Brea, Calif. (November 29, 2007) - Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently polled nearly 4,000 policyholders and Web site visitors to find out how often they proactively take their pets to the veterinarian. Approximately 96 percent of those who participated in the poll visit the veterinarian for routine care at least once a year and 43 percent of those make multiple visits over the course of a year. In comparison, a 2005 survey by the Center for Disease Control found that 83 percent of adults in the United States had contact with a health care professional within the year.

"This data further reinforces the fact that pets are becoming integral family members," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "More people are becoming attuned to the medical needs of their pets, which include everything from emergency care to preventive procedures such as vaccinations and physical exams."

In 2006, wellcare visits for physical exams were among the most common preventive care claims VPI received. A wellcare visit often consists of a physical exam and a discussion about a pet's food and water intake, nutrition, behavior, weight assessment, and activity levels, which all provide the veterinarian clues about the presence of health problems. Physical exams include an assessment of a pet's general appearance and a systematic approach to all of the anatomical systems.

The age of the pet, as well as history and physical exam findings, will determine if more specific tests are needed such as blood analysis, a urinalysis, radiographs, specific tests for the eyes, or needle testing for lumps in the skin. Physical examinations aid in early detection and treatment of serious health conditions, potentially prolonging the life of a pet and reducing treatment costs. Depending on the age of the pet, pet owners should take their dog or cat in for wellcare visits once to twice a year.

"In the past, many pet owners viewed a veterinarian's primary role as healing sick pets," said McConnell. "Today, more pet owners are taking advantage of the veterinarian's ability to keep their pet healthy with regular physical examinations, vaccinations and other wellcare procedures."

While VPI's comprehensive medical policies defray costs for the testing and treatment of multiple accidents and illnesses, nearly 75 percent of policyholders also enroll in a Pet WellCare ProtectionSM plan to help cover a portion of the cost of routine veterinary care. VPI's Pet WellCare Protection plans reimburse pet owners for physical exams, vaccinations, flea and/or heartworm preventive, microchipping, and diagnostics. Some plans also reimburse for dental cleaning or spay/neuter.

"Visting the veterinarian should not be exclusively for emergencies and neither should pet insurance," said McConnell. "Planning ahead with regular physical examinations and medical coverage in place to help pay for those examinations is a sensible strategy. People go to great lengths for their pets, and VPI is here to help. Our goal is to protect and preserve the bond that people have with their pets."