From the peaks of Ashley National Forest and Salt Lake City’s surrounding area to the depths of Canyonlands National Park, Utah is brimming with breathtaking beauty. Whether you soak up this beauty by hiking with your dog or road tripping in an RV with your cat, keeping your pet in good health can help ensure memories are made for years to come.
Not all memories are made out there in the world — some of the best ones are made right in your home. However you make memories, MetLife Pet is dedicated to providing award-winning1 pet insurance to help make caring for your pet more affordable. Read on to learn more about how pet insurance can help you and your Utah pet.
Looking for Pet Insurance in Utah?
Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea if You Live in Utah
Your pet deserves the best care around. According to Metlife’s Pet Parent Study, 54% of pet owners are worried about being able to afford pet care costs in the future. Pet insurance works by reimbursing you for covered expenses — making pet care more affordable. You can get started with a low monthly premium and customize your policy from there to meet your needs.
With the wildlife, rugged terrain, cold winters, and hot summers, Utah pet parents may find themselves taking a surprise trip to the vet, which can help make investing in pet insurance worth it for some pet parents.
Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?
If you’re looking for the best pet insurance in Utah, MetLife Pet Insurance was awarded the “Pet Insurance of the Year” prize in 2024 by the Pet Innovation Awards. We know how important your furry friend is to you. They deserve the best care from Kanab all the way to Snowville.
Some of the perks that MetLife pet parents enjoy may include:
- Optional wellness coverage to help pay for routine checkups and vaccinations.3
- No age or breed exclusions with our policies.
- A short waiting period for accident and illness coverage.4,5
- Adding up to three dogs or cats on the same policy with one shared annual deductible.6
- A quick claim processing period with reimbursements typically paid within 10 days.7
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions is covered under certain circumstances.8
How MetLife Pet Insurance Works in Utah
Take your pet to the vet
When your pet needs care, take them to any licensed veterinarian, animal hospital, or clinic in Utah (or anywhere in the U.S.).
Send MetLife Pet your Claim
After you’ve paid your vet bill, submit your claim along with documentation from your visit.
Get reimbursed quickly
We’ll process your claim in less than 14 days and help reimburse you for covered expenses.2,7
MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in the Beehive State. See What’s Covered
MetLife Pet provides plenty of customizable coverage options. You can even adjust your reimbursement rate, coverage limit, and deductible to fit your pet’s needs or your lifestyle.9,10 Whether you dog hikes with you in Zion National Park or your cat sits on your lap while you sip coffee in Vineyard, MetLife can help with both dog insurance and cat insurance.
Additional coverage aside, here are some things we can typically cover:
- Diagnostic tests (including X-rays and ultrasounds)
- Exam fees
- Accidents and illnesses
- Emergency care and hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Medications
Check out our coverage and exclusions page for a more detailed list.
How Much Does Pet Insurance in Utah Cost?
A MetLife Pet Insurance policy can cost as low as $9 per month for a single cat and $15 per month for a single dog.11 This is just the baseline policy though, the cost of your pet insurance policy will depend on where you live and a few additional factors.
If you live in or near a larger city like Salt Lake City, you may pay more for veterinary care than if you live in a less populated or rural area like Moab or Garden City. Meanwhile, adding more pets or adjusting your deductibles and reimbursement rate can impact your monthly premium.
Your premium may also vary based on any optional coverage you add to your policy as well as the species, breed, sex12, and age of your pet.
Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in UT
No matter the size, unexpected vet bills can put a strain on your wallet. Whether it’s tooth extractions, neutering, or treatment for a bite wound, take a look at some of the claims we’ve paid to Utahn pet owners.13
- Over $1,950 paid — This helped pay for a 1-year-old mixed breed dog’s gastroenteritis exam in Salt Lake City.
- Over $560 paid — This helped provide financial relief for a 5-year-old Pomeranian’s shoulder surgery for a mast cell tumor in Draper.
- Over $280 paid — This provided financial help for a routine neuter surgery for a mixed breed kitten just outside of Provo.
- Over $185 paid — This helped pay for an eye exam for a Redbone coonhound puppy with conjunctivitis outside of St. George.
- Almost $135 paid — This provided coverage for a 6-year-old mixed breed dog’s environmental allergy prescription in Salt Lake City.
Notable claim in the Beehive State
It can stir up some worry when you find a lump on your pet, and this was true for Loa’s owners. A mixed breed pup at just 3 years old surely shouldn’t be getting lumps or bumps yet, they thought. After bringing Loa to an animal clinic in Salt Lake City to get it examined, the vet stated it was a dermal cyst — a fluid-filled lump underneath Loa’s skin.
After explaining that the cyst was virtually harmless, the vet gave Loa’s parents their recommended treatment. This unexpected vet visit cost Loa’s owners almost $380. Fortunately, they had a dog insurance policy and were able to get almost $340 reimbursed. Loa is doing just fine and is back to spending her days exploring Jordanelle State Park with her parents.13
Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in Utah
Roughly two thirds of Utah’s land is federally owned — dedicated to conservation, preservation, and recreation.14 While this makes for great adventures, it can come with risks for pets like interactions with wildlife and recreational activities that can cause injuries or illnesses. Here are some potential risks pet parents should watch out for across Utah:
- Interactions with wildlife: Utah is home to mammals and reptiles that can pose a threat to your pet. They may be at risk of being wounded, bitten, or poisoned by animals like bobcats, coyotes, great basin rattlesnakes, porcupines, and raptors.15
- Spiders and scorpions: With much of Utah considered an arid desert, there are plenty of chances for your dog or cat to come across various spiders and scorpions. They can be found in northern parts of the state as well, and not just outside. Some spiders and scorpions like to sneak into your home.16
- Worms: Pets can be at risk of worm infestations like hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and roundworms. Some infestations can be more dangerous than others. Yearly parasite prevention can help reduce the risk.17
- Canine distemper virus: Dogs can become infected with this virus through airborne exposure or by sharing food, water bowls, equipment, and toys with infected animals. Domestic dogs and wildlife can be infected so it may be a good idea to limit potential interactions and make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations.18
UT Plants That Can Be Poisonous to Pets
Much of Utah is dry and rocky with small bushes and desert plants. But there are also pine and juniper forests that cover parts of the state. When you’re venturing outside with your dog or cat, it’s important to know what plants can be harmful to them. Let’s take a look at some plants commonly found in Utah that can be poisonous to pets.
- Aloe vera
- Azaleas and rhododendrons
- Certain cacti varieties
- Cyclamen
- Junipers (needles and berries)
- Kalanchoe
- Oleander
- Sago palm
Note: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control has an extensive list of toxic plants.19
Beloved Dog Breeds in the Beehive State
If you’re like us, you love pet facts, and may be wondering what dog breeds Utahns love the most. Let’s see what the top 3 beloved dog breeds are across the state along with some potential health conditions to be aware of:20
- Labrador retriever: Adventurous, loyal, and a little bit goofy, this breed may be prone to hip dysplasia, heart disease, obesity, and progressive retinal atrophy.
- German shepherd: This athletic working dog is a fierce and loving companion. German shepherds may be predisposed to skin conditions like otitis, dermatitis, and pyoderma.
- Golden retriever: Happy-go-lucky and smart, this loyal pup may be predisposed to hot spots, hypothyroidism, lipoma, and hip dysplasia.
Adoptable Dogs and Cats in UT
Whether you already have a pet or are looking for your first, adopting a dog or cat is a great way to add joy to your life and theirs — and make space for another animal to be rescued. So now that you know what Utah pet parents should be aware of to help protect their pet, are you ready to adopt a furry friend?
Petfinder has you covered with cats and dogs of all sizes, breeds, and needs ready for adoption in Utah.
Utahns, Consider Insuring Your Pet
From dusty deserts and rugged mountains to bobcats and scorpions, there’s a lot in Utah that could pose a threat to your beloved furry friend. Even if your pet is more of an indoor lounger, you still have potential health conditions that may require a trip to the vet.
Luckily, a MetLife pet insurance policy can help you protect them and reimburse you for the care they need. Start today by getting a free quote. Let us help you foot the bill so you can focus on making the best memories with your pet.
Accidents Happen, Pet Insurance
Can Help