Program that Pairs "Heroes" with Shelter Animals Becomes New VPI Partner

BREA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Veterans Day will have new significance for Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, as the company announced today its partnership with Pets2Vets. The collaboration unites VPI with the national nonprofit organization, whose mission it is to alleviate the suffering of U.S. active military, veterans, first responders and their families by matching them with at-risk shelter animals nationwide. This unique model saves two lives in the process.

Emphasizing the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and pets, Pets2Vets seeks to support these service people, who the organization calls "heroes," as they pursue re-entry into society with the support of a rescued companion animal. Pets2Vets assists in healing the emotional wounds of duty by enabling pet and hero to forge new bonds that build confidence and trust. As a result of the partnership, Pets2Vets will provide qualifying heroes with a VPI Pet Insurance policy, covering the first year's policy premium for their new companion.

Pets2Vets founder and former Air Force Senior Airman, David Sharpe said, "Pets2Vets is grateful to VPI for its generous support.  We believe securing the health of an adopted pet will go a long way toward ensuring a successful bond between our heroes and their companion animal. With the help of VPI, Pets2Vets hopes to continue to make a difference in the lives of Americans on the front lines and shelter animals."

"We know first-hand that the bond between people and pets can have an incredible healing power," said Dennis P. Drent, president and CEO for VPI. "This new relationship will allow Pets2Vets to continue to ease the transition back into society for these servicemen and women while providing further peace of mind with health care coverage for their rescued companion."

For the heroes who qualify for the program, Pets2Vets will cover the first year premium for their new companion under a VPI Major Medical plan, which offers the most comprehensive coverage protection. Additionally, pets will receive a CareGuard^(SM) Core rider, which covers expenses relating to vaccinations, flea protection and other preventive routine care benefits.

To learn more about this program or to make a donation to Pets2Vets, visit their website at www.P2V.org.  

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

With more than 485,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the No. 1 veterinarian-recommended pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional CareGuard^® coverage is available for routine care.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,500 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook  or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

About Pets2Vets

Pets2Vets works to alleviate the psychological suffering of our nation's heroes and to reduce the number of shelter animals euthanized in the United States. Founded in July 2009 by former Air Force Senior Airman David Sharpe, P2V is a non-clinical organization that connects the expertise of medical care professionals with animal welfare organizations in order to support animal adoptions by U.S. active military, veterans, first responders and their families. The program covers the entire cost of adoption, all the necessities for the pet at home, and pet insurance for the first year. In addition, veterans and their pets have unlimited access to an animal trainer with 30 years of training experience. For more information, visit www.P2V.org.

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.