Leading Pet Insurer Suggests

Presidential Legacy Nothing to Bark About

Lincoln Inspires Most Pet Names, but Obama Already on the Rise

Brea, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2009) — When historians and political pundits look back on a President’s legacy, perhaps there’s something more to review than job creation or approval ratings. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, would like to suggest an important additional element: the inspiration of pet names. On the cusp of President’s Day, VPI scoured its database of more than 467,000 insured pets to pinpoint which presidential last names were most commonly given to dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets. Drum roll please:

Most Common Presidential Pet Names

1. “Lincoln” (105)
2. “Reagan” (103)
3. “Kennedy” (37)
4. “Hoover” (36)
5. “Jefferson” (21)
6. “McKinley” (19)
7. “Nixon” (18)
8. “Roosevelt” (14)
9. “Clinton” (11)
10. “Obama”/“Eisenhower” (tie: 5)

VPI considered and ranked only the pet names with obvious connections to presidents of notoriety. Names that could also double as traditional human and pet surnames – like “Madison” and “Jackson” – did not qualify. Surprisingly, the nation’s first president (Washington) and our most recent leader (Bush) were hardly represented, owning counts of three and one, respectively.

“What you name your pet is a very emotional decision,” said VPI spokesman Curtis Steinhoff. “So if you name your furry best friend after a president, chances are you have a positive view of their legacy. A pet’s name will be remembered long past which senators voted for an economic stimulus package.”

To view a list of more pet names on the uncommon end of the spectrum, visit www.wackypetnames.com.

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation’s oldest and largest pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare Protection^SM for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.