We cannot possibly know the exact point in history when humans starting domesticating animals and brought them inside the home to live alongside us as pets. Archaeological evidence shows the Egyptians buried cats in the pharaohs tombs to accompany them in the afterlife and studies of ancient Roman and Greek civilisations have also revealed dogs, parrots and even ferrets were kept as pets by wealthier families.
Nowadays, people from every walk of life, from billionaires to beggars, have pets as their treasured companions. Recent research by the World Animal Foundation estimates that almost 373 million cats and 471 million dogs are owned as pets worldwide. In terms of Europe, according to the EPFI (European Pet Food Industry), there are believed to be around 352 million pets (with 129 million cats and 106 million dogs) living in approximately 166 million (50%) households.
These figures show the importance that humans place on having furry four-legged friends, birds, reptiles or small mammals as part of their family. It is therefore prudent to consider the healthcare options of these pets, with pet insurance being an essential tool for pet owners to manage the costs of veterinary care, including for vaccinations, which are crucial for preventing serious and potentially fatal diseases in pets.
Some of the most common vaccinations that are legally required, such as rabies, or those recommended in the fight against contagious, viral or bacterial diseases are:
Pet vaccinations are not only to protect your own beloved animal from suffering the pain and trauma of life-threatening diseases, but also to prevent the spread of these diseases within the animal population in general. If you plan to travel around the EU or internationally with your pets in tow, you will need a valid health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian to provide evidence of vaccination history to ensure compliance with regulatory mandates. Some countries may also require a quarantine period for animals imported to the EU from non-EU countries to ensure they are not carrying any diseases. It's always a good idea to check the specific requirements of the country you are traveling to or from, as regulations can change.
The cost of pet vaccinations can vary depending on the region and the veterinary clinic but on average, the costs are broken down as follows:
Pet insurance helps cover the costs for vaccinations and other veterinary care, ensuring that your pet receives the necessary preventive care without causing a financial burden. Many pet insurance policies cover routine vaccinations, making it easier for pet owners to keep their pets healthy and protected from serious illness.
Investing in pet insurance can save you money in the long run by preventing costly treatments for preventable diseases. It also provides peace of mind that you can take your family pet with you if you plan to, or need to, travel outside of your home country.
Caser Expat Insurance offers a range of pet insurance policies, called MiMascota (My Pet). The first and most basic plan “MiMascota Civil liability” - focuses on covering you in the event that your animal causes damage to another person’s property or causes personal injury to a person. The second “MiMascota Health Plan” and third “MiMascota Premium Health Plan” also include the civil liability cover but upgrade you to include health care cover, which includes pet insurance for vaccinations.
The premium healthcare plan includes all compulsory vaccinations, free of charge, including Rabies, Canine tetravalent, Canine polyvalent, Kennel Cough, Feline trivalent and Feline leukaemia. The normal healthcare plan includes the main compulsory vaccinations, including Rabies, Canine tetravalent and Feline trivalent.
In addition for both MiMascota healthcare plans you also have the benefits of veterinary telemedicine 24/7 and unlimited consultations and check-ups, including unlimited vital emergency consultations, post-surgical care and stitch removal and special prices for all other treatments. You can download a pdf of their useful special veterinary service pricing guide to see more details of costs for specific diagnoses of illnesses and their associated medical interventions.
The premium plan also includes cover for internal deworming, annual urine and blood tests, early diagnosis of hypertension, an annual abdominal ultrasound, a Passport and reimbursement of emergency expenses. It is probably easiest to compare the key elements of each plan, in English, on the useful policy coverage table on the Caser Expat website.
So as you can see, pet insurance is super handy when it comes to vaccinations. Keeping your pet vaccinated is key to their health, but those vet bills can add up, and that’s where pet insurance steps in, covering the costs and making it easier for you to stay on top of your pet's vaccination schedule. No more worrying about unexpected expenses—just happy, healthy pets! So, investing in pet insurance is a smart move for any pet owner who wants to make sure their animal friend gets the best care without breaking the bank.