Maximise your pet insurance: Tips for multi-pet households

IIf your home feels more like a small zoo than a quiet whare, you’re not alone. Many Kiwi households share their lives with two, three, or even more pets. While the love multiplies, so can the costs. But the good news is that with a bit of planning, pet insurance can make managing a multi-pet household far easier on both your wallet and your stress levels.

Why pet insurance matters in multi-pet households

When you’ve got multiple pets, the chances of needing vet care naturally multiplies.

Pet insurance can help take the pressure off by covering eligible vet bills in the event of an accident or injury. For households with several animals, having cover in place can help reduce financial stress in unexpected events.

Imagine one pet needs emergency treatment, the same week another needs routine care. Without insurance, costs can stack up quickly, sometimes forcing tough decisions no pet owner wants to make. Having cover in place means you can focus on taking care of your pets even when life throws a few curveballs at once.

It’s especially important if your pets are different ages. Puppies and kittens are curious and accident-prone, while older pets may need ongoing care as they age. Insurance can help give you peace of mind across every life stage.

Understanding multi-pet discounts and how they work

One of the biggest perks for multi-pet households is the availability of multi-pet discounts. These are designed to recognise that caring for more than one animal comes with extra costs.

With various insurance providers, including SPCA Pet Insurance, you may be eligible for a discount when you insure more than one pet on your policy. Each pet still has their own cover and benefits, but the discount can help reduce the overall premium.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Each pet is assessed individually based on factors like age and breed
• Discounts usually apply to additional pets rather than the first one
• Cover levels can differ between pets, depending on their needs

If you’re weighing up different options, it’s worth understanding the types of pet insurance available so you can choose what works best for each animal.

Choosing the right cover for each pet

In a multipet household, it often makes sense to tailor your insurance cover to each animal rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Each pet’s age, lifestyle, and health history can influence the type and level of cover to ensure their needs are met.

For example, your energetic young dog may need a different cover level to your senior cat. Matching each pet’s policy to their individual needs helps you get the most value from your insurance.

Think about:

• Your pet’s age and life stage
• Breed-specific health risks
• How active they are day to day

Tips to get the most value from your policy

Once your pets are insured, a few smart habits can help you maximise the benefits.

• Review your policies regularly: As pets age, their needs change. Reviewing the cover annually ensures it still suits your household
• Keep good health records: Regular check-ups and up-to-date vaccinations can help with claims and early detection of issues
• Plan ahead: If you’re thinking about adopting or bringing home another animal, organising insurance early can help protect them from day one
• Keep your insurer updated: If your pet is desexed, changes living arrangements, or moves from a mixed indoor-outdoor lifestyle to a solely indoor one, updating your policy can help ensure your cover remains accurate and relevant
• Understand waiting periods and exclusions: Knowing when your cover starts, and what isn’t included, helps avoid surprises
• Use your cover consistently: Don’t always think about insurance during big emergencies, but use it to support treatment for illnesses that may develop over time. Claiming early and following vet advice can help prevent small issues from becoming bigger, more costly problems

At the end of the day, pet insurance isn’t just about saving money, should something unexpected happen. It’s about knowing you can say “yes” without hesitation to any treatment your pets may need.

If you’re adopting from the SPCA or planning to welcome another pet into your whānau, organising insurance early can help set everyone up for a smoother start together. Discover how SPCA Pet Insurance may be able to help you maximise value for every pet in your care.