When your pet causes an accident

If you’re one of the many who spent hours of quality time with your pet since the pandemic, you know first-hand that their playfulness occasionally turns into mischief or naughtiness.

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Torn furniture, missing household items, broken electronics, muddy paw prints on the couch, and near-miss dog bites could be commonplace in households with an energetic or headstrong pooch.

Younger dogs, in particular, are fond of biting games that could lead to unexpected nips. At the same time, other pets may be too protective or aggressive towards strangers since they haven’t had enough socialization and interaction with other animals and people because of previous community restrictions. 

Dog bites accounted for 85.7 percent of rabies cases in the Philippines, according to the pre-pandemic findings of the National Rabies Control and Prevention Program’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025. A highly fatal and infectious disease, rabies causes 250 to 300 deaths a year, a third of which are children below 15 years old and predominantly male. 

Dog bite victims need a series of rabies vaccines, immunoglobulin post-exposure prophylaxis, and anti-tetanus shots to prevent rabies. This treatment could cost thousands of pesos, on top of causing physical wounds and pain. 

Pet owners’ first line of defense against these unforeseen mishaps is to give their pups regular anti-rabies shots. However, even if your furry friend has been vaccinated, the person they bit is still required to seek treatment for their visible wounds and vaccinations. 

With the help of a pet insurance policy with third-party liability coverage like Malayan Insurance Co. Inc.’s Pet Care, dog guardians are shielded from the financial and emotional stress that comes after their dog bites or misbehaves. 

Pet Care Owner’s Liability Insurance settles the expenses due to bodily injuries and property damages, including unplanned veterinary bills. 

For a one-time payment of PhP2,800, owners have PhP100,000 worth of liabilities coverage should their canine suddenly bite or injure someone even if they’re not at home. This benefit could be used several times if the PhP100,000 cover was not entirely consumed during the initial claims.   

Pet owners who feel they need more security for their active or large breed pets may consider signing up for PhP300,000 coverage for just a one-time premium of PhP5,400. This policy also has a per occurrence coverage and may be used multiple times until the premium has been exhausted. 

Aside from dog bites, Malayan Pet Care’s liability coverage may also be used to pay for damaged property. This feature is handy for hyperactive or clumsy pets fond of playing with furniture and breakables or pouncing on the neighboring plantitas landscaped yard. 

Even if your pooch is gentle and friendly, it’s still a good idea to have them insured. Insurance helps defray medical costs if your dog runs into an accident or falls ill. It assures owners that their pup will get the medical treatment it needs, even if it’s not in their budget. Owners are also covered since Pet Care comes with personal accident insurance. Responsible pet ownership goes beyond giving pooches food and shelter. It also involves taking responsibility for any misadventures or misdemeanors your pup does inside and outside your home.