Why employees need sponsored pet benefits

Jul 29, 2024

Earlier this year, Nationwide announced they were going to drop 100,000 pet insurance policies, blaming rising costs of veterinary care. This is an example of the challenges and changes happening in the pet benefits landscape and highlights the barriers to care pet parents are up against.

While pet insurance can be a valuable financial tool for some, companies that only offer voluntary pet insurance to their employees end up leaving behind many pet parents.

In this blog, we’re exploring the transformative impact of employer-sponsored pet benefits. From reducing stress and improving productivity to promoting holistic well-being, these benefits are more than just perks—they’re a testament to nurturing a compassionate workplace culture that cares for pets and their human companions alike.

An accessible benefit for employees

Traditional pet insurance often excludes or becomes prohibitively expensive for pets and their families.

Here’s a breakdown of the barriers pet families face when only offered pet insurance:

  • High monthly cost: To insure a pet, it is typically between $383-$675 annually if the pet is not geriatric, has no existing health conditions, and is accepted for a policy. A significant portion of pet parents, almost half, cannot obtain coverage, regardless of their desire to do so.
  • Pet parents with more than one pet, as each policy is a separate monthly cost, which could add up to thousands per year.
  • Age restrictions: Geriatric pets, typically those aged 8 or older, which constitutes around 30% of all cats and dogs nationwide are either ineligible or face much higher premiums.
  • Breed restrictions: Conventional pet insurance usually covers only cats and dogs, leaving out the approximately 20% of pets in households that are other species. 

Pushing the cost, via voluntary pet insurance offerings, back onto the parents typically results in low utilization and becomes ineffective for pet families when they consider care.

Pet families need total support

At Airvet, we’re redefining what it means to provide pet care benefits. We’re not just about reactive care; we’re your digital front door to comprehensive pet care, ensuring that every step of your pet care journey is covered. 

With Airvet, pet parents can..

  • Get answers to their questions in minutes from trusted veterinarians. 
  • Access speciality visits, like diet consultations focusing on your pet’s nutritional health and gastrointestinal issues.
  • Prescriptions delivered right to your door.
  • Exclusive discounts, including pet insurance

All at no cost to the pet parent. No more unnecessary vet visits, extra spending, or neglecting pet care because the pet parent believes the cost or time required for proper care is out of reach.

A voluntary benefit like pet insurance, which focuses solely on cost relief, doesn’t fully address the diverse needs of pet parents. Often, they need support or guidance, especially in moments of vulnerability when they are susceptible to misinformation. We’re committed to providing that support, ensuring that every pet and every family receives the care and attention they deserve 24/7.

Positive impact on employee experience

Pet ownership transcends demographics, with about 70% of working Americans having pets, compared to only 35% who have children under 18. This disparity underscores the importance of offering inclusive benefits that cater to all types of families, whether they include human children, pets, or both. By providing and sponsoring pet benefits, employers ensure that every employee—regardless of family structure—can access meaningful support.

Pet ownership spans generations, from Gen Zs to Baby Boomers, reflecting diverse backgrounds and lifestyles across the workforce. This diversity highlights the universal appeal of pet benefits, which serve as a unifying resource for employees of all ages and demographics. Whether it’s a Gen Z adopting their first pet or a retiree enjoying the companionship of a lifelong friend, pet benefits offer tangible support that resonates across generational lines.

We understand better than most that pets are cherished members of our families, providing companionship and numerous health benefits. Supporting employees’ pets reduces stress, enhances productivity, and fosters a workplace culture that values both professional and personal fulfillment.

By recognizing and supporting the bond between pets and their human companions, employers can cultivate a workplace environment that promotes empathy, compassion, and holistic employee wellness. Because, when you’re taking care of pets you’re really taking care of people.

Increased employee engagement 

Pet benefits can support employees across generations, demographics, and family structures, making it an invaluable benefit for 70% of employees. Airvet has an average utilization rate of 10% among our partners. The flexibility and accessibility of Airvet as an employer-sponsored benefit is crucial to increased utilization. Employees don’t need to shop around for better prices, manage setup, or face additional barriers to care that often come with voluntary benefits.

The high engagement and utilization rates of Airvet illustrate its effectiveness in enhancing employee satisfaction and well-being. When employees feel that their personal and family needs are supported, including those of their pets, they are more likely to be engaged and productive at work.

Easy enrollment and access

Implementing new benefits can be daunting for HR teams, especially when faced with the complexities of voluntary options. However, enterprise-grade solutions like Airvet provide comprehensive resources, launch toolkits, and dedicated Customer Success Managers. These resources ensure that HR teams can seamlessly integrate new benefits, keeping employees informed and engaged throughout the year.

Moreover, employer-sponsored benefits alleviate stress for employees. There’s no need for them to navigate budgets, compare options, or allocate additional time or money to access essential benefits.

We’ve simplified the integration process to eliminate these barriers. Our seamless integration ensures quick and efficient onboarding without disrupting existing workflows. Airvet is SOC compliant, offers streamlined eligibility files, and is consistently praised by our partners for its ease of implementation.

By choosing employer sponsored pet benefits, employers not only streamline operations but also prioritize employee well-being with accessible, stress-free benefits.


Employer-sponsored pet benefits represent more than just a trend—they embody a commitment to supporting the well-being of employees and their beloved pets. By offering a comprehensive suite of services, Airvet helps pet parents navigate the complexities of pet care with ease and confidence. From instant access to veterinary advice to personalized diet plans and convenient prescription deliveries, Airvet is dedicated to making pet care accessible and stress-free. We believe that every pet deserves the best possible care, and every family should have the resources they need to provide it. With Airvet, you’re never alone on your pet care journey.


If you’re interested in exploring the impact Airvet can have on your employees, you can set up a time to chat with our team here.