Pets are known to be a favorite companion of humans. They serve as a family member, best friend, or even just a toy to cuddle with everyday. To be able to do this, pets need to be taken cared of. Having a pet is a big responsibility, because like humans, they need to be in perfect shape to be able to perform their most basic functions.

However, responsibility comes with a price tag. Personal time, as well as the financial aspect of having your pets taken to the veterinarian to undergo basic tests are one of the few reasons why having a pet is a huge responsibility.

Studies show that majority of veterinarian visits are unscheduled because of emergencies. Doing so creates a feeling of frustration to its owners because of the added expense of these unforeseen instances. In addition, new government mandated tests for pets are continuously being implemented, which leads to a more expensive health care industry.

Recent changes have revolutionized pet care industry today. Veterinarians now have access to different human diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and CT scans.

Diagnoses made for humans 20 years ago are actually diagnosed in animals today. Given these changes, owner-pet care expenses have increased dramatically. These later on reflects to the increasing pet care insurance acquisitions for the past ten years.

Pet care insurance helps subsidize pet care expenses through reimbursements on veterinary fees, diagnostic exams and diagnostic procedures. However, similar to human insurance policies, pet care insurance have their exclusions such as the type of pet, breed and age.

Dogs are actually more expensive to look after rather than cats. This is because they tend to be sicker, and visit veterinarians twice than that of cats. Pure breeds are given higher premium by most pet care insurance companies because of their special needs, rather than cross breeds.

Also, similar to human insurance policies, the older your pet is, the higher the premium for your pet. It is advised that you get a pet care insurance policy as early as possible.

One needs to do research to get the most applicable pet care insurance to ones own pet. Doing research can lead to cost savings and knowing what is the most comprehensive plan for you and your pet. Here are some tips in choosing a customized pet care insurance:

1) Compare pet care insurance providers. This would help you find the most cost efficient pet care provider for you.

2) Set aside an amount for pet care. Setting aside a reasonable amount for healthcare will shield you for unexpected incidents of your pet.

3) Scout around your area for low cost veterinarians which provide the same services of the more expensive veterinarians. The important thing is the service that you need is done.

4) It will not hurt if you ask for samples. As with human insurance care, pharmaceutical companies give out free samples to see if their products work. Check with your veterinarian if there are free samples.

5) Diet. Same with humans, it is less expensive for pets if their weight is considered as healthy, rather than being underweight or overweight.

6) Carefully review your policies before signing. You need to know the fine print in pet care insurance policies for you to fully understand the inclusion and exclusions of the policy.

Check out some great recipes:

Divine Doggy Dinner

Divine Doggy Dinner 1/2 pound ground beef — or turkey, chicken, lamb 1/4 cup cooked rice1 small potato 1/4 cup green beans — about 5-8 beans 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Brown the meat in a pan. When completely cooked, drain the fat. Add the... [Read more]

Basenji Stew

Basenji Stew 4 small parsnip — **see Note 2 whole yellow squash — cubed 2 whole Sweet potatoes — peeled and cubed 2 whole Zucchini — cubed 5 whole tomatoes — canned 1 can garbanzo beans, canned — *see Note 15 oz 1/2... [Read more]

Dog Cookies

Dog Cookies 1 c Beef, chicken, or vegetable stock 1 c Bread or all-purpose flour 1 c Whole wheat or rye (or other-dark) flour 1 c Bulgar wheat 1/4 c Non-fat dry milk powder 1/2 ts Salt 1 1/2 ts Yeast Use dough cycle. Roll dough to 1/4″ thickness.... [Read more]

Dog Oil Supplement

Dog Oil Supplement 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup cod liver oil 1/4 cup flax seed oil Place oils in brown bottle and shake well. Store in refrigerator. Add two teaspoons to the dogs food each day. Can be add to dry food as well. Safflower... [Read more]

Biscuits For Dogs

Biscuits For Dogs 1 cup oatmeal — uncooked 1/3 cup margarine 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules 5 1/2 cups hot water 1 tablespoon garlic powder — optional 3/4 cup powdered milk 3/4 cup cornmeal 3 cups whole wheat flour 1 whole egg —... [Read more]

Beef Twists

Beef Twists 3 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose 1 cup cornmeal 1 package unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup corn oil 1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained 1 beef bouillon cube 3/4 cup boiling water — or beef stock Dissolve bouillon cube in... [Read more]

Cheesy Carrot Muffins

Cheesy Carrot Muffins 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 cup cheddar cheese — Shredded 1 cup carrot — grated 2 large eggs 1 cup milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin or line it with... [Read more]

Darlene’s Favorite Dog Cookie

Darlene’s Favorite Dog Cookie 2 cups rye flour 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2/3 cup warm water 1/2 cup white flour 1/4 cup cornmeal Mix well. I usually add about 1/4 tsp. either vanilla or mint flavor. Roll out to 1/4″ thick. Cut into shapes (I usually... [Read more]

Dog Mini Cakes

Dog Mini Cakes 2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup soybean flour 1 cup skim milk — or water 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon canola oil — or sunflower 1 teaspoon sea salt Mix dry ingredients. Add liquid and honey. Mix and let the dough rest in... [Read more]

Bow Wow Biscuits

Bow Wow Biscuits 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup powdered milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 8 tablespoons bacon grease — or margarine 1 egg — beaten 1 teaspoon brown sugar 2 tablespoons beef broth —... [Read more]