From El Paso to Plano, Nacogdoches to Laredo, pet parents across the Lone Star State may be finding themselves paying more and more for pet care. What’s more, according to our Pet Parent Pulse survey, 54% of dog and cat owners worry about being able to care for their pet in the future. Because one of the bigger expenses associated with pet ownership is the cost of veterinary care, a pet insurance policy can go a long way. Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know about getting pet insurance as a Texas resident.
Looking for Pet Insurance in Texas?
Why Pet Insurance May Be a Good Idea if You Live in Texas
Before you understand why pet insurance can be a good idea if you live in the bluebonnet state, it’s important to know what pet insurance is. Simply put, pet insurance can help you cover the cost of your pet’s health care by reimbursing you for covered and approved vet bills. For a monthly fee, your insurance policy may cover some of the cost of vet visits to treat parasites, scans for broken bones, and surgical removal of foreign objects ingested by your pet.2 So why can it be a good idea if you live in Texas?
As any Texan may tell you, Texas can still feel like the wild west at times. There can be extreme temperatures, dangerous wild animals in the form of mountain lions, coyotes, and rattlesnakes, and so. many. bugs. There can also be hurricanes and tornadoes among other weather hazards, with flooding being the most common disaster in the state.3
The point is that there is a lot that can affect the health and well-being of your dog or cat in Texas, and pet insurance can help reimburse you for covered pet expenses.
Why Choose a MetLife Pet Insurance Policy?
Texas Residents: If you’re looking the best pet insurance, MetLife Pet Insurance could be a good choice. We won "Pet Insurance of the Year" in the 2023 Pet Independent Innovation Awards. Here’s what people tend to like about us:
- You can customize coverage to suit your needs, choosing things like your reimbursement rate and whether or not you want preventative care coverage.
- There are no age limits for pets.
- There are no breed exclusions.
- We have the only family plan allows up to three pets to be on the same policy and share the deductible.4
- You can use any licensed vet in the U.S. so there’s no need to switch to a new vet when you join.
- We have some of the shortest wait periods4,6 for accident and illness coverage.7
- Most claims processed within 10 days.8
How MetLife Pet Insurance Works for Texans
Treat your pet
Bring your dog or cat to any licensed vet in Texas or anywhere in the U.S. for treatment.
Submit your claim
Pay your pet’s medical bill, then submit the invoice, vet records, and your claim to MetLife.
We’ll send a check
MetLife looks at the vet records, files your claim, and reimburses you in less than 2 weeks.2,3
MetLife Pet Insurance is Available in Texas. See What’s Covered
Your exact coverage depends on your policy, but here are a few things we can routinely cover:
- Accidents
- Illnesses (including hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions)
- Surgeries
- Exam fees
- X-rays and ultrasounds
- Medications
- Holistic and alternative therapies
- Emergency care
Some policy holders choose to add on optional preventative care coverage, which can cover things like parasite prevention and spay/neuter services. See our Coverage and Exclusions for an extensive list of what is covered.
How Much Is Pet Insurance in Texas?
A MetLife pet insurance plan can cost as low as $9 per month for cats and $15 per month for dogs, but your monthly premium depends on a few factors, including where you live.9
Generally speaking, you may pay more for pet insurance if you live in or just outside a large city, like Houston or Dallas, than if you live in a smaller town, like Marfa. But your zip code isn’t the only thing that determines your pet insurance premium. Other factors that can influence the price include your pet’s species, breed, gender,10 and age, as well as pet insurance coverage type. For more information, check out “How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost” or get a free quote in just a few steps.
Pet Insurance Claims We Paid in Texas
Curious what people use their pet insurance for? Here are some accident, illness, and routine care claims that we recently paid in TX11
- More than $2,300 paid — A tooth extraction for an 8-year-old mini Australian shepherd with periodontal disease in San Antonio
- About $4,200 paid — A surgery for cruciate rupture for a 4-year-old mixed breed in Richardson
- More than $900 paid — A routine spaying procedure for a less than 1-year-old Chihuahua in Houston
- More than $80 paid — A prescription medication for a 10-year-old Yorkshire terrier with Cushing's disease in Pearland
- More than $100 paid — A routine blood panel for a domestic short-hair cat in Austin
“Only in Texas” – Notable Claim
When golden retriever puppy Coco was bitten by a snake just outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, she was rushed to the vet for care. The bite wound injury cost her parents more than $1,200. Luckily, they were able to get more than $950 reimbursed through their dog insurance policy, and curious Coco is now recovering comfortably. 11
Read more: 4 Reasons to Get Puppy Insurance
Pet Injuries and Illnesses Typically Found in Texas
Living in Texas can come with its own challenges when you're a pet owner. Here are a few things you might have to deal with if you have a cat or dog:
- Snake bites: From cottonmouths to copperheads, more than 15 venomous snake species call Texas home and many encounters with snakes occur around the home.12 A bite from a venomous snake to your dog or cat may require a trip to the vet and treatments ranging from antibiotics to antivenom.13
- Kissing bugs: Kissing bugs can be a big problem in Texas. They can carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can lead to heart disease in dogs. Dogs can get Chagas from kissing bug bites or from eating kissing bugs.14
- Feline calicivirus: Texas vets have come across this virus, which can cause mild to severe upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats.15 It can be common in shelters and breeding colonies.16
Texas Plants That Can Be Poisonous to Pets
Pet owners may not be aware that many common plants can be poisonous to cats and dogs. Ingestion of any of these plants by your dog or cat may necessitate a trip to the vet or emergency vet:
- Sago palm
- Aloe vera
- Lilies
- Texas umbrella tree
- Boxwood
- Oleander
Note: ASPCA Animal Poison Control has an extensive list of toxic plants.17
Most Popular Dog Breeds in Texas
Ever wonder what dogs Texans love to make part of their family? Here are the top three adopted breeds in Texas and some common health problems faced by them:16
- Labrador: Obesity, hip dysplasia, and allergies
- German shepherd: Otitis, gastroenteritis, and pyoderma
- Bulldog: Overheating, obesity, and eye problems
Visit PetFinder to find adoptable dogs and adoptable cats in Texas.
Pet adoption shelters in TX
If you’re ready to make a new pup your furever family or searching for a new kitty best friend, there are shelters in Texas that are ready to help you! Check out some shelters below and see all the dogs and cats ready for adoption.
Friends of Dallas Animal Services
2911 Turtle Creek Blvd. Ste. 300 Dallas, TX 75219
1840 E Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76103
2400 Lone Star Dr., Dallas, TX 75212
If You Live in Texas, Consider Insuring Your Pet
Whether you have a hard-working North Texas ranch dog, or a snuggly kitty living in a DFW loft, your pet may need veterinary care throughout their lifetime. Avoid the uncertainty that may come with unexpected veterinary expenses with the help of a MetLife Pet Insurance plan.2 Get a free quote now so you can focus on the good stuff — like tummy rubs.
Pet Insurance Can Help Cover Pet
Injury & Illness Costs
There is no substantive difference between a MetLife Pet Insurance policy in Oregon and a MetLife Pet policy in another U.S. State.
1 “2022 Pet Insurance of the Year Award” Winners, Pet Independent Innovation Awards
2 Provided all terms of the policy are met. Application is subject to underwriting review and approval. Like most insurance policies, insurance policies issued by IAIC and MetGen contain certain deductibles, co-insurance, exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, and terms for keeping them in force. For costs, complete details of coverage and exclusions, and a listing of approved states, please contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC.
3 “Pets and Pet Ownership,” Oregon Values and Beliefs Center
4 Based on a January 2022 review of publicly available summary information about competitors’ offerings. Competitors did not furnish copies of their policies for review. If you have questions about a particular competitor’s policy or coverage, please contact them or their representative directly.
5 Approximately 80% of claims are processed within 10 days or less.
6 We do not cover all pre-existing conditions; just those covered by the previous provider.
7 Available at an additional cost.
8 Calculation based upon select plans and coverages. Actual rates may vary based on pet age, breed, location, deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limits you choose.
9 Reimbursement options include: 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%. In addition, there is also a 50% option for MetGen underwritten policies only and a 65% for IAIC underwritten policies only.
10 Deductible options range include: $0−$750 in $50 increments and $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500.
11 For IAIC policies only.
12 All claims paid amounts are based on MetLife internal claims data from October 2022.
13 “Local Issues,” East Lane Veterinary Hospital
14 “Poisonous Plants,” Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
15 “Most Popular Dog Breeds by State in 2023,” Pet Keen
Coverage underwritten and issued by Independence American Insurance Company (“IAIC”), a Delaware insurance company, headquartered at 11333 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 160, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 or Metropolitan General Insurance Company (“MetGen”), a Rhode Island insurance company, headquartered at 700 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Coverage subject to restrictions, exclusions and limitations. Application is subject to underwriting review. See policy or contact MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC for details. MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC is the policy administrator for this coverage. The entity may operate under an alternate, assumed, and/or fictitious name in certain jurisdictions as approved, including MetLife Pet Insurance Services LLC (New York and Minnesota), MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions Agency LLC (Illinois).