has many more boxers available then we do locally. If you have your heart set on something please let us know. It's easier though to tell us what you are not looking for in a boxer (i.e. If you really don't want a brindle boxer, a boxer with cropped ears etc. please tell us). Please remember although LA has many boxers available each stipulation you add will add to the amount of time required to find the perfect match.
Do you ever have puppies?
We rarely have boxers available younger then 1 yrs old. If you and your family have your heart set on a puppy please let us know and we will be happy to put you in touch with a breeder in your area.
How long does it take to organize an LA adoption?
The length of time it takes to organize an LA adoption differs with each adoption. Your match may be waiting at the shelter right now for you or may not have arrived yet. From the time you make the decision to adopt the boxer you have been sent a picture and bio of it's usually 1-2 weeks before your boxer will arrive in Canada.
Is it expensive to adopt a boxer from LA?
No it's not. Most LA boxers are able to fly in a large crate (some do require an
x-lrg crate that does change the crate and airfare costs). On average an LA adoptions is $425 US. (These figures do change depending on the circumstance
. Your adoption donation will be discussed with you before you adopt). Your donation includes your boxer's airfare, a large crate for you to keep, your boxer's shots, health check, and spay or neuter.
We have compiled a list of questions which are asked of us quite often.
If you do not find the answers to your questions here, please feel free to contact us directly.
