EXPERT ADVICE

RACING TO SAVE PETS

by Jack L. Stephens, DVM
President, Pets Best Insurance

Anyone who has ever adopted a pet from a shelter knows what wonderful pets they can be. My wife and I have been adopting pets from shelters for decades and know first hand the desperate need that shelter pets have and also what loving family companions they are.

Cooper, our Doxie/Chihuahua mix, was rescued from a dumpster several years ago and is one of the favorites when we bring him to shows or work. His personality is amazing, in spite of all he went through!

Recently, Pets Best has taken up the cause of 'shelter pets' with our “Racing to Save Pets” campaign, a joint effort between us and area shelters, rescue groups and sanctuaries to provide loving homes for shelter pets and a financial means to help pay for each pet’s healthcare.

Our number one goal is to increase pet adoptions and reduce euthanasia. We hope to do that in three ways:

1. Increasing shelter adoptions - In spite of years of spay and neuter programs, unwanted, surplus pets are still a huge problem. It is a shame on our society that so many millions of pets are euthanized each year. This is a societal problem, and it is imperative that we help change people's attitudes about where they adopt their pets and that shelter pets are considered a viable option when looking for a new pet.

2. Provide a means of financial responsibility - Pets Best offers its ShelterBest protection for recently adopted pets and other family pets, which makes it convenient and economical to insure family pets. With Pets Best, pet families know they will always receive 80 percent after the deductible reimbursement for covered accidents and illnesses. When families have this help, they are much less likely to return the pet to the shelter because of a costly accident or illness. The financial help they need is there waiting for them.

3. Provide added revenue to the shelters - The Pets Best ShelterBest program provides pet owners with discounts for each adopted pet, and these discounts can be donated back to the local shelter. In addition, Pets Best will also donate to the shelters each time a pet is insured.

By teaming with NASCAR driver Brett Thompson and his adopted shelter dog, Bowdy (pictured above), we brought an important visual to our “Racing to Save Pets” campaign and tapped into the millions of NASCAR fans that loyally follow racing. Brett’s #61 Monte Carlo participates in the Grand National West Division and is getting ready to kick off its season in April at the Phoenix International Raceway./p

Racing together to save pets, encouraging pet adoptions, making sure more pets obtain quality healthcare through insurance, and keeping pet families together by covering 80 percent of their veterinary bill – those are our goals as we work to benefit shelters and shelter pets.

The next time you are looking for a pet, won’t you remember the millions of pets in need who are waiting in shelters for good homes? With your support, we can make a difference and save pets who would otherwise be euthanized. Join us in the race to save pets and help spread the word about adopting a shelter pet today.