In January 2024, Instagram user @sidney_minisausage shared a video that went viral. The video, which featured scenes of two adorable dachshunds, introduced viewers to a Hawaiian word: Kahu. In response, Newsweek published the article, “Internet Sobs as Owners Learn What it Means to Be Your Pet’s ‘Kahu.’” The article notes that according to the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s website, the Hawaiian word refers to someone “who has a dog, cat, pig, or other pet,” and the word itself implies that instead of referring to yourself as your pet’s owner, it is more fitting to call yourself their “honored attendant,” “guardian,” “keeper,” or “caretaker.”

With the word Kahu in mind, it comes as no surprise that pet “guardians” across the country have made the decision to invest in pet insurance. Those who consider their pets a beloved part of the family view pet insurance as a way to afford both routine and unanticipated services rendered by veterinarians—services that can not only improve the animal’s quality of life but also prolong it. Offsetting the cost of veterinary care also helps pet parents put their money toward other necessary pet expenses, including food, treats, grooming services, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention products.

On June 17, USA Today published an article revealing that a major, national pet insurance company notified approximately 100,000 customers that their pet insurance policies would be dropped or would not be eligible for renewal upon their set expiration date. The insurer states that this decision is due to “rising veterinary costs and other financial factors.”

The company also released a statement regarding this controversial decision, writing, “As pet lovers ourselves, we understand the emotions connected to the protection of our family pets. Inflation in the cost of veterinary care and other factors have led to recent underwriting changes and the withdrawal of some products in some states—difficult actions that are necessary to ensure a financially sustainable future for our pet insurance line of business. These measures, being taken at a state level, comply with the law and our contracts, and are not associated with the pet’s age, breed or prior claims history. This will involve the non-renewal of approximately 100,000 policies between this spring and the summer of 2025. Impacted policyholders will be notified in writing well in advance according to state law.”

The policyholders who are affected seem devastated and blindsided by this decision because it makes it difficult for their sick or injured pets to receive the care they need without them having to incur a costly veterinary bill as a result. The decision has inevitably rippled through the pet insurance industry; stressed and uncertain policyholders are now scrambling to find pet insurance alternatives that they can rely on, with premiums that are equal to or better than the ones they were paying previously.

Pet Insurance Alternatives

An uninsured pet—especially one that is sick, elderly, or has a diagnosed medical condition—can become a financial burden, which is why it’s important for policyholders to consider pet insurance alternatives.

The pet insurance market is a rather competitive one, with more and more pet insurance companies coming into existence in order to give pet parents the opportunity to find the insurance plan that works best for them and their budget. Among the many companies that offer pet insurance alternatives, Pet Benefit Solutions stands out from the pack.

At Pet Benefit Solutions, we are committed to providing continuous support and coverage for pets of all ages, including those with preexisting conditions, and for pet parents with all budgets. We believe in inclusivity and the well-being of every pet. With the industry’s highest enrollment and renewal rates, Pet Benefit Solutions gives employees peace of mind and the option to choose best-in-class pet insurance or our one-of-a-kind pet care bundle (or both!).

Why Choose Pet Benefit Solutions

Pet Benefit Solutions is a voluntary benefits provider specializing in both pet insurance and pet insurance alternatives. We specialize in unrivaled choice, innovative plans, and exceptional customer care, and we believe in taking a straightforward approach to pet insurance.

Our dedication to your pet’s health and happiness inspired us to create the Total Pet Plan, a pet insurance alternative designed to provide comprehensive coverage and peace of mind for pet parents. And it’s not just for cats and dogs—the Total Pet Plan covers all pets!

Our Wishbone Pet Health Insurance also offers wellness coverage for cats and dogs that covers routine care, with no accident or illness coverage required.

At Pet Benefit Solutions, strive to make it more affordable to care for your pet, whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your household or you’ve just rescued an elderly dog from a local shelter. We understand—and admire—how you consider your dog or cat to be a beloved member of your family, and that you want to take your furry friend to a veterinarian you trust to provide the best and most timely care possible.

We’re confident that our inclusive approach to pet insurance will be embraced by those whose policies have been dropped or subject to nonrenewal. If you’ve been notified that your pet insurance plan will no longer be valid at the end date of your coverage—or you suspect that this may be the case—we hope you’ll consider speaking to your employer about joining thousands of other companies that are bringing the best in pet care to their employees through Pet Benefit Solutions. Alternatively, if you own a company and want to offer pet insurance to your employees, please reach out.

For more information about the packages we offer, or to schedule a meeting with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Account Executives, call 888-913-7387 or visit petbenefits.com to learn more. We will be glad to introduce our products, provide first-hand examples of savings from our team of pet-lovers, and create a custom proposal for you to review.

Thank you for trusting us to care for your beloved companions. We are here for you and your pets, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. Thank you for also being your pet’s Kahu! Whether you prefer to be called “honored attendant,” “guardian,” “keeper,” or “caretaker,” the role you play in your pet’s life directly corresponds to their health and happiness.