Certainty over your pet’s protection during these uncertain times
Usually, your vet would be able to give your pet free insurance cover to protect them during their first few weeks with you. This is often set up when pets go in for their primary vaccinations, but can be arranged at other times, too.
Right now, it might be harder to get to the vet. Some veterinary practices are operating a reduced service, while some pet owners are unable to make it to the vet due to self-isolating, lockdown, or to limit their contact with others.
However, it’s really important that pets are protected with insurance, so we’ve made it possible for you to set up a free policy online for your pet to protect them at this time. This is a totally free policy that doesn’t require any payment or card details to set up.
Simply visit agriapet.co.uk/SAFE to activate a policy in moments for your pet. See below for details.
You can then, if you wish, extend this policy to a full lifetime policy, to protect your pet for life with Agria Pet Insurance.
What do to if your pet's vaccinations are delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak
Primary vaccinations
If your puppy/ kitten has had none, or if they have had the first but not the second vaccination
They must stay inside. Puppies can be allowed into the garden providing no unvaccinated dogs have been there. Kittens cannot due to the risk from other cats.
Be careful if you have been out of the house not to stroke other dogs and change your clothing and footwear when you come home as a precaution.
If you have other cats or dogs at home that are vaccinated, there is no problem with them mixing with the puppies or kittens. However, we advise keeping dogs on a lead during a walk in case they come into contact with an unvaccinated dog and carry infection home to the puppies.
Providing you have followed the precautions above, there is only an extremely low risk that your puppy or kitten will become infected. There are no long-term or adverse effects from delaying primary vaccinations or repeating the first if the gap between them has become too long.
Booster vaccinations
If your cat or dog’s annual booster is delayed
Seek advice from your practice if it looks like your booster will be overdue.
The longer an animal goes past it's due booster date there is a progressively increased risk of picking up a potentially serious condition as immunity gradually wanes.
If your cat or dog has missed their booster date, consult your vet for advice. We advise that cats must stay inside, and dogs must stay within the house and garden only – providing no unvaccinated dogs have access to the garden.
However, if a dog’s booster is less than ten weeks overdue, seek advice from your vet regarding exercise outside of the home.
Providing you have followed the precautions above, there are no long-term or adverse effects from restarting their vaccination course.
During the coronavirus outbreak, cats and dogs insured with an Agria Pet Insurance policy will be covered for any illnesses caused by problems with access to vaccinations – providing the above guidelines have been followed.
Cover for pets that have missed vaccinations
During the coronavirus outbreak, cats and dogs insured with an Agria Pet Insurance policy will be covered for any illnesses caused by problems with access to vaccinations – providing the above guidelines have been followed.
Pets up to the age of five can benefit from 4 weeks free insurance. Your free insurance will include vet fees cover up to £1,500 and advertising and reward costs up to £1,000 if your pet is lost or stolen.
We'll send your policy documentation through the post in the next few days. Your pet will be protected straight away for injuries, and illness cover starts after 14 days.
- Please note this offer has now ended -
About the Author
Shelley Harrison is Brand and Communications Manager at Agria Pet Insurance.
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