For most Americans having a pet is a joy. Often treated like a treasured member of the family, a cat, dog, guinea pig or bird is more than just an animals. When they need medical attention or are ill, it can be heart-breaking and like with any other member of the family the focus is on getting him or her healthy again. While the pet’s wellbeing is the primary concern, health care for animals is often costly. Pet insurance plans can offer vital assistance when you need it.

In the same way that you invest in cover for your own health care, pet insurance that covers health care for animals is a wise investment. Given the United States’s love of pets — there are more cats in the U.S than in any other country with over 76 million — such pet health insurance plans offer a vital service. Between 37% and 47% of American homes have a dog, totaling 46. 3 million households. The cost of owning a pet adds up. As a country we spend on average $20.6 billion on pet food, $12.56 billion on pet supplies and medication available over the counter, and $13.59 billion on vet care ever year.

There are a variety of different pet insurance plans that can cater for the very basic such as just accident cover to complete lifetime cover. Pricing varies accordingly, but given the rising costs of health care for animals the plans make sense and can prevent difficult decisions having to be made about a beloved pet because of the high vet bills. Depending on the cover chosen, plans may include coverage for chronic long-term illness care as well as regular vaccinations and shots. Most companies offer everything from puppy health insurance to senior dog care to cover your best friend throughout his or her life. In fact, many companies even offer plans for more unusual pets from guinea pigs to horses.

The peace of mind offered by such insurance cover means you can relax in the knowledge that your pet will get the best care without the worry and stress of a financial burden for you or your family. A pet should be valued and loved throughout its life; it is a commitment, but one that means you will always have a friend around to cheer you up when you are sad and share in your greatest joys.