New Year, New Pets: Your Friendly Guide to Pet Insurance and Protecting Your Furry Family

Independence Pet Holdings Shares Key Tips for Choosing the Right Pet Insurance Plan

NEW YORK, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the holidays, many families welcomed new cats and dogs into their homes. Whether your newest addition is a few weeks or a few years old, one of the best ways to help protect them and your finances is pet insurance.

"At Independence Pet Holdings, our mission is simple: care for pets and empower pet parents," said Kirk Haggard, CEO of IPH. "Getting a new pet is exciting and we want to help protect that special bond. When emergencies like a foreign body ingestion or illness like cancer happen, pet insurance shifts the decision from 'can I afford this?' to 'what does my pet need?'."

What Is Pet Insurance?

Think of pet insurance as a safety net for unexpected vet bills. It works a lot like auto or home insurance: you pay a monthly premium, and if your pet gets sick or injured, you're reimbursed for covered costs.

Veterinary care has advanced dramatically in recent years, and treatments can now include MRIs, laser surgery, chemotherapy, rehabilitation and more. While those treatments can be lifesaving, they are also expensive. In fact, vet costs have jumped 60% in the past decade, and lifetime care averages $34,000 for dogs and $32,000 for cats. Without insurance, surprise bills can mean credit card debt, dipping into savings or, in heartbreaking cases, delaying or denying care.

"Pet insurance isn't just about money, it's about peace of mind," said Dr. Jenn Sperry, Medical Director and IPH Advisor. "When your pet needs care, you shouldn't have to choose between their health and your budget. Insurance helps you say 'yes' to treatment without hesitation."

How to Compare Pet Insurance Plans

When shopping for coverage, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

Key Terms Made Simple

Learn more about common pet insurance terms here.

Vet care keeps getting better—and pricier. Pet insurance offers predictable protection so you can give your pet the best care with less financial stress.

About Independence Pet Holdings

Established in 2021, Independence Pet Holdings, Inc. is a corporate holding company that manages a diverse and broad portfolio of modern pet health brands offering a range of pet insurance services, pet education, lost pet recovery services, and beyond across the U.S. and Canada.

1As a Costco member, you are eligible to receive an exclusive 15% pet insurance discount* through Figo Pet Insurance. Except in TN, the 15% discount reflects the percentage of the premium discount from the base rates made available by Figo for non-Costco members. In TN, Figo provides a Member-specific product with base premium rates that are 15% less than the standard non-Member product.

SOURCE Independence Pet Holdings, Inc.