INTRODUCTION

Many pet owners simply don't budget for the possibility that their animal might get sick. Even those that do can be caught out, especially when long term treatment is required.

A client's inability or unpreparedness to pay for medical treatment for a loved pet creates real difficulties for everyone, not least of which the animal. The situation is made worse by the fact that many people have become accustomed to the idea of free healthcare through the NHS, and at some subconscious level, they expect the same for their pet. They're often completely unaware of the enormous investment that practices have to make in equipment and staff. And so you can end up in the situation where the client blames the practice for their own inability to pay ("It's all your fault, you charge too much").

Pet insurance should be very strongly recommended to nearly every cat and dog owner. Almost insisted upon. At the very least, they'll be thankful when they don't have to cough up for that unexpected bill. It might just make the difference between life and death.

If you recommend clients take out insurance, it's not unreasonable for them to expect you to know a bit about it, and be able to answer their questions. What's more, you'll need to be able to do this within the bounds of new Financial Services Authority regulations that came into force in January 2005.