Award-Winning Pet Insurance in Iowa for Dogs and Cats

From Des Moines to the tiny island town of Sabula, Iowa’s rolling plains and grain fields are home to millions of beloved pets. The World Population Review shows that 59% of Iowa residents own pets.¹ No matter where you are in the Hawkeye State or another part of the country, you should be aware of the risks and potential dangers your furry friend may face in the area.

We know keeping your pets safe is important. However, in Iowa and across the country, pet parents are facing the rising cost of care, with 54% of pet owners saying they’re worried about being able to financially cover the costs of care for their pet. With an award-winning pet insurance policy from MetLife Pet, pet parents may be able to get help providing protection and medical care for their pets.^2,13

Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea if You Live in Iowa

Like with any state, Iowa poses some unique risks to residents and their pets alike. Bobcats, rattlesnakes, black bears, and other dangerous animals are common in the state. Iowa also faces tornadoes, major floods, and extremely cold winter weather that could impact your pet’s health.³

With risks like these, you’ll want to ensure your fur babies are protected from any harm that may come their way. Having a pet insurance policy can help make sure your pets can receive the care they need, should you encounter dangerous wildlife or experience a natural disaster.

For a monthly premium, pet insurance can help cover the cost of veterinary care for injury, illness, and even preventative care for your pets, depending on your policy details.¹³

Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?

While there are numerous options available for pet insurance, pet parents are likely looking for what they consider to be the best pet insurance in Iowa. MetLife Pet Insurance won the “Pet Insurance of the Year” award from Pet Independent Innovation Awards in 2024, making it a potentially excellent choice for helping you protect your pets.

Here are some potential benefits of enrolling with MetLife Pet Insurance:

• Dogs and cats of all ages and breeds can be covered.
• Up to three cats or dogs can be included in the same policy, with one monthly premium and a shared deductible.⁴
• Claims are typically processed and paid within 10 days.⁵
• We work with all licensed veterinary providers in the United States.
• Pre-existing conditions don’t necessarily exclude your pets from coverage.⁶

MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in Iowa. See What’s Covered

MetLife Pet Insurance policies can work with you and your lifestyle. Policies can be customized to fit your individual needs. Your specific coverage details will depend on your policy, but here are a few things we can routinely cover:

• Injury, accidents, and illnesses
• Emergency care
• Lab tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work
• Prescriptions
• Surgery
• Exams
• Hospitalizations

Check out MetLife’s Pet Insurance coverage and exclusions for a full list of what can be covered.

How Much Does Pet Insurance in Iowa Cost?

MetLife Pet insurance can cost as low as $9 per month for cats and $15 per month for dogs.⁷ However, the individual cost of your plan depends on your zip code, as well as your pet’s breed, sex⁴, age, and the extent of the coverage you need.

Typically, policies for pets in smaller cities, like Dyersville, will cost less than policies in more populated areas, like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids. To get a more specific estimate of how much pet insurance costs, get a free quote in just a few easy steps.

Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in Iowa

Still not sure if pet insurance is the right choice for you and your pet? Let’s check out a few examples of claims MetLife Pet has paid to pet owners in Iowa.⁸

• About $400 paid — This helped cover a gastroenteritis treatment for a 4-year-old mixed breed dog in Marion, IA.
• Nearly $300 paid — A routine wellness exam for an 11-year-old mixed breed dog got coverage in Polk City, IA.
• Around $200 paid — This helped to provide financial relief for a 2-year-old mixed breed dog’s environmental allergy treatment in Clive, IA.

Notable claim in IA

When a 1-year-old Australian shepherd named Sadie started experiencing urinary incontinence, her owner brought her into the vet right away. Sadie’s treatment cost her pet parents more than $1,300. With MetLife Pet Insurance, they were able to get almost $900 of that cost reimbursed to them. Sadie is currently happy, healthy, and accident-free at home.

Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in Iowa

Living in Iowa, you’re likely familiar with the extreme temperatures in the winter and summer months. You may also be aware of the risks posed by the local wildlife.

Here are some common injuries and illnesses to pets in the Hawkeye State:

• Ticks and tick-borne diseases: With many Iowans taking advantage of the beautiful scenery surrounding them by going on nature walks with their pets, ticks are a major risk. Tick bites can lead to tick-borne diseases in both humans and pets, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.⁹
• Rabies: If your pet comes into contact with a wild animal infected with rabies, it could be passed to them. If you suspect your pet has been bitten or injured by an animal with rabies, it is recommended to get them to a vet for immediate treatment.
• Burnt paw pads: Because Iowa experiences such hot summers, your pet’s paw pads are at risk for burns. If you take your dog out for a walk on the pavement, make sure to protect their paws.
• Overheating: With such hot summers, dogs and cats are prone to dehydration and overheating. It’s important to make sure your pets drink plenty of water during the summer months and don’t spend too much time in the hot sun. Also, make sure not to leave your pet inside a hot car.¹⁰

Iowa Plants That Can Be Poisonous to Pets

Plants and flowers can make for a beautiful photo backdrop, but there are a number of plants in Iowa that are typically poisonous to your four-legged friends.¹¹ These can include:

• Bird of Paradise
• Lilies
• English Ivy
• Jimsonweed
• Ground Cherry
• Larkspur
• Red Maple
• Wisteria
• Sweet Pea
• Jasmine
• Eucalyptus

Most Popular Dog Breeds in Iowa

Here are the top three dog breeds in Iowa and some common health problems these breeds typically face:¹²

1. Labrador retrievers: This loyal and energetic breed is prone to arthritis, lipomas (fatty tumors), kennel cough, and joint stiffness.
2. German shepherds: Known for being protective and faithful, German shepherds tend to be predisposed to ear infections, eye problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy.
3. Golden retriever: Fun and friendly, goldens may be predisposed to obesity, colitis, and hypothyroidism

Adoptable Dogs and Cats in Iowa

Now that you feel confident in knowing how to keep dogs and cats safe in Iowa, it may be time to find your new best friend. With more than 700 adoptable dogs and over 1,000 adoptable cats, there’s no shortage of pets in need of good homes in the state.

If You Live in Iowa, Consider Insuring Your Pet

We know keeping your pets happy and healthy is your top priority. While pet parents want to help protect their pets from any and all harm, there can be risks. A pet insurance policy from MetLife Pet can help pet parents afford their pet’s veterinary bills without breaking the bank.¹³ Get a free quote now so you can spend less time worrying and more time playing fetch.