SPRING 2012 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2 Paisley’s Story...Tips for New Pet Owners Get to know your pet. Familiarity with personality quirks, habits and behaviors can help you identify when

THEQuarterly

SPRING 2012 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2

In Her Own Words:

One Policyholder’s StoryOur Favorite Facebook Posts:

Your Pets in the Great Outdoors

Featured Breed Labrador Retriever

Policyholder Perks

Paisley’s StoryTips for First-Time Pet Owners

VPI® Pet Insurance Newsletter

Show of hands: How many pet parents out there consider yourselves a bit obsessed with your pets? Well, as a VPI policyholder, you’re in good company.

As John and Elizabeth Nuzzo—first-time pet owners and self-described “overprotective parents” of boxer Paisley—put it, “We put her first.” And like many of you, they wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, it’s why the couple has been able to keep their beloved dog’s otherwise minor health concerns from developing into serious problems.

Recognizing the little things Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned veteran, getting to know your pet on an individual level is essential for identifying subtle changes that could signal bigger health issues.

“It’s [important] always knowing what’s normal and what isn’t normal with your dog,” says Elizabeth.

So when the Nuzzos noticed that Paisley wasn’t acting like herself and suddenly

had what appeared to be blood in her urine, they immediately rushed her to the hospital.

“It was probably one of the scariest moments of my life,” Elizabeth recalls. “She was in the back of the car, breathing different. She was lethargic, she just wasn’t being herself and she was crying. [It’s especially scary] when it’s a dog—they can’t tell us anything about what’s wrong.”

Paisley’s Story: Why It Pays to Pay Attention

to Your Pet


A frightening diagnosisTests revealed that Paisley was dehydrated—so dehydrated, in fact, that her muscles were overly stressed, resulting in blood-colored urine.

“It was a hot day,” remembers Elizabeth. “Her muscles were so dehydrated that they were breaking down.”

As boxer owners, the Nuzzos were aware of the breed’s propensity for overexertion and were always careful to take the appropriate precautions. But as many VPI policyholders can attest, unexpected things can happen to even the most prepared pet owners.

“With her personality and breed type, she likes to play hard and she likes to play all day,” Elizabeth explains. “How do you tell a dog like that to refrain from running around the house?”

Crisis avertedFortunately, Paisley made a full recovery after receiving fluids, and didn’t have any serious complications. Though John and Elizabeth wondered if they had perhaps overreacted by rushing her to the hospital, their veterinarian affirmed their quick action.

“They definitely said we did the right thing,” says Elizabeth.

Lessons learnedBeing closely in tune with Paisley, her usual behavior and her personality quirks helped the Nuzzos recognize right away that something was wrong. Spotting the red flags early on meant they were able to get

her the help she needed before things got worse. Their advice for other pet parents?

“Get to know your pet from day one,” Elizabeth recommends. “Familiarize yourself with your pet, hands-on. Play with their ears, play with their paws, their mouth…. Know what your pet looks like—that way you’re able to notice any change.”

VPI to the rescueHaving coverage from VPI can be crucial during emergency situations like Paisley’s. Countless policyholders have stories about the comfort they found in being able to think about their pets first and about the

cost of care second. It’s part of the reason the Nuzzos are grateful

for the multiple referrals to VPI they received.

“The first thing I would say [to prospective pet parents] is make sure you get pet insurance,” says Elizabeth. “I can’t say it enough.”

She goes on to add, “I’m a huge advocate [of VPI],

having a dog and submitting plenty of claims. We submit

everything we have. What I love about VPI is, if you’re not sure, submit it anyway.”

Taking a proactive approach to claim submission like the Nuzzos do is a smart way to get the most out of your policy. All of VPI’s highly trained claims adjustors have real-world veterinary experience, so they’re able to identify eligible expenses and provide policyholders with as much reimbursement as possible.

“I can say nothing but good things about my experience so far with VPI,” says Elizabeth. “We don’t think twice—either way, we’re going to bring our dog to get the care she needs.”

Tips for New Pet Owners Get to know your pet. Familiarity with personality quirks, habits and behaviors can help you identify when something is out of the ordinary.

Map the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital from your home, and program the hospital’s information into your phone.

Keep important information about your pet in a binder that you can quickly grab in

an emergency. This should include a list of all medications your pet takes (including supplements), allergies, vaccination records and microchip number.

Talk with your veterinarian about establishing a routine care schedule for vaccinations and checkups.

Make the most of your VPI policy by submitting claims for all of your insured pet’s veterinary expenses.

For more helpful articles, visit MyPetHealthZone.com.

Cool Pets Can’t Wait for Warmer MonthsWe got lots of awesome responses to our call on Facebook for photos and stories of pets and pet parents who can’t wait to get out and roam after a long winter. Here are some of our favorites!

VPI facebook posts


Jean A. Archer

This is Frankie’s favorite past time—to spend the week-end on our boat and play with his favorite toy!

Megan Murphy

My 16-month-old Bernese mountain dog Dexter Murphy and I love to beat the Philadelphia summer heat by visiting the Wissahickon Creek and its surrounding woods. We like to splash in the water, hike the trails, watch the birds and play with other puppies (and horses) who are around.

Audrey Hallochak

Maggie and Andy’s favorite outdoor activity is swimming in the lake.

Jessica Pack Hobler

This is my rescue Aussie, Cochise. He loves to catch balls, and frisbees and LOVES to swim. This picture was at the lake, taking a break from the water :-)

Letnah C. Deer

The Wookie loves to run! Especially through fallen leaves in the yard. Did you know that Wookies grow to be seven and a half feet tall? He’s already there (on the inside LOL).

Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/veterinarypetinsurance) and look for the next newsletter post. Your photo and story might be included in the next edition of The Companion!

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Featured Breed: Labrador Retriever

Did you know that all Labs were originally black? It’s true—the first recognized yellow Lab wasn’t born until 1899, and chocolate Labs soon followed. The breed came from Newfoundland (not Labrador!), Canada, where it was actually called the St. John’s water dog.

These dogs eventually made their way to England, where they became known as Labradors.

Thanks to their excellent swimming and retrieving skills, Labs were first bred to assist hunters and fishers.

A ‘Tail’ of Two Countries


Top 5

Names for Labs

1. Bailey

2. Bella

3. Max

4. Molly

5. Maggie

Want to know more about health ailments your pet could face? Visit costofcare.petinsurance.com.

Have a Lab? Be Informed. Be Prepared.Though everyday and ongoing health ailments might seem run-of-the-mill, the cost to treat them is nothing but—especially when the problems become chronic or recurring. Our data for Labrador retrievers shows the five most common conditions claimed per lifestage, along with their average treatments costs.

Last year, VPI Pet Insurance received more than one million claims. This pie chart illustrates the frequency of claims

affecting specific body systems for Labs.

Despite their athleticism and physical strength, Labrador retrievers can be prone to sensitive skin. So it comes as no surprise that 26% of the claims filed last year by Lab owners were for dermatological problems.

Ear Infection

Allergy-Related Skin Problems

Upset Stomach/Vomiting

Inflamed Intestines/Diarrhea

Eye Infection

Benign Skin Growth

Benign Fatty Growth

Arthritis

$160 $180 $200

$180 $210 $210

$330 $380

$150

$90

$460 $510

$270 $280

$330

PUPPY ADULT SENIOR

Dermatological

Digestive

Musculoskeletal/Fractures

Ear/Eye

Infectious Disease/Blood/Chemical

Neurological

Oral/Salivary

Respiratory/Cardiovascular

Other (Endocrine, Reproductive, Nasal Cavity, Urinary)


Disease/Condition rankings are based on pet’s breed and age. Cost estimates are for a pet of comparable size and age, treated by a veterinarian in the state of California. The actual Cost of Care for your pet may vary. The most common Diseases or Conditions for Labrador retrievers were determined through a review of VPI Pet Insurance national claim data. We obtained this information from claimed amounts associated with a Primary Diagnosis for Labrador retrievers. We used data from claims that were: (1) submitted under VPI Pet Insurance policies with policy terms ending between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2008, and (2) entered into our system before November 1, 2008. We counted all claims made under each Diagnosis Code during each policy term as a single event. We combined all events for each Diagnosis Code, breed, and age group, and sorted the data to determine the top ten Diseases or Conditions for each grouping. We only considered policies covering pets aged nine years or less at the beginning of the policy term. We did not include data involving rare canine and feline breeds.

Who referred you to VPI?

I was at the dog park one day and overheard a dog walker and an owner discussing how pet insurance was so important. The pet owner said that she had VPI and that it had paid for itself when her dog had to have an emergency surgery. At the time I had been thinking about looking into different pet insurances, but she was so happy with the service of VPI, I was sold. I called VPI and signed Bobbie up that day.

How has VPI helped you care for your pet?

In September while I was out of town, my boyfriend noticed Bobbie wasn’t herself and brought her to our vet. After tests they discovered that she needed emergency surgery. Knowing I had the insurance helped us to focus on getting Bobbie better and less on the bill we were sure was going to be pretty outrageous.

Bobbie made a full recovery and VPI helped us so much with the bill. It paid for itself and then some. VPI

was a great help during Bobbie’s emergency, but it has also helped to offset the costs associated with her regular checkups and other vet visits.

Have you thanked your referrer? If so, what did he or she say in reaction to your story?

I have not run into the person who recommended VPI. But I owe her a great big hug!

If someone were looking for pet insurance, what advice would you give?

Get it! Do research, make sure the plan you get works for your lifestyle. VPI works so well for me, because I do take Bobbie to the vet on a regular basis for checkups.

My experience with VPI has been so positive I recommend it to pet owners all the time. I hope that if they are ever in a situation where their pet is in need of expensive medical assistance that they have VPI to help.

In Her Own Words:One Policyholder’s Story When you find a good thing like VPI, it’s hard to keep it to yourself! Many of our policyholders heard about us from happy friends and family—or even from strangers. For Brooke Mayhew, a chance conversation at the park convinced her to insure Bobbie, and she couldn’t be happier.


Tell a Friend About VPI!You might know a pet lover or two who hasn’t signed up yet for VPI Pet Insurance. Encourage them to visit petinsurance.com for a quote— they’ll be glad you did.

Do you have a great referral story? We want to hear it! Email [email protected], and you may see your story featured in an upcoming issue of The Companion.

Fun Facts About Bobbie• Her full name is Bobbie Cox (named after the

Atlanta Braves retired general manager)

• Was rescued from a Los Angeles shelter three days before Halloween 2010

• Loves mud, chasing water from the hose and playing tug-of-war

• Is the ultimate bed hog and 37-pound lap dog


FunStuffForDogs.com 20% DiscountCome browse this frisky, friendly store for cool treats, toys, beds, apparel and more. VPI policyholders get their best discount on these upbeat, off-beat products for you and your dog

Visit www.FunStuffForDogs.com and use coupon code 06VPI to save 20% on the site, even on sale items (not including shipping or tax).

Policyholder PerksOur Policyholder Perks offers are exclusive to VPI policyholders. To take advantage of these offers, log on to the VPI Policyholder Portal at my.petinsurance.com and click on the Policyholder Perks link or contact the companies directly.

The Coolest Stuff for the Coolest Pets 20% DiscountMoochie & Co.® offers unique pet products that are functional, well made, creatively designed and offer great value. They have the stuff pets and their parents love: durable toys, healthy treats, fun collars and leads and upscale beds and carriers.

Enjoy 20% off your next purchase! Simply visit www.moochieandco.com and enter discount code VPI when completing your purchase. (Valid online only. Can’t be combined with other promotions or discounts.)

Discounted Products & Services

Make Sure Your Pet Is Cared for in an Emergency Did you know it can take emergency hospital staff up to 6 HOURS to notify someone if you were to suffer a medical emergency? That could mean hours more before your pet and other responsibilities were taken care of.

My Notification Service provides you peace of mind by notifying up to 9 contacts to care for your pet, kids, etc. and sending your vital medical info to the hospital.

VPI policyholders will receive 40% off any subscription. Visit www.mynotify1.com and use promo code: VPI.

40% Discount

17% Off on Orders $65+

Pet Food and More… Delivered to Your Door! Choose from the largest selection of top-quality pet foods (148+ brands!), pet meds, treats, toys, beds, bowls, and everything else your pet could possibly need. Delivered to your door – on your schedule.

Visit www.petfooddirect.com and use Promo Code: PETFOODDIRECT17. Excludes vet diet, Rx, and free shipping items. Offer valid through 6/31/12.


Puppy Stairs 10% DiscountPuppy Stairs are made from the highest quality materials and are built to last for the life of your pet. Our stairs and ramps have washable, removable covers and are crafted from the finest high-density foam. Puppy Stairs prevent injuries from jumping for all ages and give senior pets their independence back to reach their favorite places. For phone and online orders, use coupon code: Veterinary Pet Insurance.

(866) 767-4551 • www.puppystairs.com

10% discount excludes special sale items.

Chia Charger

The chia seed is an ancient food that has been recently rediscovered as a superfood for the modern age. Chia Charger has developed a line of all natural food products with the chia seed as the focus as well as making the ingredient list easy-to-read. Please visit us at www.chiacharger.com. VPI customers can enjoy a 10% discount on their orders (Discount Code: VPI10).

Chia Charger products are NOT for pet consumption. Chia Charger products are for human consumption.

PEOPLE PERKS

For even more offers, please visit www.petinsurance.com/newsletter.

Pet Emergency Pocket Guide 30% DiscountKeep your pet healthy and safe. From the leaders in emergency reference publishing since 1986, this guide is sturdy, waterproof and alcohol-fast. Easy to use and understand, it covers everything from daily care and first aid to disaster and evacuation planning, CPR and emergency response. A must-have tool for new and experienced pet owners alike.

For more information, and to receive a 30% discount on the Pet Emergency Pocket Guide, please visit www.informedguides.com, and enter promo code VPI01.

Modern Dog Magazine 60% DiscountExclusive offer for VPI Pet Insurance policyholders: get a one-year subscription to Modern Dog magazine for just $8.00! You'll save 60% off the newsstand price. Featuring training tips, expert advice, heart-warming stories, the hottest trends and more, Modern Dog is your guide to canine-inclusive living.

Order online at www.moderndogmagazine.com/subscribe/vpi or call 800-417-6289 and mention VPI to take advantage of this very special offer.


10% Discount

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Visit my.petinsurance.com to:

•Obtainaclaimform•Updateyourpaymentinformation•Viewthestatusofcurrentclaims•Updateyourcontactinformation

To submit a claim:

VPI Claims Department PO Box 2344 Brea, CA 92822-2344 Or FAX to 714-989-5600

Look for VPI OnlineDid you know VPI is on and ?

Come join thousands of other pet lovers and fans of VPI for the latest in pet news, VPI program announcements, giveaways and fun pet photos. We want to hear from you,

so be sure to share your pets’ stories and photos on our wall!

facebook.com/VeterinaryPetInsurance • twitter.com/VPI


VPI Policyholder Reference Guide

To speak to a Customer Care representative:

800-540-2016 Monday-Friday 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Pacific) Saturday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Pacific)

For group enrollment:

877-PETS-VPI (877-738-7874) Monday-Friday 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Pacific) Saturday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Pacific)

To enroll an additional pet or renew your policy:

888-341-0789 Monday-Friday 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Pacific) Saturday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM (Pacific)

Fernando Gonzalez,Customer Care representative since February 2005

Help us improve The Companion! Take a two-minute survey at petinsurance.com/companionsurvey.

Documents

SPRING 2012 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2 Paisley’s Story...Tips for New Pet Owners Get to know your pet. Familiarity with personality quirks, habits and behaviors can help you identify when