Trupanion Reminds Pet Owners that Older Pets Need Pet Insurance

With the advancements in veterinary technology and the increased availability of treatment, pets are living longer than ever. But with these advancements come increased costs. Owners of elderly cats and dogs worry that their pets are too old and ineligible for pet insurance, but Trupanion lets pet owners know that it is not too late. Trupanion enrolls pets up to age fourteen, and once enrolled, the pet will be insured for the rest of its life.

Many pet owners choose to enroll pets while they are young to ensure that all conditions will be covered. They may not be aware that it is also available to older pets. Pet insurance is beneficial for older pets because it helps cover the costs of treatments and medications for age-related conditions.

As pets age, peoples’ veterinary expenses tend to rise because pets become more vulnerable to arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and other age-related diseases. Treatment costs are not cheap. Treatment for cancer treatment can cost several thousands of dollars. An arthritic pet may require a support harnesses, a ramp, along with a variety of medications, which can come with a large price tag.

About Trupanion

Trupanion pet insurance offers cat insurance and dog insurance in the United States and Canada. Trupanion is self-underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company, allowing Trupanion to offer a customizable pet insurance policy with no benefit schedules. Enrolled pets receive $20,000 of lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they get sick or are injured with no annual limit. Trupanion’s mission is to protect the cherished bond between pets and their families by ensuring that pets are able to receive optimal veterinary care.

About the North American Pet Health Insurance Association

Trupanion is a founding member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). Founded 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of quality pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and veterinary community. As an association, we are committed to high standards and transparency in all of our actions and products.

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Governor Bev Perdue Proclaims 3rd Annual North Carolina Week for the Animals: May 1-May 9, 2010

Animal World USA is pleased to announce Governor Bev Perdue has proclaimed the 3^rd Annual North Carolina Week for the Animals Saturday, May 1 through Sunday, May 9, 2010. This exciting celebration celebrates and recognizes the unique and life-changing role that animals play in the lives of citizens through all walks of life.

The week will again underscore community service throughout the state as people come together on behalf of the amazing animals. The 3^rd Annual North Carolina Week for the Animals is bringing educators, animal shelters, humane organizations, sanctuaries, restaurants, businesses, students, musicians, artists, community leaders, decision makers, and caring citizens together in an compassionate week of activities for the animals.

The week will feature a multitude of fun-filled pet adoption events, family festivals, blessings of the animals, free and low cost spay/neuter opportunities, microchipping, unique ways to help the horses, scores of bird tours and activities, pet therapy, library storytelling events, low cost vaccinations, wildlife activities, pet food/supply donation opportunities, vegetarian get-togethers, a salute to the military, and much more.

Precious lives will be saved and communities transformed during this incredible week. The 3^rd North Carolina Week for the Animals will build new relationships for the animals and save precious lives once again. Please visit the North Carolina Week for the Animals web site for complete information and an event calendar, or call 877-454-0807.

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Staying Calm During Pet Emergency is Best Advice for Owners, Caregivers

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), 92 percent of animals will experience an emergency during their lifetime. Perhaps just as important is information from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which reports that 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care.

Rob Nager, Owner of Decadent Dog and Certified CPR and Pet First Aid Instructor

Rob Nager, owner of Decadent Dog in Needham, MA and certified PetTech™ CPR and first aid instructor, believes that the most important thing for pet owners to be aware of is that pet CPR and first aid classes exist.

“In my experience, most pet owners just aren’t aware that they can spend four hours learning crucial techniques that may someday help them save the life of their beloved pet,” Nager said. “In any emergency, feeling helpless is excruciating and, because of pet CPR and first aid classes, unnecessary.”

According to Nager, Pet Sitters International’s 2008 Pet Sitter of the Year™, abrasions and choking are the two most frequent pet injuries he encounters.

”Dogs are usually eager to make the most of their outside time by running and playing with reckless abandon,” he said. ”Unfortunately the world is filled with rocks, sticks, trees, broken glass, pieces of metal, and other sharp objects that can quickly puncture or cut the pads of their feet. Additionally, dogs and cats are both prone to choking hazards by eating too quickly and from swallowing toys, balls, string, tinsel, bones, and biscuits.”

Simple first-aid procedures can make the difference between life and death. Nager recommends that all pet owners and pet-care givers know how to perform rescue breathing and/or CPR, as well as be able to respond effectively to bleeding, poisoning, and injuries such as heatstroke and frostbite.

The best piece of advice Nager gives pet owners is to stay calm when dealing with a pet emergency.

“By taking a deep breath when you first discover an injured pet, you are more able to assess the situation and react with safety as you put your knowledge and experience into action,” he said.

Nager says that becoming a certified CPR and first aid instructor has been enormously beneficial to his business.

”I’ve earned the respect of my clients, staff, and other pet professionals like veterinarians, groomers, trainers, and pet-store owners in the Boston area,” he said. “By being PetTech™ certified, I have earned a level of credibility as a knowledgeable professional within my community. There is no doubt in my mind that this knowledge helped our company achieve solid growth last year in a down economy.”

The decision to become certified in CPR and pet first aid was an easy one for Nager.

“As a pet sitter, the health and well-being of my clients’ pets are in my hands,” he said. “My first priority and pledge to every one of my clients is that I will do everything I can to keep their pets safe.”

To find the best care for your best friends, please visit The Pet Sitter Locator. And to find a pet first aid class in your community, please visit PetTech™.

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The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank

The Pongo Fund (Portland, Oregon 97207) provides quality dog and cat food to the animals of anyone in need.

Food banks ease the hunger of those in need. The people of Portland, and of Oregon, understand this and actively support and utilize the food banks in their communities. Portlanders also love their pets, both their own and the pets of others. It is this convergence of need and affection that is the root of Portland’s first food bank for pets.

Since 2007, The Pongo Fund has provided more than 100,000 quality meals to animals living in Portland’s homeless, transitional, and underprivileged communities.

But the hungry pets of the homeless are being joined more and more by the hungry pets of people who simply are having trouble making ends meet…middle-class folks pummeled by the economy, white-collar workers recently laid off; even seniors and students are not immune. And when families must choose what to cut from their grocery lists, pets often are among those that suffer most.

For families that can’t afford to feed their pets, the consequences are greater than just an empty stomach. Many pets will be surrendered to already overburdened shelters, many more will be abandoned. Finding new homes for these pets are never guaranteed. Families will be torn apart, simply because there’s not enough money to buy pet food.

The pain touches every single family, regardless of where they call home. And during these challenging times, that could be any one of us. The Pongo Fund wants to help protect these animals from being abandoned or surrendered when their families cannot afford to feed them. That’s why The Pongo Fund created The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank; Portland’s first dedicated pet food charitable resource. It’s a genuine gift for the entire community…lending a hand when times are tough by providing quality dog and cat food for the companion pets of anyone in need.

Because sometimes, a simple bowl of kibble is the force that keeps a family together and saves the lives of the animals they love.

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