OnePack Plan has introduced its pet insurance offering to the Canadian market, providing employers, group benefits providers and benefits consultants the option to include pet insurance as an employee benefit.
The plan, available nationwide in both English and French Canadian, enables employers to offer payroll-deductible pet insurance for cats and dogs at a flat group rate. This aims to help employees manage veterinary costs, particularly as unexpected vet bills become a growing concern for many Canadians.
"The average veterinary visit for an accident or illness costs up to $1,000," said Michelle Yates, EVP of business development at OnePack Plan in Canada. "For many pet parents and employees, unexpected bills of this size can cause financial strain. By offering OnePack Plan, employers can make veterinary care more financially accessible, allowing their employees to focus on caring for their pets rather than worrying about costs."
Pet ownership in Canada continues to rise, with 58% of households owning a dog or cat. Research by OnePack Plan found that 50% of Canadian pet parents are interested in employer-offered pet insurance, reflecting growing demand for this type of benefit.
Additionally, financial strain related to unexpected veterinary costs is common among Canadians, with 42% of pet owners making financial sacrifices for pet care and 40% missing work due to their pet’s health.
OnePack Plan integrates with existing benefits administration systems. Payroll deductions can be set up through the regular benefits system, and the plan can be customized to suit companies.
In the Canadian market, OnePack Plan is entering a growing field. Other companies, such as Trupanion and Petplan, also offer pet insurance options to employers. In the U.S., major companies like Salesforce have adopted pet insurance as part of their employee benefits packages, responding to the increasing demand for such offerings.
"We’ve seen a growing focus on wellness in the workplace, and pets play a significant role in improving mental health," said Yates. "Implementing policies that consider the needs of pet parents can enhance employee satisfaction and retention."
