Posted by Angela Klein on 7/30/2008 in Articles from Newsletters

With one look at the Arizona Humane Society, it’s easy to see that this group is so much more than just a shelter for pets in transition.

Founded in 1957 as a private nonprofit organization, the Arizona Humane Society works daily to stay true to their mission: to safeguard, rescue, shelter, heal, adopt and advocate for animals in need.

In addition to being Arizona’s largest animal-welfare protection agency, the Arizona Humane Society provides free or low-cost spay/neuter services for dogs and cats in an effort to end pet over-population in the greater Phoenix area. Last year, nearly 20,000 surgeries were performed. They accomplish this at their campuses and on the road with their mobile spay/neuter and animal wellness centers that travel throughout the Southwest.

Each year, more than 50,000 pets are rescued and/or sheltered at the Arizona Humane society’s campuses, and as the state-designated companion animal disaster response organization, they also provide services to pets in natural disasters.

In 2004, the Arizona Humane Society was honored as the National Shelter of the Year, chosen from over 300 other animal protection organizations throughout the United States.

Additionally, the Arizona Humane Society inspires community action through their efforts such as their Pets on Parade television show, educating groups on the importance of respect and compassion for all living beings through the Startdust Humane Education Program, and lobbying for laws that protect pets.

Pets on Parade, which holds the distinction of being the longest running show in the history of Arizona television, hit the airwaves in the Phoenix-metro area 40 years ago and features adoptable pets from the shelter.

To learn more about the Arizona Humane Society and their efforts, visit them online at www.azhumane.org.

Pets Best Insurance is proud to partner with the Arizona Humane Society and others in the Pets Best “Racing to Save Pets” campaign by identifying and confronting the key issues that cause euthanasia.

Dr. Jack Stephens, a veterinarian and the founder and pioneer of the pet insurance industry in the United States created “Racing to Save Pets” as a means to address and create a sense of urgency regarding the primary reasons that cause 3 million pets in shelters and millions more throughout the country to be destroyed each year.

“Racing to Save Pets” addresses the need for better support and understanding of our community shelters by raising support and awareness. Pets Best Insurance also provides its ShelterBest partnership program as a means to directly support shelters with community efforts and funding that can make the difference for countless pets that need and deserve to find homes.

By providing a better understanding of the human health benefits of pet ownership, raising awareness for smaller shelters and groups that need support, and providing an ongoing source of donations, “Racing to Save Pets” is partnering across the nation with shelters like the Arizona Humane Society and other adoption groups to make a difference and reduce unnecessary euthanasia.

Posted by Angela Klein on 7/30/2008 in Articles from Newsletters

There are few phrases in a dog’s vocabulary that elicit joy like the phrase “Let’s go!” As more and more families bring their pets along on their travels, we wanted to compile a list of tips to remember to help make your journey safe, memorable and fun.

The adage says that the devil might be in the details, but planning before you go will help not only relieve last minute stress but give you the knowledge you need to make choices you’ll be happy with. Be sure to ask about the features, fees and restrictions of each hotel or campground you’re considering as some establishments charge a flat fee where others offer a refundable deposit. Ask which category the prospective hotel falls in, since some can be as high as $100. Also, knowing that the motel you’re wanting has a policy of no dogs over 25 pounds will help ensure that when you show up with your Great Dane that there are no surprises waiting for you, such as having to find another hotel at the last minute.

Speaking of surprises, we’ll state the obvious here as a side note, but as more and more dogs are out and about, remember to pick up after your dog when you’re traveling, whether you’re at a campground, motel, dog park or even a rest area, to keep the good will and friendly attitudes toward our pets strong.

Other potentially obvious tips that deserve repeating when planning a trip:

-Bring your dog’s favorite toy or blanket.
-If traveling by plane, don’t feed your dog for six hours before the trip and be sure to check the airline’s policies for caring for your dog if you can’t fly together.
-When traveling by car, allow extra time to get out and stretch and be sure to have plenty of water on hand so there’s no risk of dehydration.
-Remember that a tired dog is a happy dog. Exercise before you go.
-Enter and unpack in your hotel room first. This will make sure that your scent is in the room before your dog enters it.
-Bring along a first-aid kit and an extra leash, just in case.

As much as we all don’t like to think about emergencies, the truth of the matter is that they happen. Plotting out several veterinarians on your route before you go means that if something happens, you’ll know where to go without having to spend time looking. Use our Vet Locator to quickly find several options, including emergency clinics, in the areas you’ll be vacationing.

Finally, be sure to remember things like water safety (yes, there absolutely are life jackets for dogs, and they’re recommended) and avoid any potential for heat stroke and other summer dangers like hot cars and walking on black pavement for any period of time. (Ouch! Those poor paw pads!)

Most of all, whether you’re going just up the road or halfway around the world, enjoy yourself. Pack up those doggy goggles, whatever he or she needs to be comfortable and repeat those wonderful words, “Let’s go!” Your next adventure is just a road trip away.

Posted by Angela Klein on 7/23/2008 in Articles from Newsletters

You Oughta Be in Pictures!

With summer fully arrived, the heat is on and we’re looking for your best doggone and cool cat photos. Submit your dog or cat’s best summer photo with a caption by August 15th and we’ll post winners – one for dogs and one for cats – in the early September edition of the Pets Best Newsletter.

We love to hear the stories of the pets in the Pets Best family and look forward to getting to know more about yours!

Our sales manager, Steve Gardner, says he will personally be in charge of the photos, so we have high hopes that fun will be had by all.

In addition to bragging rights, Steve promises to send the winning dog and cat cool treats. (Bones and catnip have been mentioned so far, but one just never knows with Steve!)

So get in on the summertime fun and send us your favorite photo by August 15th. Also, Steve said that he loves putting pictures on our website, so when you send a picture to him remember that you are giving him permission to post it. We look forward to hearing from you!

Send your photos to Steve at sgardner@petsbest.com or call and chew the fat with him at 1-877-738-7237 ext. 311. (Or, in his words, regale him with tales of fun and mystery.) Give him a call. You’ll be glad you did!

Posted by Jennifer Jones on 7/11/2008 in Articles from Veterinary Newsletter

Staffbest™ – add value for your hospital, your staff and their pets

Thinking about offering a valuable incentive for your employees where you can also reap the rewards? Let Pets Best Insurance help.

Here at Pets Best we not only offer coverage to your clients, but we offer coverage for staff pets through our StaffBestTM program. When you enroll your hospital as a group you will receive a 20% discount* off your monthly premiums. This program can be a great cost effective way of offering care to your staff’s pets in lieu of giving away services.
(*Discounts not available in all states.)

Take a look at how StaffBest™ can benefit your employees as well as your practice.

No longer discount the cost of veterinary care at your hospital. You can now offer your full range of services at your normal rates and your employees can benefit from our quick 80% claim reimbursement and ease of use.
You and your employees will have access to emergency care, specialists, and referral services while still having the peace of mind knowing you can receive 80% back, after the deductible.
StaffBest™ can be tailored to fit any hospital. You decide how many pets to enroll, which plan you’d like, and which payment option works best.
Our StaffBest™ program is one of our most valued incentives that we offer veterinary hospitals. Not only are you building a better rapport with your staff, but you can also save money by choosing to enroll your staff with Pets Best Insurance. This creates a “win-win” situation for both your hospital and your staff.

If you would like to receive a quote or have questions, please call our Veterinary Services Department at 1.877.738.7237 ext. 4 or email us at vetservices@petsbest.com

Posted by Jennifer Jones on 9/10/2008 in Articles from Veterinary Newsletter

Christy Johnson, a certified veterinary practice manager with Pampered Pet Health Center in Port Charlotte, Fla., recognized the value of pet insurance, she just didn’t realize that anyone in her office would use it as quickly as they did.

“One of our staff members had only had the policy for 3 weeks when her pet had grease in her eye and ended up getting an ulcer and needed corneal debridement, 80% of which was covered by Pets Best,” she said.

“With Pets Best Insurance, we know what the benefit will be and there is no guesswork involved, which is one of the reasons why we have our staff enrolled in their plans.”

More and more hospital employees are learning what Christy already knows: that having insurance can be a life-saver. Hospitals that enroll five or more pets as a group receive a 20%* discount off monthly premiums.

If you are a veterinarian or hospital administrator, take a look at how StaffBest can benefit your employees as well as your practice:

No longer discount the cost of veterinary care at your hospital. You can offer your full range of services at your normal rates and your employees can benefit from our quick 80% claim reimbursement and ease of use.
You and your employees will have access to emergency care, specialists, and referral services while still having the peace of mind knowing you can receive 80% back, after the deductible.
StaffBest can be tailored to fit any hospital. You decide how many pets to enroll, which plan you’d like, and which payment option works best.
This benefit is a valuable incentive for your employees. If you would like to receive a quote or have questions, please call the Pets Best Veterinary Services Department at 1-877-738-7237 ext. 4 or email us at vetservices@petsbest.com.

* Discount not available in all states.

Posted by Angela Klein on 7/7/2008 in Articles from Newsletters

Inspired by the love of a Siberian named Bullet, the Magic Bullet Fund is writer and editor Laurie Kaplan’s labor of love for the dog who “graced (her) life for 12 years, 2 months and a day.”

At 9 years of age, Bullet was diagnosed with late stage multicentric B-cell lymphoma. “I was horrified, terrified, and determined that I would not lose Bullet without a fight,” Laurie writes on the Magic Bullet Fund website.

During the course of his treatment, the veterinarian who provided chemotherapy treatments for Bullet insisted Laurie write a book to help others who have dogs with cancer. Help Your Dog Fight Cancer, the result of that encouragement, quickly became a preferred resource for pet owners facing this difficult and often overwhelming disease.

Coinciding with the book’s publication, Laurie founded the Magic Bullet Fund to help people who have dogs with cancer but cannot afford to pay for treatment. “I often thought about how very lucky I was to be able to pay for Bullet’s treatment and how devastated I would have felt if I could not,” she said.

“The Magic Bullet Fund is about giving every dog the chance he or she deserves to survive cancer,” Laurie said. “At best, it is about beating cancer. At least, it is about giving people and their dogs more time together – more time to create a few more precious memories.” Bullet survived his battle with cancer and lived until he was nearly 14 when Laurie lost him to renal failure.

Because canine cancer treatment ranges on average between $600 and $6,000, the Magic Bullet Fund connects donors and potential donors with dogs and their families who need help. A secondary mission to help heighten public awareness about canine cancer through educational efforts is included in the organization’s mission statement. First and foremost, however, “the fund’s mission is to provide cancer treatment for dogs whose caretakers are unable to provide treatment – dogs who would not have cancer treatment at all without our assistance,” Laurie said.

Learn more about the Magic Bullet Fund and how you can help make a difference at www.themagicbulletfund.org.

Working with the Magic Bullet Fund is one of several efforts by Pets Best to help pets and pet owners who are dealing with cancer. Visit www.petcancerfoundation.org for more information and a special offer with a veterinary oncologist.