Award-Winning Pet Insurance For Dogs & Cats in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s official state dog is the American water spaniel, a fitting choice for a state that boasts 15,000 lakes, including bordering both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Wisconsin pet parents can be surrounded by an abundance of natural freshwater resources, rivers, and even waterfalls worth exploring.

However, with rising pet care costs it may be difficult to afford giving your pet the best care possible. MetLife’s award-winning pet insurance in Wisconsin helps and empowers pet owners to keep their pets healthy.¹

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

Those wonderful lakes in Wisconsin can put your dog at risk of drowning and may be home to ticks that make your pet sick. Plus, the harsh winters could cause health problems, as well as exacerbate existing issues.

A great way to be proactive about your pet’s health can be to consider investing in pet insurance. Wisconsin veterinary bills (and vet bills all across the country) can be expensive. But regular checkups, dental work, and access to emergency care can help you give your pet a longer, healthier life.

A pet health insurance policy can help provide peace of mind when paying those vet bills. This way their care can be the top priority, not the cost. Simply pay a monthly premium for coverage, and take your pet to any licensed veterinarian whenever they need medical care. You’ll pay the bill, but then you can submit the claim to your insurance carrier for up to 100% reimbursement on covered treatments.²

Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?

Every pet is different and every pet owner is different. With so many options, how can you find the best pet insurance? Wisconsin pet parents may choose to look to the 2024 Pet Independent Innovation Awards, which named MetLife “Pet Insurance of the Year.” MetLife’s flexibility, short waiting periods, and comprehensive coverage can make MetLife Pet a good option if you’re looking for the best pet insurance in Wisconsin. ³ Here’s a few reasons pet parents might choose us:

• Do you have multiple pets? We can cover up to three dogs or cats on a single policy.
• Do you have an elderly Siamese cat? We can cover dogs and cats of any age and breed.
• Do you want to choose your reimbursement or deductible rate? MetLife Pet can work with you to customize a rate that works for you.^4,5
• Do you want additional coverage beyond our basic plans? We offer Preventative Care and Wellness Plan add-ons for even more peace of mind.⁶

MetLife Pet Insurance Is Available in Wisconsin: See What’s Covered

MetLife’s comprehensive pet insurance can help cover injury and illness bills for your Wisconsin pets.² Plus, if you opt for our add-ons, you can even get routine checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and parasite treatment covered.⁶

To get started, let's take a look at what our standard plans may cover.

• Injury and illness care
• Emergency care
• Hospitalization
• X-rays, ultrasounds, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests
• Examinations
• Cruciate ligaments⁸
• Veterinary prescriptions
• Alternative therapies
• Certain foods for pets with dietary restrictions
• Many pre-existing conditions if you're switching from a different provider that already covered them⁹

How Much Is Pet Insurance in Wisconsin?

You may be trying to decide if pet insurance is worth it. Pet health insurance can be very affordable and can reimburse pet parents for up to 100% of covered claims.

MetLife policies start at $9 a month for cat insurance and $15 a month for dog insurance.¹⁰ The cost of your pet insurance policy will vary based on your pet’s age, sex¹¹, breed, and location. Your choice of coverage, deductible, and reimbursement rate will all also factor into the overall insurance cost in Wisconsin.

Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in Wisconsin

When you’re considering if pet insurance is right for you, it may help to see how it’s helped other Wisconsin pet owners. Let’s explore some recent claims MetLife reimbursed for local cat and dog owners.¹² You could have similar coverage for your furry family members with a pet insurance policy.

• Nearly $7,000 paid — This covered hospitalization for a 9-year-old mixed dog with a neoplasia (intestinal mass) in Madison, WI.
• About $700 paid — This provided coverage for a dental cleaning in a 13-year-old small mixed dog with periodontal disease in Appleton, WI.
• About $500 paid — This helped pay for an exam for a mixed puppy who swallowed a battery wrapper in Pewaukee, WI.
• About $500 paid — This covered treatment for a bite wound in an 8-year-old dachshund in Milwaukee, WI.
• About $200 paid — This assisted in paying for a prescription flea and tick control for a 1-year-old cat in Milwaukee, WI.

Notable claim in Wisconsin

Rosie, a 6-year-old mixed dog, tore her cruciate ligament in Milwaukee, WI. Her pet parents brought her to an animal hospital for emergency care, where she needed surgery to repair it. The surgery cost about $1,000, but their MetLife policy covered about $900. Rosie’s knee recovered nicely and she’s back on her little paws.

Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in The Badger State

Whether you’re a cat owner in La Crosse or a dog parent in Milwaukee, there are a few common pet injuries and illnesses in the state of Wisconsin you may want to know about.

• Blastomycosis: A rare but deadly fungal infection that can affect a dog or cat’s lungs. Mostly found in Wisconsin and other parts of the Midwest, blastomycosis is a fungus that grows in swampy areas, riverbanks, and moist soil. Early symptoms are trouble breathing, sores, limping, and vision problems.¹³
• Ticks: Tick bites can cause more than just irritation. Many ticks carry diseases that pose a threat to your pet. The three most common tick-borne illnesses in Wisconsin are Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosi. You can help protect your pet against ticks with a tick collar or a tick prevention treatment.¹⁴
• Parvo: Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a potentially fatal virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system and hearts of puppies. The virus is contagious and can remain stable on environmental surfaces for up to a year. You can protect your puppy by getting them vaccinated against parvo when they’re young.
• Atopy: Atopic dermatitis can be similar to environmental allergies. Like hay fever in humans, atopy can cause itching and swelling in dogs.
• Dog Flu: Doggie influenza is a contagious virus that can cause respiratory problems and even turn into pneumonia. It’s commonly spread in places where lots of dogs interact, like a dog park or kennel. There are two strains of the virus going around, and Wisconsin has experienced both.¹⁵

Wisconsin Plants That Can Be Poisonous to Pets

The Wisconsin Humane Society offers comprehensive lists of plants that may be toxic to cats and toxic to dogs.^16,17 The toxicity of the plants can range from mild irritation to organ failure. If you’re not sure about a plant, a good rule of thumb can be to not let your dog or cat consume any plants, whether indoor or outdoor.

Here are a few common Wisconsin plants that are potentially toxic to pets ^16,17

• Aloe vera
• Autumn crocus
• Baneberry
• English, Boston, and poison ivy
• Lilies
• Tulips
• Oak trees
• Oleander

Most Popular Dog Breeds in Wisconsin

Which dog breeds are the most adopted in Wisconsin? Here are the top three breeds in the state and some characteristics and health concerns pet parents should know about.¹⁸

1. Labrador retriever: Labs are Wisconsinites’ favorite breed. These playful dogs are always up for adventure, but they’re prone to obesity, heart disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, and cancer.
2. Golden retriever: Energetic and smart, goldens may be predisposed to hypothyroidism, obesity, and lipomas.
3. German shepherd: These loyal and bold dogs are prone to panosteitis, respiratory infections, otitis, and skin conditions.

Adoptable Dogs and Cats in Wisconsin

Pet ownership is a rewarding experience filled with lots of doggie kisses, cuddles, companionship, and adventures with your built in best friend. Are you considering becoming a Wisconsin pet parent? You can start by looking through PetFinder for adoptable dogs and adoptable cats in your area.

Adoption shelters in WI

Whether you want a dog or cat, adoption shelters in Wisconsin are ready to help! Check out one of them below and be sure to stop by if you’re local to see all the pets ready for adoption.

Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee Campus

4500 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208

If You Live in Wisconsin, Consider Insuring Your Pet

Whether you’re a dairy farmer, live near the cranberry bogs, or reside on one of the many lakes in Wisconsin, pet parents should always be wary of their pets’ health. MetLife offers flexible and comprehensive pet insurance. Wisconsin pet parents can rest in the fact that MetLife can help cover the health expenses for their furry family members.²That way you can focus more on belly rubs and petting rather than the vet bills. Get a free quote today!