Petcover review: A decade of trust and outstanding service

When Kathy and John welcomed Tess, an eight-week-old black and white Border Collie, into their home in early 2023, they were already experienced dog owners. Their home was also shared with Tess’s sister, Abby, a black and white Border Collie, and their senior brown and white Border Collie, Meggie (pictured below). Bringing a new puppy into the family meant going through the usual stages—house training, transitioning from soft food to kibble, establishing sleeping routines, and introducing Tess to her furry siblings.

Everything was going smoothly until John and Kathy noticed Tess limping and unable to support her weight on her back left leg. At just seven months old, in January 2024, Tess was diagnosed with a left capital physical fracture. Unlike a simple fracture that could be repaired with pins, Tess’s condition involved bone deterioration, requiring a total hip replacement.

Understanding Border Collie health risks

While Border Collies are known for their intelligence and agility, they can also be susceptible to genetic health conditions such as epilepsy, hip and elbow dysplasia, neurological disorders, and collie eye anomaly (1). However, not all Border Collies experience these issues, and their lifestyle plays a significant role in their overall health.

Tess’s case was unusual due to her young age. Hip replacements are not typically recommended for younger dogs, as this procedure is usually performed on older dogs when growth plates have fully developed. In cases of hip dysplasia, surgery is sometimes undertaken in junior dogs, but Tess’s situation was different. Kathy and John faced a difficult decision – whether to proceed with surgery or fearing the worst case scenario (Euthanasia).

Making the difficult decision

After thorough discussions with veterinary professionals and reviewing radiology scans, Kathy and John chose to proceed with Tess’s surgery in February 2024. They had to consider multiple factors, including the procedure’s cost, hospitalisation, anaesthesia, radiology, medication, and the extensive aftercare required. Tess’s veterinarian fees for her surgery and aftercare were covered by Petcover dog insurance, with over $12,000 in costs from diagnosis, surgery, and postop care. Petcover has been there for Kathy, John, and Tess along the whole way.

“We were devastated, fearing the worst-case scenario,” Kathy shared. “We didn’t know if Tess’s young age would make recovery even more challenging, but we wanted to give her the best chance.”

The role of pet insurance

The financial aspect of the surgery was a major concern. Tess had been insured with Petcover since October 2023, but John and Kathy were unsure whether the claim would be approved.

To their relief, Petcover promptly covered the costs, allowing Tess to receive the life-saving surgery without financial strain. John and Kathy chose to cover Tess with the Petcover Superior plan when Tess was only two months old in October 2023, with up to $20,000 in eligible vet fees and no sub-limits. This gave both John and Kathy peace of mind when it came to making the choice to proceed with life-saving surgery for Tess.

“Petcover had no hesitation in approving our claim for the surgery and ongoing care,” Kathy said. “Thanks to their support, we could focus on Tess’s recovery without worrying about the costs.”

Tess’s recovery journey

Following surgery, Tess’s recovery required careful monitoring. She was confined to a crate, with strictly supervised toilet breaks on a leash with sling support. Regular veterinary check-ups and X-rays were scheduled every two weeks to ensure proper healing. At the end of eight weeks, satisfactory results allowed Tess to gradually regain her mobility.

“The recovery process was intense, but seeing Tess regain her strength made it all worth it,” Kathy added. “John and I are incredibly grateful for the caring support we received from Petcover.”

A trusted partner in pet care

John and Kathy have been loyal Petcover customers for over a decade, initially insuring their beloved Golden Retriever, Bekky, who passed away in August 2023. Now, their entire canine family – Tess, Abby, and Meggie – are covered under Petcover, ensuring they receive the best possible care when needed.

Knowing they could rely on their pet insurance provider during such a challenging time brought immense peace of mind.

“We have no hesitation in recommending Petcover and have done so many times. Their customer service is outstanding.”

The value of pet insurance

Unexpected medical treatments for pets can be costly, making pet insurance an essential investment. John and Kathy’s story highlights how Petcover provides comprehensive coverage and compassionate support, ensuring that pet owners can focus on their pet’s well-being without financial stress.

If you’re considering pet insurance, Tess’s journey is a testament to the importance of being prepared. With dedicated customer service, Petcover continues to be a trusted provider for pet parents across Australia.

References:

 1. Dogsaustralia/org.au