Newtown Square, PA (PRWEB) May 10, 2016
Despite its pervasiveness, cancer is never easy to talk about — which is exactly why Petplan hopes to strike up a conversation. In support of Pet Cancer Awareness Month, the pet insurance provider has launched a campaign to raise both awareness and funds for pet cancer research.
The centerpiece of the campaign is an online Pet Cancer Resource Center, featuring vet-authored explainers about common (and not-so-common) pet cancers, as well as details about risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment. Petplan pledged $50 to Morris Animal Foundation for every pet insurance policy it sells through the site during the month of May, up to a maximum donation of $10,000.
Besides being a vehicle to drive donations to Morris Animal Foundation in support of their research, Petplan’s resource center also provides a platform for pet parents to share experiences, encouragement and inspiring stories of survival — like that of Plucky, a Petplan-insured Greyhound who has lived up to his name by twice beating cancer to lead a full, rich life.
“Twelve million pets are diagnosed with cancer each year, which means there are tens of millions of pet parents out there on this journey with their pets,” says Petplan staff veterinarian Dr. Kim Smyth. “Dealing with cancer can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. Whether pet parents have lost a loved one, are dealing with a diagnosis or just want to learn more, our goal is to provide them information, encouragement and a space to connect with other pet parents.”
Cancer is responsible for nearly half of disease-related pet deaths, and it is Petplan’s second-most claimed-for condition. Claims data places average cancer treatment costs at $1,950 for dogs and $2,751 for cats. The data also suggests that those average costs are increasing by about $100 per year — although they can range far higher, like the $42,000 Petplan paid to the family of Carbon, a large mixed-breed dog being treated for lymphoma.
“As a pet health company, we see the impact of cancer every day. As pet parents, we felt its devastating effects after losing Petplan’s Dog in Chief, Wellington, to cancer in 2014,” says Petplan co-founder and co-CEO Natasha Ashton. “Given our personal experience with pet cancer, we’re proud to give families dealing with the disease the ability to seek out the best care for their furry family members, and to partner with Morris Animal Foundation in furthering pet cancer research.”
For more information, visit the campaign website at http://www.gopetplan.com/pet-cancer-guide and follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #FightPetCancer.
###
ABOUT PETPLAN
Petplan is more than a pet insurance provider. We’re dedicated to giving pet parents the support, resources and tools they need to keep their pets not just surviving—but thriving—into old age. Simply put, we aim to be the kind of company that will make our pets proud. For the third consecutive year, Petplan was listed among the top 50 of Forbes' annual ranking of America’s Most Promising Companies – a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies with bright futures. Petplan is the only pet insurance provider to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America.
Petplan’s fully customizable cat and dog insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for all hereditary and chronic conditions for the life of the pet as standard. Petplan policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group was rated A+ by A.M. Best in 2015. For more information about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.petplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.