Latest news with #AmericanSocietyforthePreventionofCrueltytoAnimals
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
ASPCA pet insurance review 2025
ASPCA pet insurance rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) pet insurance has very robust coverage but only about average pricing. Its policy includes harder-to-find coverage like behavioral and alternative therapy. One advantage to ASPCA pet insurance is that certain preexisting conditions can be covered: If the pet's preexisting condition is curable and there has been no treatment or symptoms for 180 days, it can be covered as a new occurrence. (But ligament and knee conditions would still be excluded.) Learn more: The best pet insurance companies Pros You can pay the vet directly, but your vet will need to submit a claim on your behalf. There's a generous 270-day window to submit a claim after the treatment date. Cons Costs are only average. A Health Assessment Exam is needed shortly after the initial policy effective date. There's a maximum annual coverage of only $10,000. Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide. When you're shopping for pet insurance, these are some of the crucial details to look at. ASPCA pet insurance basics Annual maximum limit choices: $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000 Deductible choices: $100, $250, $500 Reimbursement choices: 70%, 80%, 90% ASPCA waiting periods For accident coverage: 14 days For illness coverage: 14 days Special waiting period: None ASPCA age restrictions for buying a new policy Minimum pet age: 8 weeks Maximum pet age: None ASPCA offers two main options for pet insurance: accident and illness coverage and accident-only coverage. These plans can be coupled with an add-on for preventive care. ASPCA's accident and illness policy provides an extensive menu of coverage for treatments and perks for a wide variety of conditions, including: Vet exam fee Hereditary and congenital conditions Diagnostics such as X-rays and ultrasounds Cancer Dental accidents and illnesses Behavioral therapy Alternative therapy Prescription drugs Prescription food Euthanasia, cremation, and burial ASPCA accident-only policy provides a lower-cost option that can be used only for injuries related to accidents. It can pay for vet exam fees, diagnostics, and treatment for problems such as: Cuts Broken bones Bite wounds Lodged foreign objects Toxic ingestions Fractured teeth ASPCA's pet wellness plan offers two different levels of coverage for routine services. Basic preventive coverage includes the following: Annual checkups or wellness exams Vaccines, titer testing, and immunizations Dental cleanings Deworming and heartworm tests If you opt to add ASPCA's Prime preventive coverage, you'll get coverage for all of the above routine care, plus the following: Spay and neutering Flea and heartworm prevention Blood tests and urinalysis Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers Like most pet insurers, ASPCA does not cover preexisting conditions. This means any health conditions or symptoms of an injury or illness that began before your policy start date or during a waiting period wouldn't be covered. But note that ASPCA will cover preexisting conditions if your pet has been free of symptoms and treatments for 180 days. (Ligament and knee conditions are still excluded.) ASPCA does include access to a 24/7 vet telehealth line through its mobile app with services provided by The Vet Connection. Telehealth lines typically provide urgent care support as well as tips and advice for certain types of pet care and conditions. While ASPCA pet insurance offers broad coverage, there are always policy exclusions. For ASPCA, these include: Cosmetic and orthodontic pet dental services Costs associated with breeding or pregnancy Anal gland expression Illness and injuries from intentional acts or neglect Procedures such as tail docking, ear cropping, or claw removal Experimental or investigative medicines or treatments Funeral services, urns, caskets, and other funeral items Grooming Nonmedical supplies such as leashes and bedding Preventive care services, such as routine exams and vaccinations, are also excluded from coverage unless you choose to add a wellness plan. Learn more: Does pet insurance cover vaccines? It's possible to increase or decrease your ASPCA pet insurance coverage during the policy term, but requests for coverage changes may be subject to underwriting and an approval process. Certain changes could be considered a new enrollment, which will reset the clock on waiting periods and what qualifies as preexisting conditions. The cost of ASPCA pet insurance is about average in our evaluation. See how ASPCA's average rates compare to other pet insurers. Learn more: How insuring a pet may save money in the long run Yes, ASPCA does have a multi-pet discount. You'll receive 10% off your premiums for each additional pet you add (discounts can vary by state). ASPCA pet insurance can pay your vet directly, but the process is a bit tricky. First, you'll have to ask your veterinarian if they can submit a claim on your behalf. Then, on your claim form, you'll need to indicate that the ASPCA should pay your vet directly. Payment comes in the form of a paper check, so be sure your vet understands the that the ASPCA recommends getting an estimate first to ensure the claim will be eligible for payment. Learn more: Pet insurance that pays the vet directly: How does it work? As a pet owner, you'll be responsible for paying for veterinarian services up front and then submitting a claim for the eligible costs covered by your policy. Claims can be submitted through the Member Center online, via email, fax, mail, or through the ASPCA My Pet Insurance mobile app. You must include an itemized invoice and your account number. ASPCA also recommends including a copy of your pet's medical records to expedite the claims process. ASPCA pet insurance allows a generous window of 270 days from the date of service to submit a claim. In case you get worried about your reimbursement getting sidetracked, the ASPCA Member Center offers the ability to track your claim online. ASPCA says it will typically resolve claims in 30 days or less from when they are received. You'll receive reimbursement faster if you select direct deposit, but you can also opt for a paper check to be sent via snail mail. The ASPCA's mobile app, My Pet Insurance, receives rather poor reviews from users who complain it suffers from frequent crashes and login problems. It does offer the ability to see benefits, submit claims, and find a vet. ASPCA pet insurance mobile app ratings Apple App Store: 2.2 out of 5 stars Google Play Store: 2.8 out of 5 stars While you might assume ASPCA pet insurance is provided directly by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), it's actually offered through a partnership with PTZ Insurance Agency, an agency originally founded in 1997. Policies are underwritten by either the Independence American Insurance Co. or the United States Fire Insurance Co. ASPCA pet health insurance coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. You can make claims for bills from any licensed veterinarian in the U.S., its territories, or Canada. You can use the ASPCA vet finder to locate a clinic near you. ASPCA pet insurance does not require an exam for enrollment. However, expect that ASPCA will access your pet's medical records if you submit a claim and might request the names and contact information for any vet who has ever seen or treated your pet. You can contact ASPCA pet insurance customer service at 1-866-204-6764 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also reach ASPCA pet insurance customer service via email at cservice@ To cancel ASPCA pet insurance, you'll need to contact them via phone or in writing by email, mail, or fax. Be sure to include the specific date you want your policy to end. ASPCA will refund any premium that you have already paid for any period after your last date of coverage. Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it? How to decide. Amy Danise and Tim Manni edited this article. We researched the coverage details and prices for 15 pet insurance plans. We then weighted categories, and each pet insurer was scored relative to the others to find the best pet insurance companies. Here are the factors we incorporated. Coverage types: 40% of score. We examined the coverage provided by the base policy without the extra cost of add-ons. This encompassed coverage for alternative therapy, behavioral therapy, dental illness, euthanasia or end-of-life expenses, exotic pets, hereditary and congenital conditions, preexisting conditions, prescription food and supplements, veterinary exam fees, and advertising/reward for lost/stolen pets. Average cost: 30% of score. We evaluated costs in five states for $5,000 and unlimited coverage for a mixed-breed dog (age 1), a French bulldog (age 5), and a Labrador retriever (age 8). Unlimited coverage option: 10% of score. We gave points when pet insurers offered an unlimited annual limit (or a $100,000 limit), which gives pet owners the most robust financial protection possible in the event of a catastrophic pet medical issue. Direct payments to the veterinarian: 5% of score. We gave points to pet insurers that state on their websites that they accommodate direct vet payments. No special waiting periods for special conditions: 5% of score. We gave points when pet insurers have no waiting periods for special conditions, such as cruciate ligament conditions. Routine wellness plan: 5% of score. Companies that offer a routine wellness plan in addition to pet insurance received points. Multi-pet discount: 5% of score. We gave points when pet insurers offered a discount for insuring multiple pets.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Senior Cat Catches Plumber Near His Cupboard—Makes His Feelings Very Clear
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cats are territorial creatures, so it may not come as a surprise to see this one losing his temper with a plumber working near his cupboard. The 15-year-old cat, named Arthur, can be seen sitting on the floor next to the worker's feet, meowing continuously—but to TikTok's delight, it seems the plumber speaks cat too. The video of Arthur meowing—only to be answered with a "meow" from the plumber—quickly went viral, racking up 2.7 million views since it was posted on May 28. "He loves a good moan," the owner commented, noting that this kind of behavior isn't unusual for the tuxedo cat, known as @mrmeowsalot on TikTok. The clip, captioned: "Telling the plumber to get out of his cupboard," has been a huge hit online, racking up 610,900 likes and over 1,200 comments. "I LOVE that he was responding to the cat," said one comment with 147,900 likes. "Nice to see a plumber who can speak fluent cat," joked another user. A third commenter shared their theory: "I love that they don't care which human is in the kitchen, if there's a human in the kitchen [and] they're not being fed, time to complain." Like humans, some cats are more talkative than others. It's their way of communicating, and there are many reasons why they may meow, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Common Reasons Why Cats Meow A stock image of a black and white cat with a distorted facial expression. A stock image of a black and white cat with a distorted facial expression. VictorHuang/iStock / Getty Images Plus The ASPCA has provided the following reasons: Greeting : Cats often meow to say hello when you arrive home or interact with them. : Cats often meow to say hello when you arrive home or interact with them. Seeking Attention : They may vocalize to request affection, play, or conversation—especially if left alone for long stretches. : They may vocalize to request affection, play, or conversation—especially if left alone for long stretches. Requesting Food : Meowing around mealtimes or in the kitchen is common; some even wake owners up for food. : Meowing around mealtimes or in the kitchen is common; some even wake owners up for food. Wanting In or Out : Meowing at doors or windows can signal a desire to go in or out, especially during transitions to indoor-only living. : Meowing at doors or windows can signal a desire to go in or out, especially during transitions to indoor-only living. Age-Related Confusion : Senior cats with cognitive dysfunction may meow when disoriented, similar to symptoms of dementia. : Senior cats with cognitive dysfunction may meow when disoriented, similar to symptoms of dementia. Mating Behavior: Unneutered or unspayed cats may yowl to attract or access mates. While some breeds are known for being naturally chatty, there is a chance that frequent meowing is a sign of a medical condition. The ASPCA encourages owners to visit a veterinarian to ensure a medical condition is not the cause of the cat's distress. Even if a cat has always meowed for food, their health changes as they age, and they are prone to developing an overactive thyroid and kidney disease—either of which may result in excessive meowing. Newsweek reached out to @mrmeowsalot for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Moment Owner's Attempt at Sweet Moment With Dog Hilariously Backfires
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A woman tried to get a sweet moment with her dog under a blossoming tree, only for the pup to ruin the moment in the best way. Mariel Lucian, who posts to TikTok under the username @mariellucian, has gone viral after showcasing a snippet of her day with her young dog, sitting under a beautifully blossoming tree. As Lucian put it in the caption, she was "trying to enjoy cherry blossom season with a puppy." But, as many dog owners will tell you, trying to have any calm and serene moment with a puppy is difficult at the best of times—and how the pup reacted in the clip has left commenters in stitches. In a video posted on May 2, viewed more than 440,000 times, Lucian holds out a pink flower that had fallen from the tree above, and shows it to the camera. But immediately, the dog thinks the flower is something for her: she slaps her paw down on Lucian's arm and eats the blossom directly out of her hand. And within seconds, the dog is reconsidering her actions—she gives the ultimate side eye, twists her face into an expression of utter disgust, and tries to spit it out, as Lucian laughs beside her. TikTok users were in stitches, with one summing it up: "So many things happened to her." Another imitated the dog as they wrote, "Thith tathes dithgusing," as another wrote: "The way she DEMANDS and is DISRESPECTED." And as another user described the scene: "When your pet thinks everything you hold in reverence out like that is for them. The look on the puppy's face, just instant regret." Pictured: The dog tries to eat the blossom and is immediately overcome with regret. Pictured: The dog tries to eat the blossom and is immediately overcome with regret. TikTok @marciellucian Others worried the blossoms could be bad for the dog, with Lucian responding and assuring commenters there would be "no more blossoms for her." She added: "She just had the one and now that I know it's toxic she won't get any more!" Some plants can be toxic if ingested by animals, including aloe, holly, azaleas, daffodils, and different types of lilies for dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). If you believe your dog has ingested a toxic plant and has fallen ill, then owners should contact their local veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour emergency poison hotline at (888) 426-4435. Newsweek has contacted @mariellucian on TikTok for comment on this story. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Cat Goes Missing, Owner Never Gave Up—Almost a Year Later Makes Discovery
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. After a year of searching, a pet owner randomly found her long-lost cat while out on a walk, and the sweet moment, captured in a viral TikTok video, has melted hearts among social-media users. The clip, shared on Wednesday under the username @lando_lolo_lyra, shows the poster spotting Henry in a narrow partway by a local park, gently calling his name out as she approaches him. The feline takes a minute to sniff her hand before walking away, only to return for more cuddles moments later. "The moment I found my family's cat after he was missing for almost a year! He was a little confused at first but stayed around when he heard me call his name. We had another little helper who insisted she come along. I kept talking to him hoping he would remember who I was!" the poster wrote in the clip. "He needed a little time to be sure. But he kept coming back to me. Our little helper stayed with us the entire time. After a little uncertainty, this was the moment he knew for sure who I was … I never gave up on trying to find him. After almost a year of Henry being missing I can't believe I finally found him!" The poster said in the caption that, while Henry was missing, she never gave up, and she posted on local missing animal groups and town pages almost every week. "I put up posters around the area and kept at it for months until I found Henry. It was the best feeling ever when I did! This just proves that you should never give up. Even when things seem hopeless, there is always hope," she wrote. Stock image: A tuxedo cat sits on the grass. Stock image: A tuxedo cat sits on the grass. getty images Lost animals often manage to get back to their owners one way or another. If your pet is microchipped, chances are you may get them back after going missing. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says, of the 5.8 million cats and dogs that entered shelters across the country in 2024, at least 554,000 dogs and 362,000 cats were returned to their owners. The clip quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 667,400 views and more than 50,800 likes on the platform. One user, Testerossa, commented: "Henry looks like he moved out got married got a 25 year mortgage and bills he can't pay." Daseinmeister posted: "I'd have screamed so loud he would have been gone for another year." Frengers added: "My first cat disappeared when we got a new she cat. Turned up 5 years later on the roof of our greenhouse. Said hi, petted him and he left again." Newsweek reached out to @lando_lolo_lyra for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Woman Spots 'Given Up' Kitten in Pool of Water, She Knows What To Do
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When a woman from South Carolina found a tiny tuxedo kitten lying face down in a puddle in the middle of the road, she didn't hesitate to step in and save his life. In a viral TikTok video shared on Monday under the username @mikeysmadlit, the poster's wife can be seen carefully approaching the kitten, then gently lifting him from the water, and taking him away to safety. At the end of the clip, the small kitty can be seen drying off inside a cardboard box filled with warm towels. "My wife got chosen on Mother's Day" the poster wrote in the caption. After taking him to the veterinarian the day after, the poster and his wife learned that the kitty is a male, estimated to be around six weeks old, weighing a healthy 1.5 pounds. In a follow up video, the poster revealed that the family has officially named the kitted Jaxson, in memory of their recently passed fur-baby. It is estimated that there are currently between 60 and 100 million stray and feral cats across America, and most of them live their life in the streets without ever even making it to an animal shelter. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the number of cats that entered U.S. shelters last year amounted to just short of 3 millions. While 2.2 millions were adopted, others didn't get as lucky. In 2024, about 273,000 shelter cats were euthanized, and 369,000 were transferred to other organizations. Some states see more animals dropped off by their owners or found as strays than others. Statista says that western states have much higher rates, with New Mexico topping the list with over 3,200 animals surrendered per 100,000 inhabitants. A stock image shows a wet, dishevelled kitten in the middle of the street. A stock image shows a wet, dishevelled kitten in the middle of the street. getty images The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 5.6 million views and 1.2 million likes on the platform. One user, Donna Ahrlett, commented: "That poor baby had given up." Connieleeinred said: "He just gave up, I can tell the way he just laid in that water, you were his savior and a blessing. Thank you." Another user, TRAV, wrote: "That would have broken me seeing that baby laying in a puddle." Rachel added: "I'm bawling, the poor thing." Newsweek reached out to @mikeysmadlit for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
