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Does pet insurance cover separation anxiety in dogs?
Does pet insurance cover separation anxiety in dogs?

Yahoo

time7 hours ago

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Does pet insurance cover separation anxiety in dogs?

Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues in dogs, affecting up to 20% of pups. And it's more than just a little whining at the door. Dogs with separation anxiety can experience real distress that leads to destructive behavior, accidents in the house, and even self-harm. Pet insurance might help cover anxiety-related treatment, but only in certain cases. Most policies won't cover separation anxiety if it's a preexisting condition. But if it's eligible for coverage, your vet typically needs to diagnose the condition and prescribe specific treatments, like behavioral therapy or medication. Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide What is separation anxiety in dogs? Separation anxiety is a behavioral condition that shows up when you leave your dog alone and they become extremely distressed. While some pets may bark or pace when you head out the door, dogs with true separation anxiety often display intense, persistent symptoms that don't go away with time. Separation anxiety in dogs typically stems from a fear of abandonment, past trauma, a new home environment, or sudden schedule changes — though it can also show up unexpectedly in pets that have never had issues before. Genetics can also play a role. Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to separation anxiety, including French bulldogs, dachshunds, Labrador retrievers, and more. If left untreated, separation anxiety can have a major impact on your dog's quality of life (and yours too). But with the right combination of training, support, and in some cases medication, most dogs can recover or manage symptoms long term. Symptoms and signs of separation anxiety in dogs Behaviors can vary, but here are some common signs your dog might have separation anxiety: Excessive barking, whining, or howling when left home alone Destructive chewing, digging, or scratching, especially near doors or windows Attempts to escape confined spaces (like crates or rooms) Pacing or restlessness before you leave or after you're gone Accidents in the house, including urinating or defecating Excessive drooling or salivating, panting, or trembling when alone Coprophagia (eating their own excrement) Don't rule out medical issues: Medical problems like urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, or neurological conditions can sometimes mimic symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs. For example, your dog may start having accidents in the house because of a urinary tract infection. Or they may have excessive drooling and restlessness if there's a neurological issue. Your vet can help confirm a diagnosis and recommend the right treatment plan. Up Next Up Next How to treat separation anxiety in dogs Many dogs with separation anxiety benefit from a combination of training, environmental changes, and medication. Here are some common treatment strategies: Desensitization and counterconditioning. These house training techniques gradually teach your dog that being alone isn't scary. For example, you might start by leaving the house for a minute or two, then slowly build up to longer periods of time. You can pair departures with positive reinforcement, like puzzle toys or treats (even peanut butter!). Environmental support. When you're gone, create a safe, calming space for your dog. This might include white noise, calming diffusers, or anxiety vests. Interactive toys and snuffle mats can also help redirect your dog's energy in healthy ways. Professional training. For more severe cases, consider working with a certified separation anxiety trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Some pet insurance providers (like Embrace or MetLife with a preventive care add-on) may reimburse you for this kind of training if a vet prescribes it. Medication. In moderate to severe cases, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medications or supplements to reduce distress while you work on training. These are often used short term, though some anxious dogs may need longer-term support. What happens if it goes untreated? Separation anxiety can show up in ways that feel heartbreaking and hard to manage — whining at the door, shredding the couch, skipping meals, or pacing for hours. Left untreated, this can affect how your dog feels and their health, and leave you emotionally spent. Cost of separation anxiety treatment You'll likely do a mix of trial and error to figure out what your pup responds to, so there's no one set price tag. But here's a theoretical ballpark look at what real-life treatment might involve: Vet visits to rule things out: $70 to $174 Most treatment plans start with a vet exam to make sure there's no underlying medical condition behind your dog's behavior problems. Professional training or behavior therapy: $600 to $900 per month Working with a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can be a game changer, but it isn't cheap. Some pet insurance companies might reimburse part of the cost if it's prescribed as behavior modification therapy, but most do not. Anti-anxiety prescription medication: $5 to $80+ per month Medications like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) are commonly used to take the edge off severe anxiety. But the cost will depend on dosage, brand, your vet, and your location. Calming aids and treats: $10 to $100+ Think puzzle feeders, pheromone sprays, thunder shirts, and calming chews. Some pet parents find them helpful, while others don't. Either way, you may find yourself experimenting to find out how your pet responds best. Boarding or doggy day care: $40 per day If your dog can't be left alone safely, day care or in-home help may be part of the short-term solution. You could even ask a family member or dog sitter if they're willing to help regularly. All told, the cost of managing separation anxiety could balloon depending on how severe it is and what mix of treatments you try. That's where pet insurance could help. Is anxiety covered by pet insurance? It depends. Many pet insurance companies offer coverage for behavioral conditions, including separation anxiety, but only with the following conditions: The anxiety is not preexisting (meaning symptoms didn't show up before your waiting period ended). A licensed veterinarian prescribes the treatment. Even then, coverage varies. Here's how a few pet insurance companies handle separation anxiety: Note: Pet insurance companies that cover behavioral therapy and prescription medication will only do so if it's prescribed for a covered condition. If anxiety isn't covered for your dog because of preexisting conditions, you won't get reimbursed for expenses. Learn more: The best pet insurance companies of 2025 Does pet insurance cover anxiety medication? Yes, in many cases, pet insurance covers anxiety medication, as long as it's prescribed by a vet to treat a covered behavioral condition. Many popular providers cover prescription medication, including Pets Best, MetLife, Spot, and ASPCA. You can add it to your Embrace plan for an extra fee. Here's what that might look like in practice: If your vet prescribes anxiety medication, like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), to treat separation anxiety, your pet insurance policy may reimburse a portion of the cost. Over-the-counter calming supplements, sprays, or treats won't typically be covered — unless your vet writes a prescription and your policy explicitly includes OTC meds. You may be able to use medications in combination with behavior training if your pet insurance plan covers both. Again, preexisting conditions are a major limitation. If your dog's separation anxiety showed up before your policy's effective date or during the waiting period, you likely won't get coverage, even for meds. Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers Separation anxiety in dogs FAQs How much do pet anxiety meds cost? Prescription medications for dog anxiety could cost between $5 and $80 or more per month, depending on the following: The drug being prescribed Dosage and frequency Your dog's size and weight Whether you buy generic or brand-name Some examples: Fluoxetine (Prozac): $6 for 60 capsules (20 mg per capsule) Clomicalm (Clomipramine HCl): $82 for 30 tablets (80 mg per tablet) Gabapentin (for situational anxiety): $10 for 120 capsules (100 mg per capsule) What if my dog's separation anxiety is already diagnosed? Your dog's separation anxiety may be considered preexisting if they showed signs or had it noted in their medical record before coverage began. That means you likely won't be reimbursed for treatment related to it — ever. Some insurers (like Spot) cover curable, preexisting conditions after a 180-day symptom-free period, but anxiety could be considered a chronic, incurable condition and excluded long-term. Are over-the-counter calming aids covered? Usually not. Most pet insurance plans only reimburse for prescription medications. Supplements, calming chews, pheromone sprays, and thunder shirts may not be covered unless your policy explicitly includes OTC treatments and your vet writes a recommendation. But always check with your pet insurance company first.

Owner whose dog died from attack wants compulsory pet insurance
Owner whose dog died from attack wants compulsory pet insurance

BBC News

time2 days ago

  • Health
  • BBC News

Owner whose dog died from attack wants compulsory pet insurance

A woman whose cockapoo died following an attack by a larger dog has launched a national campaign calling for mandatory pet Newbury from Bedfordshire said pursuing the dog's owner for £3,500 of vet fees had been "absolutely horrific" after Murphy died in had been walking him along a country lane when an off-lead dog "went for him", leaving Murphy with fatal injuries."I wouldn't want anyone to go through the trauma of this, but also the financial implications – it could ruin someone," she said. Her own pet insurance covered more than half of the £10,000 vet fees, but she was still left with a bill of £3,500."No one should go through the financial pressure of the other person not having the correct insurance," she said. Ms Newbury had raised Murphy from a pup and said the 10-year-old was "a loving little boy".The self-employed bookkeeper said: "I work from home, so he was with me all the time. He was quite anxious and just wanted to feel safe and loved."She said it was "a normal day" when they took a walk down a country lane, before spotting two large dogs off their leads in a neighbouring field."I thought I'd avoid the field, as Murphy was anxious," she said."But one of them came charging at him and just went for him. He didn't stand a chance."I was screaming and begging the dog's owner to put it back on a lead." Warning: this report contains some distressing details Ms Newbury could see Murphy was bleeding, but the extent of his injuries was not clear until she took him to the animal discovered four broken ribs, internal bleeding and extensive crush back was punctured and the muscle severely emergency surgery, Murphy's heart stopped two days later and he passed away."They hoped he would pull through, but it was too much for him," Ms Newbury said."He went through hell." She has now launched a petition calling on the government to introduce "Murphy's Law" - requiring all dog owners to have third-party pet the other dog's owner admitting fault, Ms Newbury said they had refused to cover the cost of Murphy's treatment."Financially, I think I shouldn't be in this situation when I was responsible and had insurance," she said. "They owned up, went to the police, did what they had to do, but it's all on me to chase everything. It's exhausting, especially while grieving." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Exotic pet insurance: How it works
Exotic pet insurance: How it works

Yahoo

time14-07-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Exotic pet insurance: How it works

Your ferret, iguana, parakeet, or tortoise might not seem so exotic to you. In fact, you might consider your pet part of the family — just like cat and dog owners think of their pets as fur babies. However, when it comes to getting pet insurance for your bird, reptile, amphibian, or small mammal, they're considered exotic in the eyes of insurers. That means if you want coverage to help pay for veterinary care, you need to understand the ins and outs of exotic pet insurance. Learn more: How does pet insurance work? A complete guide. Exotic pet insurance reimburses you for certain costs of medical care if your pet has an accident, injury, or illness. However, only a few insurance companies offer coverage for exotic pets. Although most pet insurance providers solely cover cats and dogs, MetLife and Nationwide offer insurance for exotic pets as well. Pet Assure also offers a wellness plan that reimburses routine exotic pet care expenses. Learn more: MetLife pet insurance review If your pet needs medical treatment, you can use a veterinarian of your choice, then submit a claim to be reimbursed for expenses your policy covers. Typically, you'll be required to include a detailed invoice from your vet visit and your pet's medical records with your claim. To be clear, not all medical expenses are covered, and the reimbursement you receive is determined by the following: Annual deductible. This is the amount you must pay for your pet's medical expenses before insurance starts providing reimbursement. Reimbursement percentage. This is the portion of your vet bill the insurer will pay for covered expenses once you've met your deductible. For example, Nationwide offers reimbursement options of 50%, 60%, 70%, or 80% for its exotic pet insurance plans. Maximum annual benefit. This is the total amount your insurance will pay each year for all claims. Example: Let's say your pet swallows something, and the vet bill to remove it is $1,000. If your deductible is $300 and your reimbursement rate is 80%, you would be reimbursed $560 ($1,000 - $300 x 80%). 'Exotic pet' is a term used to describe animals that aren't domesticated. Technically, an exotic animal is a wild animal that comes from a different continent than where you live, according to the American Humane Society. For insurance purposes, pets other than cats and dogs — birds, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals — are considered exotic pets. Whether your specific exotic pet will be covered depends on the insurance company. But here are a few examples of what some pet insurers offer: Amphibians and reptiles Birds Ferrets Goats Hedgehogs Opossums Pigs Rabbits Small rodents Amphibians and reptiles (including lizards, snakes, and tortoises) Birds Ferrets, hedgehogs, rodents, and other small mammals Goats Guinea pigs Mini pigs Every member of the animal kingdom is covered under its wellness plan. Endangered or threatened species Fish Horses Livestock Endangered or threatened species Poisonous or venomous species Species kept in flocks Species that are hybrids of domesticated and wild animals Species that are illegal to own or require a permit, license, or registration by state or federal law The types of conditions and treatments that are covered can vary depending on the type of pet and insurance company. In general, though, exotic pet insurance covers costs related to the following: Bladder infections Cardiovascular disorders Dehydration and constipation Diagnostic tests Diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders Emergency dental treatment Excessive egg laying Eye infections Infectious diseases Internal parasites Medications Prescription food Skin and shell disorders Upper respiratory infections Nationwide offers wellness coverage only for birds, which can help cover the cost of physical exams, beak trims, wing trims, nail trims, parasite tests, parasite prevention, parasite treatment, and more, according to a Nationwide spokesperson. Pet Assure doesn't cover unexpected accidents or illness, but its Mint Wellness plans reimburse for routine care, such as wellness visits, vaccinations, blood work, fecal tests, and dental care. Learn more: Your guide to what pet insurance covers Like pet insurance for cats and dogs, exotic pet insurance generally won't cover preexisting conditions. A preexisting condition is typically defined as a condition your pet showed signs of, was diagnosed with, or was treated for before the start of your policy or during the waiting period. However, if your pet has a curable condition and has been symptom-free for a certain period of time, the insurer might cover the condition. For example, Nationwide allows policyholders to request reviews of preexisting conditions that have been cured. Also, exotic pet insurance typically doesn't cover: Routine preventive care Cosmetic and elective procedures Grooming Injuries or illnesses resulting from neglect or intentional acts Injuries or illnesses resulting from the commercial use of an animal or racing Obedience training Learn more: Does pet insurance cover vaccines? Exotic pets can have different medical needs compared to domesticated pets like cats and dogs. Plus, illnesses and conditions can vary greatly depending on the species. Some common medical problems among exotic pets include: Abscesses Bladder stones Feather picking and loss Foreign body ingestion Intestinal issues Mouth rot Pneumonia Pet insurance policies typically have waiting periods before coverage begins. MetLife has a 14-day waiting period for illness coverage and no waiting period for accidents and injuries. Nationwide states that coverage for most plans begins after a 14-day waiting period. The cost of exotic pet insurance can vary depending on the coverage you choose, your location, and the type of pet you have. MetLife pet insurance policies are customizable, so prices vary, according to a MetLife spokesperson. Call 877-570-1173 for a quote. Nationwide states on its website that plans start as low as $9 a month, but the most popular plans are about $20 a month. Call 844-397-8937 for a quote. Pet Assure offers three Mint Wellness plans: Basic reimburses up to $350 in care costs for $18 a month Essential reimburses up to $650 in care costs for $34 a month Premium reimburses up to $1,100 in care costs for $57 a month Learn more: Is pet insurance worth it? How to decide. Yes, both MetLife and Nationwide allow pet owners to cancel their policies. If you cancel a MetLife policy within 30 days and haven't filed any claims, you'll get a full refund of your premium. With Nationwide policies, you can get your money back if you haven't filed any claims and cancel within a certain period of time that varies by state, ranging from 10 to 30 days. Owning certain exotic pets can pose risks because their behavior can be more unpredictable. If your pet were to injure someone else, you could be on the hook for their medical bills or potentially face legal action. Exotic animal liability insurance can help cover these costs. For example, Prime Insurance and XInsurance offer liability policies that will cover costs if your exotic pet injures someone or damages their property. And it will help cover legal costs if you go to court. Pets covered include big cats and monkeys, birds, rabbits, reptiles, and other more common nontraditional pets. According to the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation, caring for an exotic pet can be more expensive than caring for a cat or dog. Plus, vets are less likely to provide care for exotic pets, so exotic pet owners might have to travel longer distances to get care for their animals, adding to the overall cost of pet ownership. Learn more: The best pet insurance companies Because it can help offset the cost of unexpected accidents and illness, and the wellness plan from Pet Assure can cover routine care costs, exotic pet insurance might be worth the cost. Consult with your vet to understand what care expenses you might face with an exotic pet to determine whether exotic pet insurance makes sense for you. Tim Manni and Jamie Young edited this article

Spot Pet Insurance Launches an ExclusivePet Rx Program Exclusively for Sam's Club Members
Spot Pet Insurance Launches an ExclusivePet Rx Program Exclusively for Sam's Club Members

Yahoo

time10-07-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Spot Pet Insurance Launches an ExclusivePet Rx Program Exclusively for Sam's Club Members

Sam's Club Members Receive Up to 15% Discounted Spot Coverage Plans MIAMI, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spot Pet Insurance, the fastest-growing pet insurance provider in North America,1 has launched a unique program exclusively for Sam's Club members. Sam's Club members can receive up to a 15% plan discount plus an additional 10% multi-pet discount on all added pets after the first2, access to over 110 pet medications at Sam's Club pharmacies for $80 or under7, and Spot's highly customizable pet insurance plans, designed to meet the needs of today's pet parents. "Pet owners can often face overwhelming financial challenges when it comes to their pets' health, with unexpected emergencies frequently exceeding $1,0008," said Spot Pet Insurance CEO Trey Ferro. "At Spot, we're committed to being a critical lifeline, offering affordable and impactful plan options to help ensure pets can get the care they need with less financial strain." The program for Sam's Club members from Spot Pet Insurance represents a significant evolution in how pet insurance and health benefits are delivered to consumers. Traditionally offered online, through veterinarians, or at adoption centers, pet insurance is giving Sam's Club members exclusive access to discounted premiums and, for the first time, lower prices on pet prescription medications. "Spot is launching the first of its kind pet prescription benefit program fully integrated with participating Sam's Club's retail pharmacies — eliminating pharmacy claim paperwork and reimbursement delays" said Sherri Keeth Sam's Club VP/DMM, Healthcare & OTC. "More than 110 commonly prescribed pet medications will be available directly at Sam's Club pharmacies for $80 or under, including treatments for allergies, anxiety, and more. Members can also have access to essentials like a select flea, tick, and heartworm preventative medication for cats and a select heartworm preventative medication for dogs for no out of pocket cost. " By incorporating these benefits into its member perks, Spot is introducing a new model that delivers meaningful savings to pet owners right at the point of purchase. In addition to the prescription benefit, Spot's customizable plans offer a level of flexibility and comprehensive coverage that is unmatched in the market.3 This program reflects Spot's overarching mission to help pets lead longer, healthier lives by helping to make pet insurance more accessible to all pet owners. Founded to address the significant gap in pet insurance adoption in the United States, Spot Pet Insurance has helped revolutionize the industry with a digital-first, direct-to-consumer approach—a bold strategy when the company first launched. At the time, about 2.8% of U.S. pet owners had insurance coverage for their pets, a stark contrast to the 30% penetration rate in the UK.4,5 Spot's innovative model, leveraging social media, celebrity partnerships, and an exceptionally user friendly experience, has helped increase the number of insured pets in the U.S. to 3.7%,6 making Spot one of the industry leaders in growth. About Spot Pet InsuranceSpot Pet Insurance is a passionate team of pet-health-obsessed pet parents driven by a shared vision to educate, empower, and engage pet lovers about the benefits of pet insurance. They aim to help pet owners pay for covered veterinary bills, ensuring that their dogs and cats can lead healthier, happier lives. To learn more about Spot Pet Insurance, please visit Sources: According to Similarweb's official 100 fastest-growing companies online report. 15% strategic partner discount available on every pet. 10% strategic partner discount in CA, MT, ND, NJ, NY. 5% in WA. Not available in HI, TN, or Puerto Rico. An additional 10% multi-pet discount available on all added pets after the first. Discounts vary and are subject to change. Based on MarketWatch's ratings of Best Pet Insurance Companies of June 2024, comparing 33 pet insurance providers North American Pet Insurance Industry Surpasses $3.5 Billion." NAPHIA, NAPHIA, 4 May. 2023, "Pet Industry M&A Update - Q2 2023." R. L. Hullet, "Pet Health Insurance Industry Continued Exceptional Growth Rate in 2023." NAPHIA, NAPHIA, 10 Apr. 2024, Exclusively available to Sam's Club members who are current Spot Pet Insurance policyholders. Prices listed in the program are based on specific quantities and manufacturers. Prices are subject to change without notice. The program prices apply only when the quantity filled matches the quantity specified on the program; higher doses may cost more. Program prices are available through participating Sam's Club pharmacies within the Spot Pet Rx Program and cannot be combined with other offers or insurance. Not available in VA or Puerto Rico or on Covered drugs may vary and subject to change without notice. The program price is not available if a drug is part of a compounded prescription. Program prices are not available to the general public and do not constitute Sam's Club usual and customary prices. Taxes or other fees may apply. Other restrictions apply. Terms subject to change without notice. Please consult with your veterinarian before administering any medications to your pets. Special pricing only available with Spot Pet Rx Program. See for more details. "Pet Insurance Statistics 2025" Forbes Advisor, Jan. 2, 2025, Independent and paid ad from Spot Pet periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms visit Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. More information available at checkout. Insurance plans are underwritten by either Independence American Insurance Company (NAIC #26581. A Delaware insurance company located at 11333 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste. 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254) or United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), and are produced by Spot Pet Insurance Services, LLC. (NPN # 19246385. 990 Biscayne Blvd Suite 603, Miami, FL 33132. CA License #6000188). View original content: SOURCE Spot Pet Insurance

How Grocery Data Can Be A Powerful Tool For Pet Insurance Marketing
How Grocery Data Can Be A Powerful Tool For Pet Insurance Marketing

Forbes

time10-07-2025

  • Business
  • Forbes

How Grocery Data Can Be A Powerful Tool For Pet Insurance Marketing

Jon Jacobson is CEO of privacy-preserving data collaboration platform business Omnisient. Pet insurers today operate in an environment shaped by privacy regulations, declining third-party data access and increasingly cost-sensitive consumers. As traditional methods of identifying and engaging pet owners are becoming less effective, more companies are finding grocery shopping data to be a compelling alternative: a high-frequency, real-world signal that reflects real intent and enables timely, relevant engagement. The Behavioral Signals Of Pet Food Grocery data can help to accurately detect pet ownership. The presence of recurring purchases like dog food, cat litter or even specialty pet treats across a loyalty card dataset signals the presence of a pet in the household. It helps reveal not just pet ownership, but also pet type, size and even life stage. (Think kitten formula or senior dog supplements.) In marketing, timing is everything. Most insurers don't know someone is a pet owner until they fill out a form or respond to an ad. Grocery data, on the other hand, helps detect pet ownership from day one or even earlier. When someone starts buying puppy food, a dog bed or dog toys, they've probably recently adopted a dog. Reaching a consumer with a personalized insurance offer in the first few days of pet ownership can increase conversion rates and cement brand loyalty before competitors do. Unlike datasets that degrade over time or rely on once-off interactions, grocery purchases occur weekly (even daily) and offer a dynamic and current view of customer behavior. This helps pet insurers track lifestyle changes, refine pricing and underwriting using real-world behavior and identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities continuously. • New Pet: Sudden purchases of kitten or puppy products • Life Stage: Transition to senior food or health supplements • Budget Consciousness: Shift from premium to budget or store-brand products • Onboarding Offers: Discounts for new pets, multi-pet coverage • Wellness Add-Ons: Recommend preventative or holistic coverage options • Flexible Support: Payment relief or loyalty benefits for financially stressed customers These personalized, timely interventions can help build trust and emotional connection that turn transactional policyholders into loyal, long-term customers. Challenges And Pitfalls Of Grocery-Based Targeting While grocery data offers a promising window into pet ownership, it's not without its potential challenges. To use it effectively, insurers must understand its limitations and develop methods to overcome them. Accessing grocery data in a privacy-compliant and secure manner is critical. Grocery data resides with retailers, requiring insurers to collaborate without breaching consumer privacy. Ensuring that insights are shared and modeled without exposing personally identifiable information (PII) is critical, which I'll discuss more in the following section. Consumer perception and trust must also be considered. Even when data is anonymized, some consumers may feel uneasy receiving a pet insurance offer shortly after adopting a dog or cat. Transparency, clear opt-in mechanisms and value exchange messaging (e.g., 'We use anonymous shopping behavior to offer more relevant coverage options') are essential to ensuring consumers feel informed and respected. For additional guidance on how to use grocery data ethically and avoid missteps, see our recent piece on the ethics of consumer data. Another nuance is the lack of context which can lead to false positives. For example, a shopper might buy dog food for a neighbor or a household may be fostering a pet temporarily. This makes it essential for insurers to combine grocery signals with other indicators such as frequency, recency and breadth of pet-related purchases to build higher-confidence models. In short, grocery data is powerful but should not be used in isolation. By pairing it with robust governance, transparent practices and technical safeguards, insurers can tap into its potential responsibly and effectively. Connecting The Dots With Privacy In Mind Successfully leveraging grocery data begins with internal readiness. Insurers should start by examining their own first-party data for behavioral signals of pet ownership drawn from existing pet policyholders. Indicators such as prior claims activity, lifestyle product purchases or engagement patterns can be used to build or refine predictive models to identify similar signals across the broader customer base. Next, explore compliant partnerships with grocery retailers or their retail media networks to reach relevant audiences. There are a couple of ways to do this: Securely overlapping anonymized policyholder data with a grocery retailer via a privacy-preserving data collaboration platform enables both parties to analyze shared behavioral patterns without ever exchanging PII. This allows the insurer and the retailer to build predictive models and segment audiences to identify likely pet owners while maintaining full compliance with data privacy regulations. Running campaigns through the retailer's media network allows insurers to reach anonymized pet-owning segments curated by the retailer without needing direct access to the data. Licensing second-party data through a trusted partner such as a pet store, pet-focused app or another pet-affiliated business via a data clean room can provide a secure and compliant way to test and implement pet-owner targeting strategies using already opt-in, privacy-compliant data. In all cases, running a proof-of-concept first allows insurers to validate results, optimize targeting strategies and ensure transparency and trust remain at the center of any new data initiative. The Secure, Privacy-Compliant Way Forward In Precision Marketing Grocery purchase data provides a rare combination of behavioral precision, recency and scale that offers insurers a way to understand and connect with pet owners and engage earlier in the customer journey. As insurers look for ways to improve both acquisition and retention, customer insights gained from grocery shopping data in a secure and privacy-compliant environment may just be the next big thing in pet insurance marketing. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?

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