Pet Insurance, Liability Proposals, and Digital Veterinary Access

Local authorities to consider proposal for mandatory pet liability insurance

29 Oct 2025

Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Ministry will refer a proposal requiring dog owners to carry minimum liability insurance to local authorities for consideration. The policy, suggested by opposition MP Hasnizan Harun, aims to address rising incidents of dog attacks involving both stray and pet dogs. Minister Nga Kor Ming praised the proposal as socially responsible and highlighted ongoing stray animal management through the TRRD (trap, reclaim, rehome, dispose) approach. Recent incidents, including a child injured by a stray dog and multiple attacks by privately owned Rottweilers, underscore the need for stronger accountability measures.

Pumpkin Report Reveals Cat Owners Love Their Pets Like Children — But Are Less Prepared to Pay the Vet Bill

28 Oct 2025

A survey by Pumpkin Pet Insurance of over 1,200 U.S. pet owners found that while cat owners are as devoted as dog owners, they are far less financially prepared for veterinary costs. Only 7% of cat owners have pet insurance compared to nearly 20% of dog owners, and 21% of cat owners have no financial plan for emergencies. The average lifetime cost of caring for a cat is estimated at $47,106, highlighting a significant gap between expectations and reality. To address urgent vet bills, Pumpkin launched PumpkinNow™, which can pay eligible claims in as little as 15 minutes, helping owners focus on care rather than cost. The company offers flexible insurance plans covering up to 90% of veterinary expenses to support pet health and financial preparedness.

Healthy Paws Teams Up With Airvet in US Market

24 Oct 2025

Healthy Paws, a Chubb company, has partnered with veterinary telehealth platform Airvet to give pet owners instant, 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians through the Airvet app at no extra cost. This service is embedded into all Healthy Paws policies, combining financial protection with immediate veterinary support. Healthy Paws is now Airvet’s exclusive pet insurance provider, reinforcing their commitment to pet health and owner peace of mind. The partnership aims to reduce stress for pet families by addressing both access to care and affordability.