Pets Best Insurance is located in Boise, Idaho, and was founded by Jack Stephens, DVM, who also founded the pet insurance industry in the United States.

In 1981 Jack had to put a dog down because the dog's owner couldn't afford treatment. Shortly after, the owner and her child saw him in a local store. When the woman asked her child if she remembered Dr. Stephens, she said, “Yes, he's the one who killed our dog.”

Determined to stop “economic euthanasia” for pets, Jack founded the first U.S. pet insurance company the following year.

Pets Best was formed after a quarter-century of experience.

After twenty-five years of experience in the pet insurance industry, Jack decided to take what he had learned and use it to form Pets Best. Jack contacted Greg McDonald, one of the founders of General Fire and Casualty, and together Jack and Greg founded Pets Best in October of 2005. The company quickly upped the standard of pet insurance care throughout the nation and the industry.

What makes us different?

Most of the employees of Pets Best were recruited directly from the Veterinary trade. Nearly all of us have been involved in animal rescues. We're pet owners and pet lovers, too.

We understand the pain of having to put your pet down. We never want that to happen simply because you don't have any help to pay the bill. And from the stories we hear , when it comes to claims we know that there are pets who are alive and happy today because their owners had the financial resources to continue treatment. We want that for you, too.

Mission Statement

Pets Best provides peace of mind and financial relief for owners of pets who need veterinary care. We are always accessible to our policyholders. We endorse innovation and insight into modern veterinary care.

Our Team

Jack Stephens – Founder and President

Meet the Founder
A Leader of Pet Insurance in the US

Dr. Jack Stephens is the founder of pet insurance in the United States and most recently of Pets Best Insurance. A former practicing veterinarian, Stephens is a pet enthusiast who shares his home with multiple dogs, two cats and several horses. Jack's driving passion to increase the quality of pet care encouraged him to found Pets Best.

Jack has written and published numerous articles about pet health insurance, was a contributing author for a leading veterinary trade magazine, and is a vocal advocate for the positive effects pets have on our lives.

For all things pet related, Jack is the guru people turn to. If he doesn't know the answer, he personally knows the person who does. His leadership and experience make him our very own Captain Jack.

Greg McDonald – Chief Executive Officer

With nearly 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge to Pets Best. A graduate of University of Idaho, Greg served as an officer in the U.S. Navy before beginning his insurance career in Denver and eventually moving to Boise.

As the co-founder of General Fire & Casualty Company and the founder of InsurServ, Greg brings his experience and passion to Pets Best and has been a major force in Pets Best's quick success.

Greg's upbeat personality and unparalleled energy level keep us excited about what's happening next for Pets Best.

Brett Johnson – Chief Operating Officer

Brett's background in IT management and Internet marketing strategy helps him oversee the company's technology projects and Internet marketing initiatives. As Chief Operations Officer, Brett also oversees daily operations and customer service to continuously meet and exceed customer expectations.

Brett holds a Bachelor of Science in business information systems from Utah State University and a Master of Science degree in electronic commerce from Carnegie Mellon University.

Along with the help of his uber-talented staff, Brett keeps Pets Best and PetsBest.com running smoothly.

Lance Olsen – Director of Development

Direct: 208-472-9635

Lance has 14 years of experience in sales and marketing and is a licensed property & casualty agent. Lance’s experience and personal skills are central to ongoing daily operations at Pets Best. His primary job function is to build and maintain relationships and be an advocate for national pet related organizations.

Before Pets Best, Lance worked in the pet insurance industry as a business system analyst. He says that in his spare time he enjoys a good round of golf, grilling and picnicking with his family in the great Idaho outdoors.

Jennifer Jones – Veterinary Services Manager

Direct: 208-472-5835

Do you love your veterinarian? We do! Jennifer and her team help show the love to veterinarians nationwide by managing all areas of Pets Best as they relate to veterinarians. She coordinates industry tradeshows, keeps vets informed on Pets Best policies, and enrolls veterinary staff pets. Trained in both business and insurance, Jennifer's passion for quality pet care is evident to all who meet her.

Steve Gardner – Sales & Marketing Associate

Direct: 208-830-7036

As a sales and marketing associate, Steve works with people across the nation providing informational Webinars and partnership opportunities for veterinary hospital staff and other pet-loving organizations.

Steve graduated from Boise State University with a degree in marketing and brings extensive retail sales and management experience to his position at Pets Best. He says he enjoys working in his yard and garden, spending time with his wife and four great kids and is known for his creative ideas and award-wining service.

Jared Hight – Claims Manager

Direct: 208-947-3896

Jared Hight manages the claims department at Pets Best and oversees all operations relating to claims. A Boise State University graduate, Jared spent 10 years in veterinary nursing and hospital administration before joining Pets Best.

Angela Klein – Internet Marketing Associate

Direct: 208-947-3896 ext. 313

The self-proclaimed resident English teacher, Angela's background in journalism and marketing helps her raise awareness of Pets Best online. A graduate of two very small universities, Angela holds a bachelor's degree in English, because she loves Jane Austen novels, and a teaching credential that helps her know where to put the comma.


At Pets Best we are committed to providing you the best pet insurance in America, designed to meet the needs of your pet's medical care as well as your budget.

Pets Best Insurance is located in Boise, Idaho, and was founded by Jack Stephens, DVM, who holds more than 25 years of experience in the pet insurance industry.