Pet Insurance as an Employee Benefit: What You Need to Know Key Takeaways

Fact Checked

Published: 01/10/2026•Last Updated: 01/10/2026

Written by

Jim Heising

Author•Author Bio

Key Points

Pet insurance as an employee benefit provides discounted coverage through your workplace, helping cover unexpected veterinary costs
Employees at companies offering pet insurance report 84% higher job satisfaction than those without this benefit3
Spot Pet Insurance offers up to 20% in combined discounts through employer partnerships (10% group discount plus 10% multi-pet discount)*
Coverage can include accidents, illnesses, and optional preventive care for an added cost for dogs and cats 8 weeks and older

Pet insurance as an employee benefit provides discounted coverage through your workplace, helping cover unexpected veterinary costsEmployees at companies o<ering pet insurance report 84% higher job satisfaction than those without this benefit3Spot Pet Insurance o<ers up to 20% in combined discounts through employer partnerships (10% group discount plus 10% multi-pet discount)*Coverage can include accidents, illnesses, and optional preventive care for an added cost for dogs and cats 8 weeks and older

What Is Pet Insurance as an Employee Benefit?

Pet insurance as an employee benefit is a voluntary workplace benefit that allows employees to purchase discounted pet health coverage. Pet insurance benefits help employees protect their furry family members at a reduced cost so they can get reimbursed for eligible veterinary costs. According to NAPHIA's 2025 State of the Industry Report, 7.03 million pets were insured in North America at the end of 2024, representing a 12.2% increase from the previous year. As veterinary costs continue to rise, more employers are adding pet insurance to their benefits packages to support employee well-being.

Why Are Employers Offering Pet Insurance?

Workplace pet insurance has grown significantly as employers recognize the connection between pet ownership and employee satisfaction. Research shows that 64% of employers now offer pet insurance as a voluntary benefit option.

Employee Satisfaction and Retention

Employees at organizations that o<er pet insurance are 84% more satisfied with their jobs compared to employees at companies without this benefit. With 66% of U.S. households owning pets, this benefit resonates with a significant portion of the workforce.

Financial Peace of Mind

Veterinary care spending reached $39.8 billion in 2024, and only 52% of pet owners who faced unexpected pet health expenses were financially prepared for them. Pet insurance through work helps employees manage the eligible costs with less financial strain.

How Does Employer Pet Insurance Work?

When your employer partners with a pet insurance provider like Spot Pet Insurance, you can gain access to a group discount that reduces your monthly premiums. The enrollment process typically follows these steps:

Verify eligibility - Contact your HR department or check your benefits portal to confirm your company offers pet insurance as a voluntary benefit
Review plan options - Look at coverage levels, deductibles, and reimbursement rates available to choose the plan that fits your pet’s needs and your budget
Complete your enrollment - Sign up for pet insurance at any time of the year, ensuring any employee discounts are applied at checkout

What Discounts Are Available?

Spot Pet Insurance offers employees at partner companies up to 20% in combined savings:*

Discount Type	Savings Availability
Group Employee Discount 10%	All pets enrolled through employer
Multi-Pet Discount 10%	Each additional pet after the first

*10% group discount on every pet, plus an additional 10% multi-pet discount on 2+ pets.Group discount not available in TN. Discounts vary and are subject to change.

Which Employers Partner with Spot Pet Insurance?

Spot Pet Insurance partners with leading companies across industries to offer pet insurance benefits, including:

Oracle
The Walt Disney Company
MasterCard
Cigna
Taco Bell

If your employer isn't currently partnered with Spot, you can request they consider adding this benefit by directing your HR department to Spot's employer partnership page or emailing joe@spotpetins.com.

What Does Spot Pet Insurance Cover?

Spot Pet Insurance plans offer coverage for dogs and cats with flexible options to fit different needs and budgets.

Coverage Options

Accident and Illness Plans help cover unexpected injuries and illnesses, including:

Emergency veterinary visits
Surgeries and hospitalizations
Diagnostic tests and imaging
Prescription medications
Cancer treatments
Chronic conditions

Accident-Only Plans offer more affordable coverage for injuries from unexpected accidents, such as broken bones, cuts, and foreign object ingestion.

Preventive Care Add-Ons are optional coverage options available to help with the eligible costs for routine care, including vaccinations, wellness exams, and dental cleanings.^

Plan Flexibility

Spot Pet Insurance plans offer customizable options to match your budget:

Annual limits ranging from $2,500 to unlimited
Deductibles from $100 to $1,000
Reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90%

Learn more about how to choose the best pet insurance for your needs.

Benefits of Spot Pet Insurance Plans

No Upper Age Limits

Unlike some pet insurance providers, Spot Pet Insurance plans have no upper age limit for enrollment. Cats and dogs over 8 weeks old can enroll regardless of their current age, helping make coverage accessible for pets at any life stage.

Visit Any Licensed Veterinarian

Spot Pet Insurance plans have no network restrictions. You can visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada, including emergency clinics and specialists.

24/7 VetAccess Telehealth

All Spot plans include unlimited access to the Vet Access telehealth service. Connect with expert veterinary professionals any time, day or night, for guidance on pet health concerns.

Coverage for Curable Pre-Existing Conditions

While pet insurance typically excludes pre-existing conditions, Spot Pet Insurance may cover cured and curable pre-existing conditions if your pet remains symptom-free and treatment-free for 180 days. Ligament and knee conditions are excluded from this provision.

Fast Claims Process

Spot's claims process is designed for convenience:

File claims online or through the mobile app
Direct deposit reimbursement available

Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance Through Work

Pros

Discounted premiums through employer group rates
Convenient enrollment at any time of the year
Customizable coverage to fit your budget
Up to G0% reimbursement of eligible veterinary bills for covered conditions

Cons

Waiting periods may apply for some coverage types before benefits begin
The deductible must be met before reimbursement starts
Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered
Cosmetic procedures like tail docking and ear cropping are excluded
Breeding costs and pregnancy-related expenses are not covered

How to Get Pet Insurance Through Your Employer

If your employer already partners with Spot Pet Insurance:

Check your company benefits portal for enrollment details
Visit the employer-specific enrollment page
Enter your information and select coverage options
Review and confirm your policy

If your employer doesn't currently offer pet insurance, consider requesting it. 85% of employees express interest in having pet-related benefits as part of their voluntary benefits package.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

For many pet parents, pet insurance helps provide valuable financial protection against unexpected veterinary costs.

Learn more about whether pet insurance is worth it for your situation. References