Top 10 Most Unusual Dog and Cat Names of 2012 Revealed

BREA, Calif., July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "Bella" and "Max" once again topped the list of most popular pet names last year, but there are thousands of pet owners who look for more originality when naming their furry, four-legged friends. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, celebrates the most clever, creative and quirky pet names nationwide. After a thorough selection process, 50 unusual dog names and 50 unusual cat names were chosen from VPI's database of more than 485,000 insured pets and narrowed down with a vote for the 10 most unusual names in each category. Following are the 10 Wackiest Dog and Cat Names of 2012:

"Sorting through our database of more than 485,000 insured pets, we found some very interesting, amusing and flat-out peculiar dog and cat names," said Curtis Steinhoff, director of corporate communications for VPI. "When we spoke with the pet owners from our Top Ten lists, we heard some entertaining and heartwarming stories about how each owner selected their unusual pet name. While monikers like Stinker Belle and Vincent Van Furrball might sound odd, they are also a reflection of what makes each pet unique and special to their family."

For the full list of 50 unusual dog and cat names, pictures of pets that made the Top 10, and the stories behind their unusual names, visit www.wackypetnames.com. 

About Veterinary Pet Insurance
With more than 485,000 pets insured nationwide, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies and is the oldest and largest pet health insurance company in the United States. Since 1982, VPI has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers.

VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. CareGuard^® coverage for routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, nearly 3,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012). 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.

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.