The average cost of pet insurance for dog and cat owners is $50 per month, fairly minimal compared to the average vet bill for dogs, which averages upwards of $1,500 for common medical issues. Yet only 1% of cat and dog owners have bought pet insurance, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

With about 180 million pet owners in the U.S., there's certainly an opportunity for agents to raise the issue with clients. But pet insurance may not be best for everyone, according to a story by NerdWallet's Alice Holbrook.

“It's important for pet owners to know the risks that come with their breed,” Dr. Peter Weinstein, executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, tells Holbrook. “All breeds have risk factors. Then find out which policies cover or don't cover these risks.”

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