It is estimated that over two-thirds of Americans own at least one pet. Our pets have always been valued members of the family, but perhaps never more than right now.

Pets give us unconditional love, companionship and even help relieve loneliness and stress. Perhaps that is why during the pandemic, Texans have been adopting pets at record levels. Although pet adoptions are surging across the country, Texans are clearing out animal shelters like never before. According to one news outlet, some North Texas rescue shelters are receiving 600 applicants per dog.

Now that the holidays are over, we take a deep breath and prepare to get through the winter months. The days are short, and the pandemic and chilly weather may make each of us feel especially isolated.

In a recent survey, 94% of Americans said that their pet has been a source of emotional support during the pandemic. If you have a pet, you know that you’re among the fortunate ones. We have the companionship of our loyal pets to see us through these dark days. The warm body curled up in our lap that brings us such comfort, the begging eyes that move us to finally get up and go outside for a walk, the playful skittering across the floor that gives us a much-needed laugh. Pets are more important now than ever. They are truly family.

For many of us, pets are not just animals; they’re part of the family. When your pet becomes ill or injured, you want him or her to recover quickly. Veterinary medicine has made advances by leaps and bounds in recent years, but the cost of veterinary care has also increased dramatically: in 2006, Americans spent approximately $9.2 billion on veterinary care. For the year 2014, that amount leaped to $15.3 billion.* For many families, pet insurance is a practical way to manage the expense of providing their beloved pet with quality care.