A life in the harsh climate of Alaska can be softened with a pet and it’s clear as to why. Sled dog owners have a team of furry companions to share their life with. Other residents share their warm fires snuggling next to the feline friend of the family. Yet, no matter what lifestyle you lead, being a pet owner can be rewarding but expensive.
From Anchorage to Prudhoe Bay, pet parents are paying more for pet costs. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), dog owners spend an average of about $1,400 annually on food, care, and health expenses.2 This is why many pet owners may be considering investing in MetLife Pet’s award-winning pet insurance.1 Alaska pet parents can read on to learn more about how pet insurance can help you provide your pets with the best care.
Looking for Pet Insurance in Alaska?
Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea if You Live in Alaska
Because of the robust ecosystem, Alaskan wildlife is often found in residential areas and rural areas alike. Between the bears, moose, porcupines, and coyotes, it’s important to keep your pet safe. Especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors, where they may be seen as prey.
Pet Insurance could help offset costs of covered veterinary care expenses if your pet is attacked by a wild animal, your puppy eats something that makes them sick, or if your cat catches hypothermia in the cold.3
The way it works is simple. First, you set up your policy, choose any add-ons you want to include to it, and pay your monthly premium. When your pet needs medical attention, you can take them to any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. Pay the vet bill and then submit any receipts and medical records to MetLife Pet. You may be reimbursed for up to 100% of the cost depending on your policy.3,4
Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?
Among all the other options for pet insurance, the Pet Independent Innovation Awards presented MetLife Pet Insurance with the “Pet Insurance of the Year” award in 2024.1
MetLife Pet offers customizable plans to fit every pet parent’s needs. Here are just a few reasons pet parents may consider MetLife Pet to be an option for the best pet insurance in Alaska:
- Our mobile app lets you file and process claims right from your phone.
- Our policies can cover up to three cats or dogs under one shared deductible.
- Our waiting period is short for accident or illness coverage.5,6
- Our policies cover cats and dogs of all breeds and ages.
How MetLife Pet Insurance Works in Alaska
Visit the vet
Take your pet to any licensed vet or emergency clinic in Alaska or anywhere else in the United States for treatment.
Submit your claim
Once you’ve paid, submit your vet bill and any medical records to MetLife Pet as a claim.
Get money back quickly
We’ll review the claim and typically reimburse you for approved expenses within 10 days.3,7
MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in Alaska. See What’s Covered
Getting your pet a MetLife Pet Insurance plan could help you to focus more on getting care if your pet gets injured or falls ill. We offer plans that flex to fit your family’s needs, from our standard plans to our Preventative Care and Wellness Plan add-ons.8
Let’s take a look at a few things our policies can routinely cover:
- Accidents
- Illnesses
- Emergency care
- Diagnostic testing
- Alternative therapies
See our insurance coverage and exclusions page for a deeper dive into how we can help your specific pet needs.
How Much Is Pet Insurance in Alaska?
MetLife Pet Insurance policies can start at $9 per month for cats and $15 per month for dogs. However, because our policies are highly customizable, premiums can vary.9
Your monthly premium depends on a few factors, including your policy limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates.10 Here’s a breakdown of what else may affect your pet insurance cost:
- Your zip code
- Your pet’s species and breed
- Your pet’s sex 11
- Your pet’s age
Notable claim in Alaska
One way to decide if pet insurance is worth it to you, could be to look at previous claims. Here’s how MetLife Pet helped a cat owner in Fairbanks, AK.12
Veronica, a Maine coon kitten ingested something she shouldn’t have. An X-ray revealed the foreign object, but she needed surgery to have it removed. Between the testing, anesthesia, and surgery itself, the total vet bill was around $2,300. However, her pet parents’ MetLife Pet policy covered about $2,100. Veronica is back to being her frisky feline self and feeling much better now!
Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in The Land of the Midnight Sun
Alaskan pets are prone to the same injuries and illnesses that all pets face such as diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, and other afflictions. However, because of their location, Alaskan cats and dogs can be at a higher risk for a few specific ailments. For example, Alaska has had a distemper outbreak over the past few years.13 Here are a few other ailments that can have a high chance of afflicting Alaskan pets:
Canine parvovirus: Parvo can be dangerous but preventable disease in puppies up to 20 weeks old. They can get infected through contact with infected feces that have touched your dog’s feet, food bowl, and/or water dishes. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal system of puppies who already have weak immune systems. It can be recommended to prioritize getting the parvo vaccine for your puppy and keep them away from public spaces like dog parks until they’re fully vaccinated.
Canine distemper: Distemper is another highly contagious disease that most veterinarians recommend you get a vaccination for your dog. The virus attacks the nervous system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and even the brain.
Hypothermia and frostbite: Because of the colder climate in Alaska, cats and dogs may be at a higher risk of getting hypothermia and frostbite. Pet parents should monitor for signs of shivering and lethargy, along with seeing if their pet’s paws, tails, and nose are especially cold to the touch.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in Alaska
You may see all kinds of dogs in Alaska, from sled dogs like Siberian huskies to purse dogs like pomeranians. But three breeds truly stand out. Here are the top three most adopted dog breeds in the state.13
- Labrador retriever: Lovable and loyal, this breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, and heart disease.
- Golden retriever: Energetic and friendly, goldens may be predisposed to hypothyroidism, obesity, and lipomas.
- German shepherd: A confident and smart breed, the German shepherd may be prone to growths, skin conditions, and gastroenteritis.
Adoptable Dogs and Cats in Alaska
Now that you’ve learned more about the life pets can have in Alaska and how you can best care for them, you may be considering adopting a dog or cat who’s looking for a home. With PetFinder, you can browse dogs up for adoption and cats up for adoption right from the comfort of your own home.
If You Live in Alaska, Consider Insuring Your Pet
Pets of all breeds and sizes can need medical care during their life. Whether it’s getting your new puppy vaccinated or caring for your elderly arthritic cat, these costs can add up. Alaskan pet parents also need to be wary of large predators, outbreaks of common diseases like parvo and distemper, and hypothermia.
Pet health insurance can help Alaskan pet parents. Get started with a free quote for MetLife Pet Insurance in Alaska!
Pet Insurance Can Help Cover Pet Injury & Illness Costs