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
Looking for Pet Insurance in Wisconsin?
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 2023 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
How MetLife Pet Insurance Works in Wisconsin
Visit the vet
Visit any licensed veterinarian in Wisconsin or anywhere else in the U.S. for your pet’s care and pay the vet bill.
Submit a claim
Send us the invoice for your pet’s vet bill, as well as any relevant medical records and documents.
Get reimbursed fast
MetLife will review your claim and will typically reimburse you within 2 weeks.2,7
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
- 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.
- Golden retriever: Energetic and smart, goldens may be predisposed to hypothyroidism, obesity, and lipomas.
- 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!
We Can Help Cover Vet Bills
While You Focus on Your Pet’s Care
There is no substantive difference between a MetLife Pet Insurance policy in Wisconsin and a MetLife Pet policy in another U.S. State
1 “2023 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 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.
4 Deductible options range include: $0−$750 in $50 increments and $1,000, $1,250, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500.
5 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.
6 Available at an additional cost.
7 Approximately 80% of claims are processed within 10 days or less.
8 For policies issued by IAIC, coverage for these conditions is subject to a 6-month wait period. Please review your policy for complete details.
9 We do not cover all pre-existing conditions; just those covered by the previous provider. For group policyholders only.
10 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.
11 For IAIC policies only
12All claims paid amounts are based on MetLife internal claims data from October 2022.
13 “Blastomycosis,” St. Croix County Government Center
14 “Tickborne Diseases Risk In Wisconsin,” State of Wisconsin | Department of Health Services
15 “Dog Flu Outbreaks,” Dogflu.com
16 “Toxic Plants to Cats,” Wisconsin Humane Society
17 “Toxic Plants to Dogs,” Wisconsin Humane Society
18 “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).
Disclosure for Maine Residents
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