Animal Protection Services and Pet Insurance, in a One Health Approach

The One Health concept, which emphasizes the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health, has gained prominence in areas such as animal protection and insurance. These types of services not only promote animal health, but also play an essential role in alerting animals to situations that endanger their quality of life, and also in preventing diseases that can affect both humans and animals.

Trends in the Pet Insurance Market

The animal insurance market has grown rapidly in several countries, including Portugal, where several insurers report increases of up to 50% in policy volume. However, despite this growth, take-up of these insurance policies in Portugal is still relatively low, considering that a large proportion of Portuguese households with pets do not have insurance. Some pet owners are not yet familiar with this type of product and, therefore, do not see the advantage in purchasing insurance. However, through communication that aims to promote greater knowledge and responsibility on the part of animal owners regarding this area, companies operating in the animal insurance market believe that the segment still has a lot of room to grow. This scenario mirrors a global trend, with the humanization of animals, increased concern on the part of owners for the health and well-being of their animals and the significant increase in the number of people who own pets, as the main drivers of this growth in demand for animal insurance. According to a study published by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in 2021, the number of dogs and cats as pets has increased significantly, that is, in the United States the number of dogs has risen from 76.8 million in 2016 to 83.7 million in 2021 and in Europe it is estimated that 85 million European families have at least one pet.

Importance of Pet Insurance

Pet insurance offers numerous advantages, including the possibility of reducing medical expenses for routine checkups and emergency treatments. This promotes greater proactivity in the regular medical monitoring of animals, promoting preventive health and preventing the development of more serious diseases. At the same time, these insurance policies help to reduce the risk of transmission of zoonoses, protecting both animals and their owners. One of the great advantages of pet insurance is the peace of mind it provides to owners, who know that they will be able to provide the best possible treatment for their pet, regardless of adverse situations. In addition, many policies also include additional benefits, such as discounts on bathing, grooming, nutrition and care services at pet boarding facilities, further increasing the value perceived by consumers.

Importance of Animal Protection Services

In recent years, interest in animal protection projects has grown considerably. These projects aim to ensure the well-being of animals through actions such as rescues, adoptions, and the promotion of policies to protect abandoned or mistreated animals. Animal protection is directly linked to public health, as neglected or mistreated animals can become sources of zoonotic diseases. Investments in such initiatives not only reduce mistreatment and abandonment, but also play a crucial role in preventing diseases that affect both animals and humans. For example, protecting stray animals and monitoring their health conditions are essential measures to prevent the spread of zoonoses in urban areas. Sterilization, vaccination, and population control projects are fundamental tools in this context.

Several organizations already work in this area providing assistance and support, such as NGOs, clinics, associations and city halls. Particularly in Portugal, several innovative initiatives have emerged in recent years. For example, community awareness campaigns about the problems of animal abandonment to promote a more conscious society; compassionate animal food banks that collect food and other essential items for animals; programs to support animals for families in economic difficulties, homeless people, the elderly and other groups in delicate situations, in terms of food, veterinary care and social support; support for animal protection associations by providing free vaccination, sterilization, electronic identification, deworming services, among others.

Legislation aimed at protecting animals emerged in 1978 with the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights (UDRA), the aim of which was to create legal parameters for the benefit of animals. Later, with the enactment of the 1988 Constitution, animal protection was expanded, including measures for population control of domestic animals, carrying out neutering campaigns, promoting the identification of animals, especially those that are picked up from the streets, among others. This entire process also contributes to a greater sense of citizenship and humanization, in a society in which everyone must be cared for.

Both pet insurance and animal protection services are essential components of ensuring animal welfare, as well as protecting human health and promoting environmental sustainability. With the increase in pet adoption and awareness of the risks associated with animal health, these services are expected to continue to grow in the coming years.