Brea, Calif. (March 6, 2007) --- A recent analysis of more than 420,000 pets insured by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) uncovered what most pet owners and veterinarians might find warmly surprising: pet health insurance isn’t solely for dogs and cats anymore. Aside from its nearly 355,000 dogs and 61,000 cats belonging to VPI’s insured clientele roster, the company reports the 10 most popular pet types in the bird and exotic pet categories.

Pet Type Insured and In-Force Policy Count
1. Rabbit - 1,143
2. Ferret - 815
3. Cocktiel - 322
4. African Grey (parrot family) - 256
5. Guinea Pig - 253
6. Conure (large parakeet or small parrot) - 131
7. Cockatoo - 118
8. Rat - 98
9. Macaw (parrot family) - 89
10. Amazon (parrot family) & Chinchilla (tie) - 87

“The fact that we have more than 90 different sub species enrolled with us speaks volumes about the unprecedented level of the human-animal bond,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, director of veterinary education for VPI. “From pythons to pigeons and pot-bellied pigs to parrots, today’s pet caregiver is truly treating their pets as members of the family by protecting their health with medical coverage.”

VPI Pet Insurance coverage extends to reptiles, in addition to birds, exotic pets and the traditional dog and cat. Although shy of making the top 10 chart, iguanas represent the most popular reptile insured, with 55 pet lovers protecting their iguana with a VPI Pet Insurance policy. Connecticut policyholder Donna Richards owns two of the 55 iguanas insured, enrolling Mango and Sier in 2004. “I have just as strong a bond with my two iguanas as I do with my insured chocolate lab,” said Richards. “And, considering that veterinary treatment can get just as pricey for them, it brings me comfort knowing that I have something to defray the costs.” Richards has filed claims for both iguanas (Mango developed metabolic bone disease and Sier was injured in a spat with Mango) and has received significant reimbursements from VPI when compared to total veterinary charges on her invoice.

VPI began offering coverage to birds and exotic pets in 2000 with the launch of the VPI Avian & Exotic Pet Plan. One year later, the plan extended its coverage to rabbits, reptiles, ferrets and other exotic pets. “We responded to a portion of the pet-owning public that maintain special relationships with their feathered family members, pocket pets and scaled sidekicks,” added McConnell. “This recent overview of all pets insured by VPI underscores that the human-animal bond has transcended beyond our nation’s puppies and kittens.”