Pet Parent: frequently barked questions

So you’ve got your own place. You’ve kept the plants alive (so far). And lately, you’ve started browsing pet finders, lurking around the animal shelter and yearning for the pitter-patter of little paws. In short, you’re thinking that it’s time to invite a pet into your happy home. 

Bonus: Your landlord allows pets!

Bonus bonus: Toggle^® offers Pet Parent^® coverage as part of our renters insurance! 

What’s Pet Parent coverage? What does it cover? What does it not cover? You’re reading the right blog post, friend.

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Q: “The title of this article is ‘Frequently Barked Questions.’ That seems a little discriminatory, doesn’t it?”

A: It does seem that way, and we’re sorry. The truth is, we need to adhere to a strict character count with our blog titles, so we didn’t have room to say, “frequently barked, meowed, hissed, chirped, oinked, or otherwise asked questions.” As long as it’s not livestock, Pet Parent from Toggle covers any type of pet. Chances are, it will cover yours.

In fact, unlike other insurance companies, we don’t even discriminate among dog breeds. As long as your doggo doesn’t have a rap sheet — a documented history of undesirable behavior or biting — they’re as welcome to the Toggle family as they are in yours.

Q: “I already have pet insurance to cover veterinary care. Why would I need Pet Parent coverage?”

A: Great question! Pet Parent from Toggle isn’t “pet insurance.” It doesn’t cover veterinary expenses under normal circumstances. (There’s an exception, but we’ll get to that in a bit.)

Instead, Pet Parent is protection for you, as the parent of a pet, from any unforeseen troubles that might arise as a result of said pet parenthood. In short: It’s a good idea.

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Q: “Wait, pets can cause problems? But they’re so sweeeeeeet!”

A: You’re right. Pets are awesome. But yes, as with anything in life, there are times when pet parenthood isn’t all belly rubs and snuggles. And when those pet-related headaches arise — particularly in the form of pet-related damage and liability — Pet Parent can help ease the stress.

For starters, Pet Parent includes up to $100,000 for injury caused by your pet to another person (a person other than you or another insured). And that coverage extends anywhere outside your home, too.

^{Photo by Angelina Litvin on Unsplash}

But your pet wouldn’t hurt a fly? Maybe not. But not every injury is a dog bite, and not all injuries are caused by aggressive animals. Let’s say, for example, that your furry friend succumbs to their instincts and runs off after a squirrel in the park. In the process, they innocently and accidentally knock someone over. With Toggle Pet Parent coverage, you have liability protection.

Pet Parent also covers up to $500 for damage your pet might cause to your rental, over and above your security deposit. If you’re adopting a puppy, that can help provide some peace of mind. Don’t let their adorable faces fool you; those little rascals can definitely get up to no good, chewing up floors and walls when you’re not paying attention. Dogs with separation anxiety have the tendency to claw and dig at doors, door frames and windowsills when they’re left alone. Since Pet Parent covers the excess property damage, you’ll be able to focus your concern on what matters most — the safety and well-being of your pet.

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Pet Parent also covers up to $500 in boarding costs for your pet if a covered loss renders your apartment temporarily uninhabitable — if you suffer a fire or flood, for example, you can use that extra money to put your pet up safely while repairs are made.

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Q: “What about that veterinary thing you mentioned above?”

A: Oh yeah! Thanks for reminding us! In select states, Pet Parent will also cover up to $500 in veterinary care if your pet is injured as a result of covered loss to property — again, in a fire or flood, for example.

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Q: “Wow, this is all awesome! I wish Toggle could be my pet insurance company, too!”

A: Guess what? Now, we can! That’s right, we can finally let the cat out of the bag (metaphorically speaking, of course, because putting cats in bags just to let them out is cruel, and come to think of it, how are we still using that metaphor??). All of us at Toggle are excited to announce that we now offer pet insurance through Pets Best!

No one should have to choose between costly vet bills and their beloved furry-baby’s health. So give your pet the gift of good health and get reimbursed for up to 90% of eligible veterinary bills.¹ Pets Best has a range of plan options starting as low as $1/month.²

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Q: “Pets Best! I’ll check it out, for sure. Meanwhile, is there any legal mumbo jumbo you’re required to add?”

A: Glad you asked. Legal mumbo jumbo, comin’ atcha: Pet insurance coverage is offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC and is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company. Please visit www.americanpetinsurance.com to review all available pet health insurance products. Pets Best and the insurer are not affiliated with Toggle. The pet insurance insurer (American Pet Insurance Company) has sole financial responsibility for their products and services.

 ^{Photo by Brittney Weng on Unsplash}

Q: “This probably couldn’t get any better for pet parents, right? I mean, that would be bananas!”

A: Believe it or not, you’re wrong. It does get better! Because now, Toggle customers will have discounted access to FirstVet, which provides video consultations with experienced vets, 24/7, from the comfort of your home. When your pet isn’t feeling their best, it’s hard to know exactly what they need. Vet visits can also be stressful for your pet and expensive for you. Check out FirstVet and get a free month of consultations!

Pet parenthood is a wonderful thing. Animals add so much to our lives. If you can give an animal a loving home, by all means, you should. And with Pet Parent coverage from Toggle, you’ve got at least one less excuse not to.

Now that you're a pet pro, check out this blog for more adulting tips.

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^{1 Select a plan that reimburses 70%, 80%, or 90% of the cost of eligible veterinary treatment. Limited to covered expenses. Terms and conditions apply. See policy for details.}

^{2 Rates are subject to change upon regulatory approval and will vary based on location, breed, age, and selected coverage options, deductible, and reimbursement level. Actual rates may be higher or lower.}