Whether you’re one of the many who own a dog or count yourself among cat owners, your fur baby is a part of the family. But are you aware of some of the major risks to pets in the Granite State?
Keep reading for a breakdown of what dangers a New Hampshire pet owner should be aware of and why investing in the award-winning MetLife Pet Insurance1 might help you make sure your fuzzy companions get the care they deserve.
Looking for Pet Insurance in New Hampshire?
Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea if You Live in NH
At MetLife, we know how hard it can be to give your pets the life they deserve. Whether you’re in the heart of Concord or on the edge of the wild, there are some risks to pets that every owner should know about.
Storms can pose a major hazard, even if your cat spends most of their days snoozing in a cozy bed. Nor’easter storms can cause dangerous power outages and make it hard to get to the veterinarian’s office during an emergency. Tropical storms can also cause outages along with flooding the New England coastline.
Even a sunny day out with the pooch could quickly take a turn for the worse. The vast wilderness of the White Mountain range is home to dangerous animals like bobcats, coyotes, wolves, and black bears. A run-in with any one of these critters could send your dog or cat to the vet for emergency treatment.
Regional risks aside, cats and dogs are also predisposed to certain genetic conditions and illnesses. Even if you avoid what nature has to throw at you and your pets, you may still end up having to deal with a major vet bill. That’s what pet insurance is designed to help with. For a monthly premium, you can get coverage at any licensed vet, emergency center, or clinic.
Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?
Keeping your pets happy and healthy can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to hurt your wallet. New Hampshire residents can take advantage of the same benefits that earned MetLife “Pet Insurance of the Year” in the 2024 Pet Independent Innovation Awards, including:2
- Rapid reimbursement: Once submitted, claims are typically processed and reimbursed within 10 days.3
- Family-style plans: Got a big pet family? Great! You can have up to three cats and/or dogs under one pet insurance plan.
- No age or breed limits: It doesn’t matter if your pooch is a purebred or a lovable mutt. At MetLife they’re eligible for coverage from tail to whiskers: any breed, any age.
- Short waiting periods: Accident and illness coverage can go into effect in less than a day after you’ve purchased your plan!4,5
How MetLife Pet Insurance Works in New Hampshire
Visit the vet you trust
Our network is your network. That means you’re free to visit any licensed vet, emergency clinic, or specialist in New Hampshire or anywhere in the U.S.
Send us the paperwork
Pay the vet bill, then send us the invoice, medical records, and your insurance claim.
Get reimbursed fast
If your claim is approved, you can get reimbursement in less than 2 weeks.
MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in the Granite State. See What’s Covered
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescription medication
- Surgery
- Emergency care
- Examinations
- Hospitalization
- Boarding
- Pet funerary services
For a closer look at what MetLife Pet Insurance does and doesn’t cover, check out our dog insurance and cat insurance pages.
How Much Is Pet Insurance? NH Cost Explained
MetLife pet insurance plans are designed to flex with your budget. A single plan can cost as low as $9 per month for cats and $15 per month for dogs.6 It’s important to note that monthly premiums can vary depending on where you live. Are you in or near a larger city, like Manchester or Nashua? What you pay at your veterinarian’s office may be higher than if you live in Exeter or Ossipee.
Zip codes aren’t all that can influence the cost of your veterinary care. Species, breed, sex,7 and age can all raise or lower your monthly payments. The same goes for the type of insurance plan you purchase. Get a free quote in just a few steps to quickly see what your rates could be.
Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in New Hampshire
When it comes to the benefits of pet insurance, you don’t have to take our word for it. Here are a few real-life pet emergencies and treatments that were covered by a MetLife plan:8
- More than $2,000 paid — This helped a 10-year-old mancoon find her balance again after being diagnosed with vestibular syndrome just outside Manchester, NH.
- About $1,500 paid — This covered a new puppy’s medicine after consuming chocolate near North Hampton, NH.
- More than $100 paid —This helped pay for a 10-year-old cat’s tooth removal near Nashua, NH.
- Around $800 paid — An exam to diagnose a 6-year-old mixed-breed dog with Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) got reimbursed in Seabrook, NH.
- About $400 paid — This assisted paying for a nail removal for a cat with a torn nail that lived south of Rochester, NH.
Notable claim in New Hampshire
Hannah, an American Labrador retriever, struggled to get through her typical five-mile walk. Her sudden change in breathing sent Hannah and her family to the animal hospital. While Hannah was recovering from pneumonia at the vet, her parents were left with a $7,600 bill. Luckily, they were able to get $4,800 to help cover the costs.8
Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is full of wilderness. While these forests and trails are perfect for exploring with your pup, they can also contain hidden dangers. From wild animals to infectious diseases, here are a few health hazards that should be on your radar:
- Lyme disease:9 Carried primarily by ticks, Lyme disease infects one in every 15 dogs in New Hampshire.10 Symptoms can include lethargy, low appetite, and even paralysis. Tick prevention for humans and pets alike can help to reduce the risk.
- Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC): New Hampshire saw an outbreak of CIRDC in November 2022.11 Accompanied by coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, this infection seems to be transmitted mainly through direct dog-to-dog contact.
- Canine influenza: New Hampshire is also a hotspot for dog flu, specifically the H3N8 strain.12 Because it’s a recent virus, dogs have no natural immunity to the flu. It’s recommended to get your dog vaccinated against it.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV):13 Cats who spend time in shelters or on the streets may contract FIV. Cats infected with FIV suffer from a weakened immune system, making them vulnerable to other diseases. A vet may be able to prescribe antiviral treatment to help manage FIV and its consequences.
- Heartworm disease in dogs and cats:14 Heartworm parasites are spread by the bite of a mosquito and they could be fatal if not treated. Prevention is a must for dogs and cats in New Hampshire, regardless of how much time they spend outdoors.
- Cyanobacteria:15 This microscopic lifeform inhabits waterways throughout New Hampshire. Animals (and humans!) that come in contact with cyanobacteria may also be exposed to dangerous toxins. Keep an eye out for ponds and lakes with a scummy surface.
- Coyotes and other wildlife:16 Packs of coyotes have been known to roam all 50 continental states,17 including New Hampshire. These canines can pose a serious risk to dogs and cats alike. Not only can they cause serious injury, but a coyote bite could also pass on rabies and other dangerous diseases.
New Hampshire Plants That Can Be Poisonous to Pets
Thousands of people flock to New Hampshire to witness the vivid turning of the colors of trees and other plants each fall. But while they are pretty to look at, there are plants local to New Hampshire that could be dangerous,18 including ones that may harm your pets if contacted:19
- Common pokeweed, aka “inkberry”19
- Giant hogweed20
- Poison hemlock21
- Poison sumac22
- Water hemlock23
Most Popular Dog Breeds in New Hampshire
Which dogs rank the highest in the Granite State? Here are the top three adopted breeds for New Hampshire and some common health problems faced by the breeds:24
- Labrador retriever: Energetic, but prone to obesity, eye disease, tumors, osteochondritis dissecans, and heart disease.
- German shepherd: This hardy breed is nevertheless vulnerable to upper respiratory infections, skin allergies, gastroenteritis, and ear infections.
- Golden retriever: Fun, energetic, and smart, goldens may be predisposed to hypothyroidism, bloat, colitis, and obesity.
Adoptable Dogs and Cats in NH
Petfinder lists thousands of adoptable dogs and adoptable cats awaiting a new home in New Hampshire. If you are looking to add a pet to your family, you can consider using it as a resource!
If You Live in New Hampshire, Consider Insuring Your Pet
New Hampshire may be small, but it’s big enough for thousands of pet lovers and their fur babies. Whether you share a Manchester loft with a cool cat or a mountainside cabin with an adventurous dog, taking care of your pet is a life-long commitment. Fetch your quote for MetLife Pet Insurance today.
We Can Help Cover Vet Bills
While You Focus on Your Pet’s Care