Although research shows older adults with pets benefit from the animal-human bond, some seniors shy away from pet ownership because of a fixed income or limited mobility. Thankfully, Pawp, a pet insurance alternative, provides solutions to these common concerns with an online vet clinic and a safety net for emergencies.
What is Pawp?
Pawp provides pet owners with unlimited, 24/7 access to licensed vets and pet experts via text or video call (plus an annual $3,000 emergency fund) for a flat fee of $24 a month. One membership covers up to six pets within a household at no extra cost regardless of their breed, age, location and pre-existing conditions.
The service is ideal for older adults who may find themselves worrying about a pet’s strange behavior or just need some expert advice—situations that might include a dog that suddenly vomits or a cat that begins to urinate outside the litter box.
Even in the middle of the night, Pawp gives owners immediate access to vets and pet experts through a video call or text with no appointment required and no wait times. With this, they will determine if:
- Your pet needs to go to an emergency vet immediately.
- Your pet can wait to see its regular vet.
- You can treat your pet’s issue by yourself at home.
This consultation often prevents unnecessary vet visits – along with wasted time and money – by answering any health, behavioral and nutritional questions you might have—giving you peace of mind.
Vet bill assistance during an emergency
Unfortunately, pet emergencies happen, which is why Pawp provides a $3,000 fund for one emergency per year (which you can use on any of your pets). Members can easily access their emergency fund by placing a video call to a Pawp vet. Once the vet confirms the situation is critical and approves the use of the fund, the member can admit the pet to any vet clinic or hospital in the U.S. within four hours. Once the pet is treated, Pawp pays the vet directly so the member doesn’t incur any out-of-pocket expenses. (Note there’s a full 14-day waiting period before this fund is available to a customer.)
Pawp vs. traditional pet insurance
The pet insurance marketplace can often be complex and confusing—and sometimes suffers from crucial coverage gaps, hidden fees and costly policies. Pawp offers a more affordable and transparent alternative: On average, Pawp’s customers save $360 per year on premiums alone, and unlike many traditional pet care options, Pawp provides services to all domestic cats and dogs—regardless of their age, breed or pre-existing conditions.
Pawp’s 24/7 digital clinic helps you budget
Although seniors still need to take their pet to a private vet for a yearly exam and vaccines, Pawp can be a handy resource for pet owners to turn to for common pet health questions, including behavior concerns and nutrition advice—all for a flat monthly fee from home.
That set fee is especially beneficial for older adults on a fixed income. Pet care can be expensive and often unexpected, but Pawp’s easy-to-use service allows seniors to budget for the $24 a month telehealth service to eliminate surprise charges.
Pawp estimates the service solves 60% of pet issues, which eliminates the need to find a ride (and the money) to pay for multiple vet visits every time there’s a question about your pet.
Care for the pets that care for you
Pets are such an important part of our daily happiness, providing not just a sense of routine for older adults but also emotional support and companionship. Pawp’s 24-hour online vet access paired with its emergency pet care fund is the perfect fit for older adults, especially homebound seniors, who can continue to enjoy the health benefits of loving pets in the home.
