June was worst month for pet accidents in 2010, pet insurer says

InsuranceQuotes.com staff

June 2010 was a doggone bad month for pets.

A review by Veterinary Pet Insurance — a provider of health insurance for dogs, cats and other animals — found five of the top 10 days for accident claims in 2010 were in June. That month, 4,145 claims were filed by Veterinary Pet Insurance customers, representing an average of 138 pets treated each day for accidental injuries, such as broken bones, poisonings and cuts.

June 7, 2010 (a Monday), was the worst day, with 206 accident claims for pets. It was followed by Sept. 7, 2010 (a Monday), with 205 accident claims.

Next were:

3. Monday, June 14 — 199.

4. Tuesday, June 1 — 193.

5. Monday, June 21 — 188.

6. Monday, Aug. 9 — 183.

7. Monday, April 26 — 179.

8. Monday, June 28 — 179.

9. Monday, April 5 — 173.

10. Monday, Aug. 2 — 171.

Of the days of the week, Mondays had the highest average number of pets covered by Veterinary Pet Insurance that were treated for accidental injuries in 2010 — 152. Sundays were the lowest at 59.

“The difference in the number of accidents treated between Sunday and Monday may indicate that treatment is more difficult to find on Sundays and holidays,” says Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer at Veterinary Pet Insurance.

Veterinary Pet Insurance covers more than 485,000 pets nationwide for illnesses and injuries. It’s the country’s largest provider of pet insurance.