Pet Insurance Innovations and Ownership Debates

Great Debate: Should third-party dog insurance be mandatory?

12 Nov 2025

A campaigner is urging mandatory third-party insurance for dog owners after her dog was killed in an attack, leaving her financially responsible despite having insurance herself. Joanne Newbury argues that compulsory coverage would protect owners and victims, similar to car insurance for drivers, and encourage responsible pet ownership. Supporters say it would reduce disputes and cover costs for injuries or property damage caused by dogs. Critics counter that most dogs are never involved in incidents, and such a law could unfairly burden responsible owners with extra costs. The debate continues over whether third-party dog insurance should be legally required in the UK.

Pumpkin Launches “Pet Health Predictor” to Help Pet Parents Get Ahead of Potential Medical Issues and Plan for Veterinary Bills

11 Nov 2025

Pumpkin, a leading U.S. pet insurance and wellness brand, has launched a free AI-powered Pet Health Predictor to help pet parents anticipate common health conditions and veterinary costs for their dogs and cats. The tool uses a pet’s breed, age, and location to provide personalized health insights and cost projections, enabling families to plan financially for preventive care. With rising lifetime pet care costs—up to $60,602 for dogs and $47,106 for cats—this tool addresses the growing need for proactive planning. Pumpkin aims to help pet owners make informed decisions about insurance and wellness options, supporting longer, healthier lives for pets. The tool is available free to all pet families at Pumpkin’s website.

Pet Insurance premiums edge up in Q3 as market steadies after early-year declines

10 Nov 2025

The latest Pearson Ham Group Pet Insurance Pricing Index for Q3 2025 shows UK premiums rising modestly by 0.9% compared to Q2, following earlier declines. Lifetime cover remains competitive with steady pricing, while Time-Limited and Maximum-Benefit policies continue to show volatility due to limited insurer participation. Cat insurance saw a stronger rebound than dog insurance, and mongrels/moggies experienced the largest price reductions, whereas crossbreeds saw a slight increase. Regional differences have narrowed, with England seeing the largest cuts and pricing now more aligned across the UK. Overall, the market appears to be stabilising as insurers balance competitiveness with sustainability amid unpredictable claims costs.

BMO Insurance and Trupanion Join Forces to Bring Simple, Trusted Pet Insurance to More Canadians

6 Nov 2025

BMO Insurance has partnered with Trupanion to expand access to pet health insurance in Canada, addressing the gap where only 4% of pets are currently covered. Ontario pet owners can now explore, quote, and enroll in coverage online, with expansion to other provinces planned by January 2026. The digital solution combines BMO’s financial expertise with Trupanion’s industry-leading pet protection, offering 24/7 support, unlimited payouts, and direct veterinarian payments. The partnership aims to make pet insurance more accessible and help Canadians manage unexpected veterinary costs. Trupanion, trusted by over a million pets across North America and Europe, shares BMO’s commitment to lifelong care.