Finding Fur-Ever: Petplan Pet Insurance Encourages Adoption of Furry Friends During Dog Days of Summer

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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) August 06, 2012

August is “Adopt a Homeless Pet Month,” making it the purr-fect time to give a four-legged friend a fur-ever home! Need another reason to open your home and heart to a new furry family member? According to No. 1-rated Petplan pet insurance, pets adopted from shelters or rescue organizations are about 5 percent less likely to have an unexpected trip to the vet, compared to pets purchased through pet stores or other sources.

“Many people tend to think that shelter pets aren't as healthy as pets who come from breeders or pet stores,” says Dr. Jules Benson, Vice President of Veterinary Services at Petplan. “On the contrary – most shelter pets receive veterinary care – and often some basic training – to ensure they are healthy and ready for adoption. Many shelters also offer to spay or neuter each adopted pet, which is shown to reduce the risk for certain illnesses, including mammary and testicular cancers.”

Before you adopt, though, Petplan offers prospective pet parents the following tips to make sure the whole family is well-prepared to welcome the new family member:

•     Love that Lasts: It’s not hard to fall in love at first sight when you’re ready to adopt, but you need to make sure Fido or Fluffy is a good fit for your family. Ask the rescue organization about bringing your pets and children to the shelter for a meet and greet with their potential playmate to ensure everyone is comfortable before bringing your new buddy home.
•     Crates are Great! A crate can be a great tool for pet parents, not just for housebreaking, but for helping dogs of any age feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. Your dog’s crate is his “safe place,” free from the stress of children or fellow four-legged family members. It also comes in handy if your pet is fearful or frantic when the doorbell rings – and saves your visitors from over-exuberant greetings!
•     Two-Legged Kids: To help small children prepare to welcome a new pet, talk to them about the right way and best times to approach their new furry friend, and let them take turns petting a stuffed animal so they can practice the perfect gentle touch. Brushing up on body-language basics, and teaching kids how to tell if a pet is stressed can help keep the whole family happy and safe.
•     Bumps Ahead: Don’t expect perfection right away. Even the best-tempered pet will have an accident or get into trouble from time to time, so don’t feel discouraged if she makes a few mistakes. Some basic obedience training can go a long way to teach both you and your pet how to co-exist happily, and remember, practice makes perfect. Consistency is the key to success!

For more tips on welcoming a new best friend into your home, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.

ABOUT PETPLAN
Top-rated pet insurance provider, Petplan, is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. Petplan’s fully customizable dog insurance and cat insurance policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group, rated A+ by A.M. Best (2011). For information, about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com, read the Petplan Pet Insurance Blog, or call 1-866-467-3875.

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