What you need to know about pet insurance

What you need to know about pet insurance

A new pet becomes part of the family, so you obviously want to keep it healthy. However, this can be costly. It’s vital to have pet insurance to cover for unexpected vet bills and a wide range of other costs.

As with all types of insurance, pet insurance policies vary greatly, so it’s important to shop around and get a number of pet health insurance quotes before making a final decision.

Pet insurance won’t cover you for vet bills for standard treatments such as claw clipping, neutering, spaying, vaccinations and boosters. However, many policies will cover unforeseen vet bills such as x-rays for breaks and medication for conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and glaucoma.

Pet insurance can basically be grouped into two main types of policies. First, there is the type of pet insurance policy that covers for a set limited period, normally a year, meaning you will only be able to claim for a condition during that time.

Then there is the lifelong pet insurance policy, which covers your pet for the whole of its life. Naturally, this type of pet insurance is recommended for a pet that has a health condition.

Pet insurance policies have a maximum pay out amount for each condition annually, so it’s imperative you check payout limits with the insurance providers when you are gathering pet health insurance quotes.

The pet insurance market is large and varied. Shop around for the policy that meets your needs at a competitive price. Searching online is an excellent idea as it gives the best opportunity to compare prices and the specific details of each pet insurance policy.

Remember that it’s not just a case of finding the best price. When comparing your pet health insurance quotes you must consider what it is you are getting for your money. Some policies cover you for incidents involving your pet, for example if your pet bites or scratches somebody, or a driver swerves to miss your pet and damages their car.

Insuring your pet is crucial. Take time to find the right policy that provides the cover you need, compare prices online and purchase the pet insurance that will protect you from unforeseen costs and give you peace of mind.

16 pet rats found crammed in cage.

Animal rescue staff were horrified to find 16 rats crammed into a hamster cage.
Staff from Animals in Distress, at Irlam, were tipped of by a member of the public to go to a block of flats in Swinton where some pet rats had been dumped.
Expecting to find only two, they were astonished to find 16 in the cage.
A shocked Joanne Sumner, an animal carer at the Silver Street sanctuary said: "We just couldn't believe it - nor could we believe they were all still alive.
"We fully expected to find some had suffocated, but apart from being covered in faeces and bite marks from where they had been fighting, they had all survived.
"We think someone got a male and female as pets and irresponsibly let them breed continously until it got out of hand.
"Then they dumped them in a hamster cage, with the lid off, hoping, I suppose, for them to run away but strangely they didn't.
"We are really very angry that whoever owned them let it get this far. "They have behaved totally irresponsibly and have left others to pick up the pieces."
When the rats were taken back to the sanctuary, one of the young females immediately gave birth to six young.
All the male rats have been neutered and the whole brood are ready for rehoming.

Ring the sanctuary on: 0161 775 2221 for further details, or come along to the open day on Sunday May 23, from 11am to 4pm.



Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Rabbits hoping to hop into a nice new hutch

Rabbits hoping to hop into a nice new hutch

A sprightly pair of rabbits are in need of a home where they can hop together.
Siblings Ethan and Emily are eight-month-old baby rabbits who are being looked after at Animals in Distress sanctuary in Silver Street, Irlam.
The bunnies are in need of a loving home where they can live together.
Kitty is a beautiful elderly cat with a temperamental personality.
Animal carer Jay Browne said: "She doesn't get on with other cats and generally prefers men more than women."
Cat Nora was placed in the shelter after her owner died. Jay said: "She is about five or six years old and is a nice cat."
And finally Brian the ferret is a stray that was brought to the shelter. He is looking for a home with experienced ferret owners.

Anyone wanting to adopt these pets or one of the many gerbils and dogs at the centre can drop in 10am to 4pm most days or call: 0161 775 2221 for further details.




Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Give old ladies a home to retire to

Give old ladies a home to retire to

Two 'old ladies' are on the look out for a place to live out their final days. Polly and Kitty are two elderly tortoishell cats who have been returned to Animals in Distress, in Silver Street, Irlam, after their owners died.

Polly, who is about 10 years old, and Kitty, who is just over 12, were both adopted by their late owners from the sanctuary when they were kittens.

Joanne Sumner, an animal carer at the refuge, said: "We are very glad they hMissy, terrier cross, ave had loving homes for so long and that the relatives of the deceased were sensible enough to bring them back to us rather than just abandon them.

"But it would be a perfect ending if they could live out their final days in another loving home. It's asking a lot but we know there are some true animal lovers out there, people who will take on a pet even though they know they wont have them for many years."

Also hoping to appeal to the public is Missy, a five-year-old terrier cross who has been a lodger at the sanctuary since last August.

Joanne said: "Missy tends to be a rather nervous dog , but once she gets to know you she is very loving and has quite q character.

"We are looking for a very special person who has the time and patience to bring her confidence back.

"They will also need to have a secure garden with a high fence because she is a jumper."

Anyone interested in giving Missy a home should write to : Animals in Distress, 55 Silver Street, Irlam, M44 6HT stating why they would like to adopt her.

Anyone wanting to adopt one of the cats or any of the many rabbits and gerbils at the refuge, can pop down between 10am and 4pm most days or ring 0161 775 2221 for further details.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Home needed for escape artist

Home needed for escape artist

The 'Great Escaper' is looking for a new home - but only if it has got an eight foot fence.
Missy, a four-year-old terrier cross, has been a temporary resident at Animals in Distress sanctuary in Silver Street, Irlam since last August when she was brought in by her previous owners.
Sanctuary manager, Jay Browne said: "She is a lovely little dog but very nervous and incredibly agile - I have seen her clear a six foot fence from a standing start."
She added: "We would like her to go to a very special person - someone who can give her the patience she clearly need.
"But because of her agility, the new owner will need to have a secure garden and a very, very high fence, possibly about eight feet.
"But she is a bright and loving little character, and with the right environment, will really come out of her shell."
Anyone interested in rehoming Missy should write to: Animals in Distress, Silver Street, Irlam, M44 6HT stating why they want to adopt her.
New homes are also being sought for cats Angel and Grubi, plus rabbits Hiro and Isle.
On the plus side, since he featured in the Advertiser, Bailey, the Neapolitan Mastiff, has been found a new home on a farm in Chorley.
Jay said: "He has really landed on his feet, has plenty of free land to roam in and has an owner who knows what his needs are and how to handle him.
"She saw the pictures in the Advertiser and fell in love with Bailey and immediately wrote to us.
"She had lost her own Neapolitan Mastiff just before Christmas so Bailey was perfect for her."

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

A ban on giving puppies and cats for Christmas

A ban on giving puppies and cats for Christmas

Animal sanctuary bosses have put a ban on kittens and puppies being given as Christmas presents to children.

None will be available for rehoming until after the festive season at Animals in Distress, in Silver Street, Irlam say staff.

Refuge worker Brian Donaghy said: "We have had several enquires over the phone about whether we have any cute kittes or puppies and we always say we do not rehome them as Christmas gifts.

"It's just so wrong - the animal is made a fuss of for a while, then the child gets bored and can't be bothered feeding it or taking it for a walk.

"The lucky ones end up being looked after by the parents - the unlucky ones are just abandoned.

"Our message to the public is always the same. Wait until after Christmas and if you still feel the same, then come and see us."

His remarks come as another waif and stray - a young black cat called Puddles - is being cared for by the Silver Street sanctuary after being abandoned one night in the yard.

The cat narrowly escaped drowning after its carrier was left near the cattery shed during a downpour.

Because that area of the yard is prone to flooding, when staff arrived in the morning, the terrified moggy was standing in its cage in four inches of water.

Brian said: "Whoever, left it there knew where the cattery was but was very stupid not to think it through.

"He could clearly have drowned if we had not got there in time.

"He's recovering very well and we have renamed him Puddles. He is a beautifully natured youngster and we will make sure he goes to a good home."

Also looking for a new home is a very nervous stray female cat called Jill, who sanctuary staff think may have been semi-feral before she was rescued.

She will need careful rehoming and lots of patience, say staff, before she becomes more confident.

On a happier note, all the degus have found new homes. Although no young animals will be rehomed over the Christmas period, the public will be able to adopt the more mature animals, but only they have visited them at least three times and been interviewed by staff.

Article provided by kind permission of Salford Advertiser

Holiday Pet Care Advice

Holiday Pet Care Advice From Animal Friends Pet Insurance: Your Ethical Choice

The Christmas season can be wrought with dangers for our furry friends, but thankfully a host of pet healthcare experts have advised on keeping our companions safe during the holiday season.

Owners may be aware that the festive season comes with a host of pet healthcare dangers, but thankfully animal care specialists have offered some useful advice in the run-up to Christmas on keeping animals safe. The holidays are a time when many new and exciting objects and foodstuffs are floating around the house. Owners must be especially vigilant to keep these items out of their dog or cat's mouth.

Guests who do not know any better may be tempted to hand a pet a morsel of something highly appetising, but they should be discouraged from doing so as soon as they enter the house as much holiday fare is poisonous to our four-legged friends. Chocolate is well known to be harmful to animals, but so is anything sweetened with xylitol. Even rich foods can make them sick if they are not used to eating this - and the bones from the Christmas bird can cause choking. Unattended drinks could easily send a dog or cat into a coma if consumed.

Ingesting decorations such as tinsel or plug-in lights can also be highly dangerous and any festive adornments should be securely fastened out of reach. Even the sap from the pine tree can cause harm, either through fertilisers or the bacteria bred in stagnant water. Confetti thrown about on New Year's Eve can also become lodged in a cat's intestines.

Other holiday dangers come in the form of mistletoe and holly. The latter can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea while mistletoe can provoke cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal upset. Well-meaning guests bringing bouquets of flowers should be careful they do not contain lilies, which are poisonous to cats.

Of course, all items that are likely to be knocked over such as vases, Christmas trees or , need to be tightly secured. This is because with all the excitement of company, many pets may be overexcited and running around. While some pets love company and socialising and getting petted by dozens of friends and family, this type of activity can be a great source of stress for others.

Experts advise owners set aside a space where animals can go to be away from all the hustle and bustle. To minimise anxious feelings, people should aim for minimum disruption of a dog's feeding and walking schedule, to help enforce normality.

All the same, the excess of noise and activity could cause some pets to want to bolt, so guests should be warned prior to coming over not to leave the doors open. Likewise, if they have children or are unfamiliar with animals visitors should be informed on how to play with furry creatures. The individual preferences and personalities of dogs and cats should be made known to those coming to the home at Christmas so there are no surprises or stressful incidents. Also, if kids are going to be part of the festivities in a household that is unaccustomed to tots, owners should make sure dogs and cats do not swallow toys, as these can become lodged in the oesophagus, intestines or stomach.

Finally, animal lovers were told by a number of experts that for all of the reasons stated above, Christmas was not the right time to get somebody a pet as a present. Animal Friends Insurance would like to re-iterate the now thirty-one year old slogan coined by The Dogs Trust: "A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas". As one of the largest independent pet insurers in the UK, Animal Friends offers dog insurance, cat insurance and horse insurance to UK residents. You can get a quote and buy pet insurance quickly and easily online.

Who Will Take Care of my Pet While I'm on Holiday?

There are many things that have to be taken care of before you can go on a holiday. One important thing to remember is to make sure you find reliable care for your pets. There are several different choices that can be made. You could put your pet in a kennel or cattery. You can have a friend or relative watch your pets. You can hire a professional pet sitter. Another option may even be to take your pet on holiday with you.

The most important thing to remember is the welfare of your pet. You have to consider where and with whom they will feel most comfortable in your absence. Some animals handle change well and others have a hard time being taken out of their daily routine. The option you choose will also depend on how long you plan on being away.

The ideal scenario is to have someone that you trust stay at your home with your pets when you are on holiday. There are also professional pet sitters who offer a variety of services. There are many reputable companies that have trained professionals who are CRB-checked and specialise in pet sitting.

Pet sitters will take care of your pets according to your specifications. They will stay in your home whilst you are away, or may offer one or more daily visits to your home. They will care for your pets, take them on walks, feed them and groom them. Good pet-sitters will also water your plants, pick up your mail and open and close your curtains for you so that it does not appear that your house is empty. There are also companies that specialise in giving personal care to your pets in their own homes. They will take your dog or cat into their homes and care for them in your absence, often in the company of other pets - a good option if your pet dog or cat is sociable and would enjoy the companionship of other animals, but not so good if your pet is used to being king of the hill, so to speak.

Depending on friends or neighbours to take care of your pets might seem like the ideal arrangement; but sometimes people get involved in other things and unforseen circumstances crop up in everyones' lives. Since most people have busy lives they might not always remember, or only be able to give your pet a few minutes of their time. There is one thing you can do to avoid this from happening and to make sure your pet gets good care, and that is to treat this as a business arrangement instead of a favour.

If you set up a deal with your neighbours, friends or relatives to watch your pet for a certain amount of money you will definately get better results. People will do a better job when they are getting paid and not just doing a favour. You can set up the exact amount you will pay and what you expect to be done whilst you are on holiday.

If you want to hire a professional animal caregiver you will want to start planning and looking for someone in advance of your trip and not at the last minute. You want to make sure you have plenty of time to check out the person who is going to come into your home and take care of your animals. This is as big a decision as choosing a babysitter for your children - if you are not 100% comfortable with a pet-sitter then you need to continue searching. You can ask your vet, friends and neighbours for recommendations. You can also ask someone at your local rescue centre or a dog trainer if they know of anybody. You can also use the internet to find professional animal caregivers in your area.

Always look for companies that have had their staff checked with the Criminal Records Bureau and are fully insured. You want to ask the person you are considering for references and make sure you check them out yourself. You will want to find out if the person can take care of any special needs your pet may have, such as medication or other special requirements. Once you have done phone interviews and find the person you think might be the one; invite them to your home for an interview. By inviting the person to your home you get to observe how they interact with your pets. This way you can see how comfortable the person is with your pet and also how comfortable your pet is with the person. This is also the time to let the professional get a feel of your home and to show them where supplies are, etc. if you feel that they are suitable.

Once you have decided this is the right person to look after your pet you want to make sure you ask some basic questions. You want to know how often the sitter will visit or whether they could stay in the home. You also want to know what backup plans the person has in place in case they are not able to care for your pet. You will also want to make sure you leave an itinerary of your trip and phone numbers where you can be reached. Also make sure you put your vet's number and emergency numbers and your pet insurance policy documents in a place that is easy to get to.

If you can't leave your pet at home for any reason, and if taking pets on holiday is not an option for you either, you will have to find a good kennel or cattery that will take good care of your pets whilst you are on holiday. Follow the same steps for this as you would when looking for a pet sitter. You will want to find out if the boarding place is insured, licensed and bonded. After you have made some initial calls and narrowed down your choices; you will then want to visit the establishments in person. You might also want to see if your vet office provides boarding services. Take some time to check out the facilities, ask lots of questions and visit the existing boarders to make sure you will be comfortable leaving your own pet there.

Most pets are more comfortable in their own homes while their owners are away, and can become very stressed when put in a new environment. By planning ahead you will be able to find the best solution for your pet whilst you are gone. That way you will be able to relax and enjoy your holiday and not be worried about your animals.

http://www.animalfriends.org.uk>Animal Friends can help protect your pet against the rising costs of Pet Insurance - you can buy online quickly and easily, and they have a range of policies to suit every need and budget.