Why Pet Insurance Matters More Than We Think: A Shelter Leader’s Perspective

Pet health insurance can be confusing—for pet parents and animal welfare professionals alike. Terms like pre-existing conditions, waiting periods, and medical records often create uncertainty at the very moment families are trying to do the right thing for their pets. In this episode of The Intake Podcast, Katherine Shenar is joined by Brad Watkins, Director of Animal Welfare at MetLife Pet Insurance, and Matt Pepper, CEO of Michigan Humane, to unpack how pet insurance really works—and why it matters for shelters and adopters. Together, they explore how timing and documentation impact coverage, the role shelters can play in educating adopters, and how pet insurance can support long-term pet retention by helping families manage unexpected veterinary costs. If your organization is focused on keeping pets in homes—not just placing them—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.