BREA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2006) – If you think the average American pet’s life is a piece of cake, you may be on to something.

According to a recent survey of more than 260,000 policyholders with Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of health insurance for pets, almost 58 percent of those who responded said they have hosted a birthday party for their pet.

The latest opinion poll was delivered to VPI Pet Insurance policyholders through its quarterly newsletter, The Retriever, and was also accessible on the company Web site, my.petinsurance.com/newsletter.

For those VPI policyholder pet owners who do throw their furry friends a birthday bash complete with cake, party hats and visits from their four-legged friends, they’re not alone. Nearly six million (5.8 million) American dog and cat households host pet birthday parties, according to the 2005-2006 American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s National Pet Owners Survey.

At Three Dog Bakery in Newport Beach, Calif., store owner and VPI policyholder Sandy Deem says the popular pet baked goods shop receives many requests for pet birthday cakes — sometimes as many as 20 a week.

“Throwing our beloved pets a birthday party is a great way for us to show them how much they mean to us and that they really are an integral part of our family,” says Bobbie Cooper, director of consumer marketing for VPI. “Just as we would throw our own family members a party complete with friends, food and fun, animal lovers enjoy showing the same appreciation and love for their pets.”

VPI recognizes the importance of the birth date of every insured pet, and sends a birthday greeting card to each insured dog, cat, bird and exotic pet. Insured dogs and cats are given an extra treat in their card, too – a coupon for free pet food redeemable at pet specialty stores.

EDITOR’S NOTE: To receive stories and photos of pet birthday parties from VPI Pet Insurance policyholders, please contact Brian Iannessa at biannessa@petinsurance.com.