{"id":1891,"date":"2021-06-01T15:23:12","date_gmt":"2021-06-01T15:23:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/protectmypaws.com\/?page_id=1891"},"modified":"2023-07-12T14:59:00","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T14:59:00","slug":"exotic-pet-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/protectmypaws.com\/exotic-pet-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Exotic Pet Insurance Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

When we\u2019re talking about pet insurance, most, if not all of the time, we refer to pet insurance for cats<\/a> and dogs<\/a>. However, there are dozens of other types of pets being kept as family companions all across the nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

These not-so-exposed animals are classified as exotic pets, pet birds (avians)<\/a>, and <\/strong>horses (equines)<\/strong><\/a>. Most often than not, when it comes to pet insurance, they all fall under the exotic pets category with the exception of horses.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Even though most insurance companies are no fans of providing coverage policies for exotic pets, that doesn\u2019t mean these adorable creatures are less common, less loved, or less needy than the overly popularized canines and felines. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As a matter of fact, in 2020, the combined number of exotic pets exceeded that of cats and dogs by about 24 million<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

These unusual companions are affected by a host of medical conditions that most often require immediate attention, hence the necessity to treat them grows bigger by the day. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

That being said, we understand there\u2019s a pretty big chance you\u2019re an exotic pet owner looking for ways to provide medical coverage for your pets. That\u2019s why we penned this article in which you can learn where to find the exotic pet insurance options that are most suitable for you<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ownership and Veterinary Costs for Exotic Pets<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Birds, fish, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals<\/strong>, all comprise the exotic pet kingdom. There are thousands of different breeds and subcategories of these animals dwelling in homes across the country, and they can all cost from very cheap to ultra-expensive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll overview the costs required to own the top types of exotic pets and how much of your budget you need to dedicate to treating their most common health conditions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Birds<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Birds’ price is affected by their rarity and size. They can go from as little as $10 for finches<\/strong> and canaries <\/strong>to about $1,000 for African greys<\/strong> and Amazon parrots<\/strong>. And if you\u2019ve laid your eyes upon some extravagant cockatoo <\/strong>or a macaw<\/strong>, don\u2019t get too excited because they can easily exceed the $5,000 price point.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When you\u2019ve made the decision about who\u2019s going to be your feathery friend for the next couple of decades or so, it\u2019s time to think about their living space. Prepare to spend about $300-$1,200 to build and maintain their habitat (birdcage, feeding and cleaning equipment, toys, and supplies) and an additional $5-$30\/month for bird food.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When it comes to threats to their wellbeing, birds are often prone to injuries resulting from flight or attack by other birds or pets, and illness arising from parasite infestation, or viral and bacterial infections.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The average costs for the top health conditions for birds<\/strong> range from $40-$240 (internal parasites, arthritis, dehydration) to $250-$400 (feather loss, liver disease, respiratory infection).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Major<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Read our full Bird Insurance review<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Fish<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Surprisingly, fish are the most numerous pets in the US. That\u2019s mainly because they\u2019re the most affordable pet type and arguably the easiest to care for. Prices can range from $2-$30 for small goldfish, bettas,<\/strong> or tetras<\/strong>, and go up to $200-$300 for angelfish<\/strong> and tang<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Some rare fish specimens like plecos, stingrays<\/strong>, and the arowana fish<\/strong> are always hot in demand and usually come with a price tag of a few thousand dollars.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To build a decent aquarium, you\u2019d spend about $200 for the main set-up accompanied by pumps, heaters, and decorations, unless you plan to bring the whole seaworld inside your home. Large fish tanks can cost up to $5,000.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Food, on the other hand, is relatively cheap and costs about $8-$12\/month per fish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Stress, inadequate food quality, and bad water conditions<\/strong> are the top reasons for poor fish health. They can get very sick because of a compromised immune system and usually show no symptoms until it\u2019s already too late. Those living in communities can often attack and injure each other.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Veterinary treatment for the most common fish health conditions (velvet, nitrate, or ammonia poisoning, fish rot, columnaris<\/strong>, etc.) costs about $50-$100 for in-house procedures. You can also ask the vet clinic\u2019s staff for an at-home appointment which usually costs about $200-$300.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Read our full Fish Insurance review<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rabbits<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n

These popular exotic pets are one of children\u2019s favorite amusements. Rabbits can either be bought from pet shops or rescued from shelter services. The price for a store bunny can range from $10 to $40, but you can pay cheaper if you adopt ($5-$25). Some rabbits that are rescued can be already spayed\/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated<\/strong>, hence they have a fee ranging from $50 to $70. Rare rabbit breeds are usually sold for about $200.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You can build your own rabbit hutch and save money or buy it for $150-$200. A cheaper alternative is a rabbit cage which can go from $40 to $100. Food, consisting of hay, vegetables, and pallets<\/strong>, shouldn\u2019t cost you more than $20-$30\/month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When it comes to veterinary costs, routine care is essential for bunnies. You should regularly take your rabbit for a veterinary check-up once a year. That can cost about $50-$80 on average. It\u2019s also recommended to spay\/neuter your rabbit to prevent health\/behavioral issues. This procedure can cost from $120 to $200.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Vaccinations, which are essential, can range from $40 to $100, and treating emergencies such as stasis, acute dilation, and urinary tract infection<\/strong> will result in vet bills of around $200-$300.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"A<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Read our full Rabbit Insurance review<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Reptiles and Rodents<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n

If they used to be a real rarity only 20 years ago, rodents and reptiles are quite a common sight in American households nowadays. Gerbils and geckos, turtles and snakes, hamsters and guinea pigs<\/strong> – we all have at least one friend or relative that treats them as a family member.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"Hand<\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

So, if you\u2019re planning to become one of those exotic pet owners, here\u2019s how much it will cost you to purchase a reptile or a rodent:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n