Pennsylvania pet owners: Whether you’ve got a Persian in Pittsburgh, or a Poodle in Philadelphia, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll take you through the hidden gems and insider tips of being a Pennsylvania pet parent, and while we’re at it, we’ll go through the ins-and-outs of pet insurance in Pennsylvania so you can keep your furry companion (and your wallet) covered.
What pet insurance plans does Lemonade offer in Pennsylvania?
Pet insurance assists in covering the costs of your vet bills. You pay a premium each month to the insurance company, and in return, you can care for your canine or feline fur fam without having to worry about how much it will cost.
With Lemonade pet insurance, there are numerous ways to customize your policy with our coverage options:
To begin with, a base Lemonade pet health insurance policy will assist in covering the costs of medication, tests, and treatments if your cat or dog has an unexpected accident or illness.
A base policy is excellent for the unexpected things in your fur fam’s future. Still, Lemonade also offers preventative care packages, which are designed to keep your pet healthy and help cover expenses you’re probably paying for anyway. By adding this package to a Lemonade policy, you’ll also get access to a live medical chat option and will get covered for all kinds of things—like your annual blood tests, vaccinations, wellness exam, and more. There may be some applicable exclusions.
Lemonade also offers three preventative care packages:
- Preventative Care package
- Preventative+ Care package
- Preventative Package for Puppy/Kitten
Depending on your pet’s age, this package covers things like spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and flea and tick treatments.
You can also customize your Lemonade policy with a mix and match of optional add-ons like:
- Physical therapy
- Vet visit fees
- Dental illness
- Behavioral conditions
- and end-of-life and remembrance
to help take the bite out of pricey treatments, services, and trips to the vet.
What does a Lemonade pet insurance policy in Pennsylvania cover?
Pet insurance can cover a lot (but it’s still important to be versed in what your policy doesn’t include). Here are just a few of the things that a Lemonade Pet policy could come in handy for, depending on your specific policy details:
Bloodwork
X-Rays
MRI
CT Scans
Lab Work
Urinalysis
Ultrasounds
Cancer
Emergency Care
Surgery
Heart Disease
Hospitalization
Road Accidents
Outpatient Care
Allergy Medicine
Specialty Care
Injections
Prescription Medications
Arthritis Medication
Knee, Elbow & Hip Dysplasia
How does pet insurance work at Lemonade in Pennsylvania?
Here’s an example of how a Lemonade pet insurance policy works:
- Buy a policy. You answer a few quick questions about your German Shepherd, Whiz, and build your pet’s policy with the help of our friendly AI chatbot. The monthly premium you pay is determined by various factors, primarily things that you can customize, like your annual deductible, co-insurance, coverage package, and the annual limit on your plan. (If you would like, you can take a deeper dive into how pet insurance works to help you create your perfect policy.) Pet insurance coverage with Lemonade can cost as low as $10/month. Here’s a handy breakdown of the whole (simple) process.
- Go to the vet. You rush Whiz to the vet after he broke his leg from playing too rough at the dog park. The exam, x-ray, and cast cost you $1,000. Woof. But since you have pet insurance, you don’t have to worry about the total amount. Find out what we cover here.
- Get your money back. Whiz is safely on the mend, and you get up to a $900 reimbursement back in your pocket from Lemonade!
It’s worth noting that as your dog ages, they will require more veterinary care and treatments, which is why it pays to take out a pet insurance policy for your dog as early as possible. If you try to sign your 13-year-old dog up for insurance for the first time, they might be declined due to their age; either way, they’re more likely to have pre-existing conditions that won’t be covered by insurance. But if you get your new puppy a Lemonade policy right away, you’ll be able to continue renewing their policy as they age.
What is pet insurance?
Pet insurance assists in covering the costs of your vet bills. You pay a premium each month to the insurance company, and in return, you can care for your canine or feline fur family members without having to worry about how much it will cost.
How much does pet insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
Several factors impact your pet insurance quote, including:
- Cat vs Dog: Cats are usually cheaper to insure than dogs because medical costs are generally cheaper for cats.
- Breed: For example, mixed breed dogs tend to cost less to insure because they often exhibit the concept of ‘hybrid vigor,’ potentially having fewer health problems than purebreds.
- Age
- Where you live
- The coverages you choose
- The deductible, co-insurance, and annual limit you choose
You can learn more about the costs of pet insurance here. But the truth is, the best way to get a sense for how much you’ll pay for pet insurance in Pennsylvania is to build a quote. Click below to get started. It’s fast, free, and dare we say it’s even kind of fun.
Apply now to get your free pet insurance quote.
Protect your pet from Pennsylvania threats
Pennsylvania is best known for the cites of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but the Keystone State is home to miles of stunning nature too. From the breathtaking Blue Ridge and Bear Pond mountain ranges to the shoreline of Lake Erie, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer nature lovers and their pets. But as beautiful as nature can be, it pays to be aware of the risks to your pets, and to take precautions to keep them healthy, safe and sound.
Winter weather
Pennsylvania’s climate ranges from a comfortable 87 degrees in July to a decidedly cold 26 degrees in January, and snowy winters can be tough for our pets. Although most dogs love to play, dig and frolic in the white stuff, they can suffer from wind-chill to their extremities, hypothermia, and even frostbite on exposed ears, paws and noses.
Although your pets’ lush fur coat may look warm, pets can die if left outside in cold weather for an extended period of time, especially if they have no food or water. If your cat loves to roam, make sure they have easy access to get back inside when the weather turns cold.
Nowadays there’s a wide range of pet clothing on offer, making it easy for pet owners to find the perfect sweaters and jackets for dogs and cats. Pet booties are also a great idea to keep toes warm, dry, and protected from chemical de-icers that are found on the ground in winter, helping to maintain healthy paws.
Speaking of de-icers, the ASPCA advises that these can cause upset stomachs, vomiting and diarrhea in pets if ingested. While your pet may not eat the de-icer directly, they can still cause problems even if they’re licked from paws after a walk, or your pet drinks melted snow out on the sidewalk. They recommend pets not be allowed to eat or drink snow that may have been treated, and to hose or wipe down paws after they’ve been outside.
Lyme Disease
Pennsylvania leads the pack when it comes to Lyme disease according to Dr. Anne Norris of Penn Medicine, who told CBS Philly that in humans there are “more cases of Lyme disease in Pennsylvania than in the next four states combined.”
But Lyme disease isn’t only a problem for us humans. It can also affect dogs and cats too, as it’s carried by ticks who will readily bite our pets as well as us.
The Lehigh Valley is a particular hotspot as it has a high concentration of blacklegged ticks, which are particularly prone to carrying the disease. Also known as deer ticks, blacklegged ticks are tiny – just the size of a poppy seed, which can make them especially difficult to spot among your pet’s furry coat. They are typically picked up in woodland, and are dark brown with darker legs.
Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs and cats include lethargy, lameness, swollen joints, arthritis, loss of appetite, fever, flu-like symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease may not show up until weeks or even months after the culprit tick has bitten your pet, so your vet will run diagnostic tests to determine whether the pet has increased antibodies to the Borrelia organism, the cause of the disease.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to check your pets for ticks regularly, paying particular attention to the ears, face, behind the elbow, inside back legs, under the tail and between toes.
All ticks, including the larger dog ticks and Asian long-horned ticks also found in Pennsylvania can carry the disease, so they should be removed if found, by grasping the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pulling slowly upwards without twisting to avoid leaving the tick’s mouthparts behind. The area should then be washed with warm soapy water.
Top Pennsylvania dog parks
Energetic pup? Let them run wild in one of Pennsylvania’s many off-leash dog parks. Just make sure your pup is up-to-date on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered before you let them cut loose.
- Canine Meadows, York. Located within the John Rudy County Park, Canine Meadows offers 14 acres of fenced in grassland for your dogs to gambol about. There are three meadows across the dog park, for small, medium and large dogs to play together. The park is free of charge, and at certain times of year there is a water fountain to help keep your dogs hydrated.
- Allen Township Dog Park, Northampton. When dogs and their owners are done exploring the hiking trails this 13-acre park offers, they can enjoy some off-leash down-time in the dog park’s two fenced-in areas. For the dogs, there’s agility equipment and a water fountain, while their humans can take a well-earned rest on the park benches scattered around.
- Schuylkill River Dog Park, Philadelphia. The largest dog park in the city center, the park is home to two purpose-built areas, one for large dogs and the other for small and elderly dogs who prefer things a little quieter. The park is surfaced with K-9 grass, a patented surface designed to reduce mud, mess and contagion, and a water fountain helps keep pets hydrated year-round.
- Lloyd Park, Caln Township. Set within 30 acres, this dog park is perfect for pooches who like to get their paws wet, as a stream runs through the dog meadow. There are also walking trails and a picnic area in the park, making this the perfect location for a family day out.
- Larry R Fabrizi Dog Park, Erie. Situated in McClelland Park, the dog park offers two fenced in grassland areas for dogs to let off steam and play with their canine pals. Trees dotted throughout provide shade, while owners can take a break on the benches, and there are walking trails nearby.
Support Pennsylvania-based pet businesses
Support small Pennsylvania businesses while keeping your best friend totally pampered!
- Healthy Pet Products, Pittsburgh. Good health begins with good nutrition, which is why this pet food store sells only natural, organic, additive-free foods for your furry family members. There are knowledgeable staff on hand to help you figure out your pet’s ideal diet, and a doggy bakery for those special treats such as doggy donuts, cookies and even birthday cakes.
- Eva’s Play Pups, Union Dale. A boarding kennel with a difference: this farm on the edge of the Poconos offers country breaks for city dogs. There’s 66 acres of fenced-in hiking trails, woodland and meadows to explore, plus a swimming pond for those hot summer days, the guests at this dog camp spend 7 to 9 hours a day playing with the camp counselors before curling up to sleep in the air conditioned, heated kennel bunkhouse.
- Unleashed Pet Photography, Lehigh Valley. Our pets are treasured family members, and what better way to honor them than with their very own photo shoot. A graduate of the Art Institute of Philadelphia, photographer Chelsea uses natural backdrops to create beautiful images of your dog that you’ll treasure forever.
- Dr. Doug – The Holistic Vet, Beaver. A graduate of The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Doug was inspired by a lecture to study pet acupuncture, and from there to turn his veterinary practice into a holistic wellness center. In addition to standard veterinary check-ups and treatments, he now also offers homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine and chiropractic care.
- Pampered Petz, Limerick. As much as we’d all love to be there to meet our pet’s needs all the time, that’s not always possible. The staff at Pampered Petz will visit your pets in your own home, take dogs for walks and playtime, and even stay overnight if you need to go away for any reason, offering you peace of mind.
Before we go…
Isn’t being a pet parent just the best? The companionship, the kisses, the laughter! Pets really add so much to our lives. The love that Pennsylvania pet parents have for their furry companions is real. Woof.
We love our pets, but sometimes those vet bills can take a real bite out of our wallets, which is why more and more pet parents are choosing to get covered with pet insurance for dogs or pet insurance for cats. Learn more about how much pet insurance costs, and whether or not pet insurance is worth it for you.
FAQs
Would pet insurance cover my pet if they get into an encounter with a porcupine in Pennsylvania?
Yes, pet insurance will generally provide coverage for the treatment and medication your pet may need after an encounter with a porcupine.
If your pet does get into an encounter, keep your pet calm and avoid removing the quills yourself to prevent breaking them. Seek immediate veterinary assistance to safely remove the quills and prevent infection.
How can I protect my pet from hawks and other birds of prey in Pennsylvania?
Supervise small pets when outdoors, especially in open areas. Just being near your pet can be a deterrent for birds of prey.
In the event you can not supervise your pet when they’re outside, consider placing them in a hawk protection vest, a protective garment designed to shield small pets from birds of prey, featuring spikes or bright colors to deter attacks. You can find these vests available for purchase on sites like Amazon or Coyote Vest, and pricing can range from around $60 to $100. You can also consider installing sheltered enclosures to keep your furry friend safe.
What are some ways to protect my pet from Pennsylvania's winter weather?
Be sure to keep your pet indoors during extreme cold and provide plenty of warmth with pet-friendly clothing or blankets. If they need to go outside to do their business or get exercise, consider using a jacket to keep them warm and pet booties to protect their paws from ice, and always wipe their paws after walks. If you use ice melt during the winter months, consider using pet-friendly ice melt, or avoid giving your pup access to areas using ice melt.
Can I use Lemonade pet insurance at any vet in Pennsylvania?
Yes, since we work on a reimbursement basis you can use your Lemonade pet insurance at any licensed vet in the U.S., including Pennsylvania.
What happens if I move to a different state?
If you move to a different state, you will need to contact Lemonade within 30 days of your move to update your policy. Your premiums might change based on the new location, so it’s essential to get updated information. Additionally, Lemonade pet insurance is not available in all 50 states, so be sure to check that Lemonade is able to offer coverage in your new state.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
