Picture this: An employee gets a sudden call from home that “His dog swallowed a toy and needs surgery.”
The employee's mind races: vet bills, recovery, time off work.
Now imagine they also remember: “Wait, My company covers this!”
This isn’t a scene from the future. It’s happening today in workplaces where pet insurance has quietly joined the list of employee benefits alongside employee health cover and wellness programs. From pet insurance for dogs to cat insurance, HR leaders in India are embracing this benefit as a way to show they care about more than just the human members of the team.
Every year, more of your employees are adding furry friends to their families. And just like children, these pets are loved and cared for. In fact, 78% of pet parents consider their pet to be their child, and 83% say there’s no limit to what they’d spend to keep their pet happy and healthy.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance is a financial safety net that helps pet owners manage unexpected veterinary costs when their pets fall ill, get injured, or need surgery. Much like health insurance for humans, it either reimburses the policyholder or directly pays the vet for covered treatments, depending on the plan’s terms.
Why pet insurance is becoming popular in India
The demand for pet insurance India is rising fast, and it’s being driven by three main trends:
1. Growing pet ownership
Urban lifestyles are changing, and more families, and young couples are choosing to adopt pets. With more pets in homes, the need for structured, affordable healthcare for animals is also rising. Each year approximately 600,000 pets are adopted, with 63% being dogs and 37% cats showing how adoption is becoming a norm.
2. Pets as family
For many millennials and Gen Z pet owners, pets aren’t just companions, they’re “fur babies.” These owners are emotionally invested in their pets’ well-being and are willing to spend on premium food, grooming, and advanced medical treatments. Offering pet insurance for dogs or cat insurance aligns with this mindset, ensuring pet parents can provide the best care without financial stress.
3. Rising veterinary costs
Veterinary care in India has improved significantly, with access to advanced diagnostics, surgeries, and specialist treatments. However, these come with high price tags sometimes running into tens of thousands of rupees for a single procedure. Even routine vaccinations, preventive treatments, and minor surgeries can add up quickly.
Pet insurance for dogs and cats
In India, pet insurance policies are still an emerging concept, but they are gaining popularity especially for dogs and cats, which are the most common household pets. Coverage options can differ between insurers, but most plans focus on protecting against high veterinary bills for accidents, illnesses, and sometimes routine care. Some policies also offer add-ons for vaccinations, annual check-ups, or even loss/theft of the pet.
Pet insurance inclusions and exclusions
When offering pet insurance as an employee benefit, it’s important for HR leaders and pet parents alike to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Coverage varies depending on the insurer, plan type, and premium amount, but here’s a general overview.
What’s covered (Inclusions)
Most best pet insurance plans in India provide protection for a wide range of health and accident-related expenses:
| Category |
Coverage Details |
| Surgery & fracture expenses |
Covers agreed amount for surgical procedures needed due to accidents or illnesses during the policy period. |
| Hospitalisation cover |
Pays for in-patient treatment in a veterinary hospital if the pet is injured or ill. |
| Terminal diseases cover |
Covers treatment costs if the pet is diagnosed with terminal illnesses. |
| Long-term care cover |
For illnesses requiring extended care and monitoring over time. |
| OPD cover |
Covers out-patient treatments at a veterinary clinic (up to the policy limit). |
| Lost or stolen pet |
Some plans include coverage if your dog or cat is lost or stolen. |
What’s not covered (Exclusions)
Even the best pet insurance for dogs or cat insurance plans have certain limitations:
| Exclusion |
Details |
| Surgeries not caused by illness or accident |
No coverage for elective or unrelated procedures. |
| Grooming-related or cosmetic procedures |
Includes any aesthetic or non-medical surgeries. |
| Elective surgeries unrelated to injury/illness |
Voluntary medical procedures are excluded. |
| Dental treatments not caused by accident |
Routine or non-injury dental work is not covered. |
| Death due to lack of vaccination |
Claims not payable if the pet dies due to preventable illness. |
| Non-veterinary treatments |
Alternative or non-medical care not covered. |
| Routine check-ups outside policy |
Wellness visits are not included unless part of the plan. |
How Costs are determined:
Many pet insurance policies are subject to underwriting, meaning the insurer assesses risk before approving coverage. Premiums can vary depending on:
- The pet’s breed (e.g., pet insurance for dogs like pugs or German shepherds may cost more due to breed-specific health risks).
- The pet’s age – Older pets often attract higher premiums.
- Health history – Pre-existing medical conditions can limit coverage or increase costs.
How Dozee offers pet insurance through Pazcare
Dozee, a leading AI-powered health-tech company and a valued Pazcare client, is setting a benchmark for inclusive employee benefits in India. Recognizing that pets are more than just animals, they are cherished family members, Dozee introduced pet insurance as part of their employee benefits. As part of their inclusive employee benefits, they’ve included pet insurance acknowledging that “our furry friends are family too.”
Why HR leaders are offering pet insurance as a benefit
In the workplace, pet insurance is usually offered as a voluntary benefit, employees can choose to enroll and pay for coverage at discounted group rates negotiated by the employer. This approach allows employees to access affordable plans while giving HR teams a unique perk to add to their benefits package.
1. Attracting and retaining talent
In industries where skilled professionals have multiple job offers, unique perks can be the deciding factor. Offering pet insurance for dogs, cats, and other animals signals that the company values employees’ personal lives and passions.
2. Supporting employee well-being
Pet care can be expensive and emotionally draining, especially in emergencies. By covering vet bills, preventive care, and even surgeries, employers help reduce financial stress, allowing employees to stay focused at work.
3. Fostering a pet-friendly workplace culture
Pet insurance shows employees that the company understands and supports their lifestyle choices.
- Creates a sense of belonging among pet owners.
- Pairs well with other initiatives like “pet-friendly offices” or “bring your pet to work” days.
4. Enhancing employer branding
In job listings and on social media, highlighting pet insurance can help a company be seen as modern, empathetic, and people-first. It positions the organisation as one that goes beyond traditional benefits to support employees in all aspects of their lives.
Conclusion
By offering pet insurance as an employee benefit , HR leaders in India can help employees manage the financial side of pet care, from routine check-ups to emergency surgeries. Whether it’s pet insurance for dogs, cat insurance, or coverage for other pets, this perk can ease stress, save money, and show employees you care about every member of their family, two-legged or four.
At Pazcare, we help businesses design benefit packages that truly resonate with employees’ needs. From group health insurance to innovative perks like pet insurance we’ve got you covered. Book a free consultation today and make your workplace benefits future-ready.
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