Pet Insurance for Specialist Breeds
As an owner of a pedigree pet, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, pedigree pets may be especially targeted by thieves because of their higher market value. As such you should try to avoid leaving your dog unattended in busy areas. Also you should ensure your pedigree pet is micro-chipped; this will make it easier to find if lost and easier to trace if stolen.
It is always a good idea to ensure your beloved pet is covered by pet insurance. However this can be even more important for owners of pedigree pets since some pedigree breeds may be prone to certain illnesses and treating them can be more expensive. For example some dog breeds with flat faces can suffer breathing problems and those with markedly folded skin commonly suffer from skin complaints. For this reason some breeds such as the Mastiff or Wolfdog may not be covered by your insurance policy, so check with your provider before you make a purchase.
The good thing about pedigree dogs and cats is that since they're purebred, you can observe the pet's parents to get an idea of your future pet's state of health. If possible, ask your breeder to introduce you to the animal's parents and the rest of the litter, to observe their temperament and general health.
It is important to use a reliable breeder, as some breeders will breed pedigree dogs based on looks rather than state of health. This has lead to a worryingly low genetic diversity in pedigree dogs. The RSPCA warns that there is a high chance that any two dogs within a breed will be related, leading to an increased likelihood of illness and degenerative diseases.
When you buy a pedigree dog or cat you should receive formal papers giving full details of the pet's family tree, going back at least three generations. These will include a pedigree certificate and a Kennel Club registration in the case of a dog, or Governing Council of the Cat Fancy certificate for cats. Keep all pedigree certificates and receipts of purchase safe, as your insurance provider will require proof of your pet's pedigree for any claim relating to your pet. You may even want to keep a couple of copies so you always have one to hand.
A pedigree pet is often in demand; however using your pet for breeding could invalidate your insurance policy. You may require a specific insurance policy if your pet is used for breeding purposes, or in connection with any other business. Standard pet insurance will often only cover a domesticated family pet rather than a pet used for professional means.
It is always a good idea to ensure your beloved pet is covered by pet insurance. However this can be even more important for owners of pedigree pets since some pedigree breeds may be prone to certain illnesses and treating them can be more expensive. For example some dog breeds with flat faces can suffer breathing problems and those with markedly folded skin commonly suffer from skin complaints. For this reason some breeds such as the Mastiff or Wolfdog may not be covered by your insurance policy, so check with your provider before you make a purchase.
The good thing about pedigree dogs and cats is that since they're purebred, you can observe the pet's parents to get an idea of your future pet's state of health. If possible, ask your breeder to introduce you to the animal's parents and the rest of the litter, to observe their temperament and general health.
It is important to use a reliable breeder, as some breeders will breed pedigree dogs based on looks rather than state of health. This has lead to a worryingly low genetic diversity in pedigree dogs. The RSPCA warns that there is a high chance that any two dogs within a breed will be related, leading to an increased likelihood of illness and degenerative diseases.
When you buy a pedigree dog or cat you should receive formal papers giving full details of the pet's family tree, going back at least three generations. These will include a pedigree certificate and a Kennel Club registration in the case of a dog, or Governing Council of the Cat Fancy certificate for cats. Keep all pedigree certificates and receipts of purchase safe, as your insurance provider will require proof of your pet's pedigree for any claim relating to your pet. You may even want to keep a couple of copies so you always have one to hand.
A pedigree pet is often in demand; however using your pet for breeding could invalidate your insurance policy. You may require a specific insurance policy if your pet is used for breeding purposes, or in connection with any other business. Standard pet insurance will often only cover a domesticated family pet rather than a pet used for professional means.