The Benefits of Offering Pet Insurance to Your Employees

Updated 3/17/2025

Over the past few years, employee benefits have seen a major shake-up. Companies are always on the lookout for fresh ways to attract and keep top talent, and one standout perk that’s gaining momentum is pet insurance. As more people welcome pets into their families, businesses are recognizing the important role these furry companions play in their employees’ lives—and they’re stepping up with benefits to match.

Pet insurance as a workplace perk isn’t entirely new, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. Why? A few key reasons: the rising number of pet owners in the workforce, the growing costs of veterinary care, and the fact that employees now see their pets as family members, not just animals. In a competitive job market, companies that offer pet insurance show they truly care about their employees—both in and out of the office.

What Exactly Does Pet Insurance Cover?

Think of pet insurance like health insurance for your furry friend. It helps cover medical expenses, but the level of coverage depends on the plan. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Accident Coverage – Covers unexpected injuries from falls, car accidents, or swallowing something they shouldn’t.
• Illness Coverage – Helps with treatment for conditions like infections, allergies, or serious diseases.
• Hereditary & Congenital Conditions – Some policies cover breed-specific conditions and genetic disorders.
• Chronic Conditions – Covers long-term issues like diabetes or arthritis.
• Preventive Care – Some plans include routine check-ups, vaccinations, and wellness visits.

Most policies work on a reimbursement model—meaning you pay the vet bill upfront, submit a claim, and get reimbursed according to your plan’s terms. While pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, it can be a game-changer for unexpected medical expenses, making pet ownership more financially manageable.

Why Companies Are Getting on Board with Pet Insurance

Businesses are embracing pet insurance as a way to support employees and stand out in the job market. Here’s why:

• A Competitive Edge in Hiring – Unique benefits like pet insurance help companies attract talent, especially pet-loving candidates who might pick an employer based on their perks.
• Reduced Financial Stress – Helping employees with pet care costs means they worry less and focus more at work.
• Better Work-Life Balance – When pet owners have insurance, they’re more likely to get timely vet care, reducing emergency-related absences.
• A Reflection of Company Values – Offering pet insurance sends a clear message: “We care about what matters to you.”
• Affordable for Employers – Compared to other benefits, pet insurance is relatively low-cost, especially if it’s offered as a voluntary benefit where employees cover most of the premiums.

How Pet Insurance Boosts Employee Satisfaction & Retention

When employees feel valued, they stick around longer. And for pet owners, knowing their employer supports their furry friends can make a big difference in job satisfaction. Studies show that employees with pet insurance benefits report higher workplace happiness and are less likely to leave their jobs.

Here’s why pet insurance is such a win:

• Financial Peace of Mind – Employees don’t have to stress about unexpected vet bills.
• Stronger Work-Life Integration – Pets are part of the family, and recognizing that builds goodwill.
• Added Value to Benefits Packages – Even for employees without pets, the option is a sign of a well-rounded benefits offering.

Making Pet Insurance Part of a Well-Rounded Benefits Package

Pet insurance isn’t a replacement for traditional benefits—it enhances them. When combined with other perks, it creates a comprehensive package that resonates with employees. Here’s how:

• A Holistic Wellness Approach – Pairing pet insurance with health, dental, and vision benefits shows a company’s commitment to total well-being.
• A Family-Focused Benefit – Recognizing pets as part of the family aligns with parental leave and childcare assistance.
• Stress Reduction – Just as health insurance eases worries about medical bills, pet insurance relieves financial anxiety over vet costs.
• Lifestyle Support – Alongside perks like gym memberships or commuter benefits, pet insurance caters to employees’ lives outside of work.

Cost Considerations: Exploring the Financial Implications for Employers

Employers typically have options when it comes to pet insurance: subsidizing the cost, offering it as an employee-paid benefit with the cost passed down to the employee, maybe at a discount.

Subsidizing the cost means that the company covers a portion or the entire premium for the employees while offering it as an employee-paid benefit means that employees bear the full cost. The expense of pet insurance can fluctuate based on various factors, including the pet’s age, breed, zip code, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Before implementing pet insurance, it is crucial to assess the financial feasibility of your organization. However, it is important to note that the cost of pet insurance is often more affordable than the potential veterinary expenses employees may face without coverage. Furthermore, the beneficial effects on employee morale and productivity can surpass the financial outlay involved.

What does the Odie at Work Program Offer?

The Odie at Work program provides an effortless way to offer pet insurance coverage as a corporate solution and ancillary benefit.  Odie At Work accommodates companies of all sizes, from enterprise solutions to SMBs.

Employee Integrated Benefit Solutions:

This program offers fully integrated benefit programs for large-scale employer groups, including a streamlined sign-up process during open enrollment or other key time periods. Companies can choose from various payment options, including integration with payroll or direct pay options for their employees. Additionally, organizations have the opportunity to offer pre-selected plans with policy terms customized exclusively for their teams.

Employee Benefits & Perks Program

The Odie Employee Benefits & Perks Program provides a pet insurance option for employer groups looking to incorporate a new product into their employee perks and benefits roster. This program enables employees to sign up anytime throughout the year, making it easy for current team members, new pet parents, and future hires to take advantage of this benefit.

What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?

Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:

• 24/7 Televet Chat
• Emergency vet visits
• Overnight hospital stays
• IV Fluids & Medications
• Medical Supplies
• Surgeries
• MRI/CAT Scans
• Rehabilitative Care
• Prescription Medications
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Laboratory Tests

Accident-Only Plan

The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible. 

Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:

• Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
• Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
• Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.

The Wellness Add-on Plan

The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available: 

 Basic Plan:

• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $305 per year.

Plus Plan:

• Ideal for puppies and kittens.
• Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
• Reimbursement up to $535 per year.

Learn more about Odie For Business and how you can partner with us to offer pet insurance as a benefit to your employees.