VA Veterinary Health Insurance Benefits:

Veterans with working Assistance Dogs can qualify for the VA Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a veterinary health insurance benefit and other benefits in support of service dogs to maximize the life and utility of these specialized dogs. This insurance benefit is available for eligible Veterans with Hearing, Guide, Mobility and/or Mental Health Mobility service dogs through the Veteran Health Administration's Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Services. 

Applications to determine a Veteran’s eligibility for this benefit can be submitted prior to the Veteran receiving their service dog from an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited service dog organization. Applicants can choose to wait until after they receive their dog to apply for this benefit, but it can, at times, be a lengthy process.

Getting pre-approval will help you get this benefit set up for your service dog soon after you receive your dog. If approved, you will be enrolled in a contracted veterinary health insurance policy that covers veterinary care and equipment. At this time, Trupanion partners with the US Department of Veterans Affairs to help Veterans receive veterinary care for their approved service dogs. This coverage pays for all eligible expenses including check-ups, medical care, and emergencies.

If you are interested in the VA Veterinary Health Insurance Benefits program, please contact the Department of Rehabilitation and Prosthetics services at your local VA Medical Center. Please note that Trupanion is unable to enroll veterans who are not approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

If you need any help with the process, we recommend contacting the Patient Advocate  at your local VA Medical Center and the Veterans Experience Office 1-800-MyVA411

For more information visit: Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Services – Service Dogs , PSAS Service Dog Fact Sheet , or Trupanion Veteran Support.

Dog Emergency 

If you experience a medical emergency with your dog, or if your dog escapes from your property and you cannot locate it, please follow these procedures. 


CANINE CARE
Each season poses different potential hazards to your assistance dog or family pet.  Below you'll find care information for the cold and warm seasons along with information on natural disaster preparation.  

Grooming Tips

Grooming is much more than a cosmetic chore. The American Kennel Club notes that a failure to groom dogs can cause pain and irreversible damage. Because guide and service dogs accompany their owners everywhere - including work, public transport, and busy city walks, specific areas need to be taken care of.