You insure your car, your home, even yourself, but what about your "other family members" - your pets!

A survey by the Associated Press noted that 41% of pet owners are worried about affording medical bills for their cat or dog; Pet Insurance can help to elevate veterinary bills.

Pet Insurance is purchased to cover potential issues just like your car or homeowners policy. There are many opinions as to the necessity of this coverage, and the experts are torn but all agree it is up to you to decide if you want to insure. Several things to take into account:

1. Can you save money every month yourself for a pet emergency? Or are you better paying the premium and knowing it is there if you need it.

2. Do you have breed that is known for getting into trouble – ie eating things they shouldn’t? Or historically that has chronic or hereditary conditions?

3. What is covered or not covered if you choose to purchase?

4. Also ask about coverage limits, deductibles, and pre-condition constraints?

Buying insurance for your pet can be an emotional, as well as financial decision, weigh out your options closely, do you want to have to make a difficult decision between the cost of the care and your pet?

As with any insurance it is best to talk to your agent to discuss the benefits and potential challenges of Pet Insurance.