Daily Life Style

 Animal therapy

We're all familiar with the idea that having pets can have a beneficial effect on our mental health. 

With their presence, boundless enthusiasm, cuddly potential, and even their excellent listening skills, they often add a joy to our daily lives.

While all animals have the potential to benefit their humans, some are more professional in this regard. 

Examples include the guide dogs of the Mira Foundation. These animals are literally essential to their owners' independence in society.

What is animal-assisted therapy?

Another category of animals with a high welfare rating is animals trained for animal-assisted therapy. The term animal-assisted therapy can be easily misused these days. 

Indeed, we tend to use it whenever an animal makes us feel better. However, there is a definition, training, and rules surrounding animal-assisted therapy.

"Zootherapy is a comprehensive approach based on the fundamental principle that there are natural bonds between humans and animals. Zootherapy activities are designed based on the attraction that the animal exerts on the person and its ability to stimulate them."

The organization also offers their own definition of animal therapy, which is: "intervention that is carried out individually or in a group using a carefully selected and trained pet animal, presented by a qualified person to an individual with the aim of eliciting reactions aimed at maintaining or improving their cognitive, physical, psychological or social potential."

Who can be a pet therapist?

It goes without saying that not just any companion, at any time, can call themselves a pet therapy animal, and the same goes for their owner.

Indeed, in order to be a zootherapy practitioner, you must have a significant background, particularly in helping relationships, and then follow specific training focused on zootherapy.

Long live animals!

The potential for helping animals is enormous, and thanks to certain professions like animal therapy, we can truly maximize the invaluable contribution animals make to our lives.

 Can you insurance a sick pet?

Even if your dog or cat already has health issues, you can still take out pet insurance. But there are some considerations to make. For instance, some surgeries or procedures might not be covered.

What if my dog or cat was already ill when I took out the insurance?

When taking out dog or cat insurance, most pet insurers require you to indicate whether your pet is completely healthy and/or has recently undergone surgery.

If your dog has a food allergy, your cat has had surgery for a broken leg, or your rabbit has recently had an ear infection, there is usually nothing to worry about.

However, if you have chronic and/or serious health conditions, it may have consequences for your insurance. Depending on your medical history, your insurer may choose not to accept an animal or exclude certain procedures from coverage.

Always read the insurance terms and conditions carefully before signing up. If in doubt, always contact the insurer's customer service. This way, you can be sure your application is processed correctly.

Be sure to provide all the information you need when you take out the policy! If it turns out you intentionally (or even unintentionally) provided incorrect or incomplete information when taking out the insurance, the insurer may decide to terminate the policy.

What if I didn't know my dog or cat was already sick?

Of course, it's also possible that your pet was already ill when you took out pet insurance, without you realizing it. In that case, it depends on the type of health issue and when you discover it.

If you find out about this shortly after taking out the policy, the waiting period will play a role. In many cases, procedures for diagnoses within the waiting period (usually 30 days after taking out the insurance) are excluded from coverage.

If your veterinarian later discovers a condition your pet has been suffering from for a long time, but which you couldn't have known about, it's wise to carefully review the fine print of your insurance policy. How an insurer handles this can vary depending on the condition and the company.