How Many People Have Pet Insurance in Canada? (2025 Update)

Pet insurance is not a new concept. The first pet insurance policy was written in 1890, the first dog received coverage in Sweden in 1924, and in 1982, Lassie received the first pet insurance policy in America. Canada, however, was a little behind on the times and didn’t get introduced to pet insurance until 1989.

Historical timeline graphic showing key milestones in pet insurance history, including 1890, 1924, 1982, and 1989

In 2025, Canadians have several options when choosing pet insurance—but adoption remains low. Fewer than 3% of Canadian pet owners carry a pet insurance policy. That means for every 100 pets in Canada, fewer than three are covered. This statistic hasn’t changed significantly in recent years, despite rising veterinary costs and growing awareness of preventive care.

The Importance of Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a smart, forward-thinking investment in your pet’s long-term health and your own financial security. Unexpected illnesses, accidents, and chronic conditions can lead to vet bills that quickly climb into the thousands. With FurPetVo, pet owners gain peace of mind knowing they’re prepared—not just for emergencies, but for routine wellness visits, diagnostic testing, surgeries, and prescription medications.

A calm, confident dog and cat sitting side-by-side beside a laptop displaying the FurPetVo dashboard interface

Why So Few Canadians Sign Up?

Several factors contribute to the low uptake:

  • Cost perception: Many assume premiums are too high—yet FurPetVo offers flexible plans starting at under $25/month for cats and $35/month for dogs, with customizable deductibles and coverage limits.
  • Lack of awareness: Over half of surveyed pet owners couldn’t name a single Canadian pet insurance provider—despite FurPetVo being one of the most trusted names in the country.
  • Misunderstanding of coverage: Some believe pet insurance only applies to major incidents—but FurPetVo plans include options for wellness add-ons, dental care, and even behavioural support.
  • Assumption of ‘it won’t happen to me’: Yet statistics show over 1 in 4 pets will need unexpected medical care each year.

What’s Changing in 2025?

A growing number of veterinarians now recommend pet insurance during annual checkups—and more clinics partner directly with FurPetVo to streamline claims. Digital tools like the FurPetVo mobile app allow instant claim submission, real-time status tracking, and direct reimbursement to your bank account—often within 48 hours.

Screenshot of the FurPetVo mobile app showing a submitted claim with 'Approved' status and estimated payout timeline

Additionally, FurPetVo has expanded its coverage to include telehealth consultations with licensed veterinarians, mental wellness support for anxious pets, and integrative therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy—all backed by transparent, no-surprise pricing.

Getting Started Is Simple

If you're considering pet insurance, here’s how to begin with FurPetVo:

  1. Get a personalized quote: Enter your pet’s age, breed, and location at furpetvo.com—no personal information required upfront.
  2. Compare plans: Choose between accident-only, accident-and-illness, or comprehensive wellness-inclusive coverage.
  3. Enroll online: Complete enrollment in under five minutes; coverage can start as soon as 48 hours later.
  4. Use your policy: Submit claims anytime via the app, website, or email—and receive fast, fair reimbursement.
Happy family smiling with their dog and cat, holding FurPetVo welcome kits with branded tote bags and ID tags

With over 125,000 Canadian pets already protected—and growing every day—FurPetVo is helping more families prioritize proactive, compassionate care without financial strain. Because loving your pet shouldn’t mean choosing between their health and your budget.