Open enrollment season is starting at many employers, and a growing number of benefits menus now include a line for your dog or cat.
Before you tick that box, treat it as you would any insurance purchase: compare it on coverage, not convenience.
How common it has become
More than a quarter of employers, 27%, offered pet insurance in 2026, up from 22% in 2025, according to the Society for Human Resource Management's annual benefits survey of more than 5,000 U.S. organizations (SHRM survey, via ExtensisHR).
The broader market is growing as well. U.S. pet insurance premiums reached about $5.7 billion in 2025, up 19.7%, and the average accident-and-illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog and $435 for a cat (NAPHIA).
What "through work" usually means
Workplace pet insurance is typically a voluntary benefit. In most cases:
- You pay the premium, often through payroll deduction. Some employers contribute; many do not.
- The policy comes from an outside insurer that your employer has arranged access to.
- There may be a group discount compared with buying the same policy on your own. Ask how large it is.
That arrangement is convenient. It also means the coverage is only as good as the specific policy offered.
What the policy actually says
Read the same provisions you would read for any pet policy:
- Pre-existing conditions. Ask whether the workplace plan treats them differently from an individual policy. Some group arrangements are more generous; do not assume.
- Waiting periods. Under the NAIC model law, accident waiting periods are not allowed and illness waiting periods may not exceed 30 days ( NAIC Model Act #633 ). Check what your plan sets.
- Deductible, reimbursement rate and annual limit. These decide what you actually receive.
- Wellness add-ons. Under the model law, wellness programs are not insurance and must be priced separately. Make sure you know which part of the deduction pays for which.
The question most people forget: what happens when you leave?
A workplace policy is tied to your job. Before enrolling, ask:
- Can I keep the policy if I change jobs or retire? Some plans let you continue by paying the insurer directly.
- Does the price change if I continue individually? The group discount may end.
- Will my pet's conditions stay covered? Moving to a different insurer later can mean new waiting periods and new pre-existing exclusions, which matters more as your pet ages.
Workplace plan or individual policy?
| Consider the workplace plan if | Consider an individual policy if |
|---|---|
| The group price beats comparable individual quotes | You expect to change jobs soon and the plan isn't portable |
| The plan is portable when you leave | An individual policy offers better limits or reimbursement |
| Payroll deduction helps you budget | You want a specific insurer or plan design |
Coverage check
The bottom line: pet insurance through work is a convenience, and sometimes a discount. Judge it on coverage and portability, compare it with an individual policy, and enroll only if it is the better plan for your pet, not merely the easier one to buy.
Sources
- ExtensisHR, Key takeaways from SHRM's 2026 Benefits Survey , July 8, 2026
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association, State of the Industry Report 2026, highlights , June 21, 2026 (industry-funded)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Pet Insurance Model Act (#633)
Insurance rules and prices vary by state, employer and insurer. This article is for general information, not individual advice; consult a licensed insurance professional and your HR benefits team.