cointreau

Well done and thanks for sharing. Petplan have changed since I first started with them. I doubt they will give me a refund and will only give to those they have been ordered to pay back. I do remember telling them they were false advertising when they stated the 100% cover for life because I had to pay 35% of each claim. It is a rip off and pet insurance is something I might skip next time I add another pet into the home, during some years it has paid to have it, others it hasn't and paying 35% of the bill doesn't make it worthwhile really. Will be following through as you have advised, won't hold my breath for any money being paid back. Thanks for your hard work in getting insurance rip offs out in the open.

No harm done or offence taken Snook and Scottsmum, forums are there for debate too and sometimes the intended message gets lost. I admit I am not always very clear when I add replies. Thanks for delivering the pat to Justice :D

That's a bit extreme. I'll happily pay for whatever treatment Justice needs but that doesn't mean I can't be concerned about the potential costs going forward, especially since he's roughly 11 this year, without being considered unsuitable to have pets. I get concerned about my own medical costs and unexpected expenses too. Life isn't cheap and most of us don't have unlimited incomes or financial resources. I agree with Snook. It was also commented further up that this is the kind of thing new pet owners should know. I hate when people think a kitten is "free" because they paid nothing to become it's owner...It's important to realistically know and plan for the financial cost of owning a pet. I know the running costs for my car and plan accordingly, I know the average daily cost of electricity for my home and also put an appropriate amount aside each week so we're not stung at the end of the quarter. How is it that taking the time to know that my dog will cost AT LEAST $1600 per year in vet fees alone makes me an unsuitable pet owner? He costs $20 a week in medication at the moment and I ensure I have that set aside so I can cover it. Must be nice to have a money tree growing in the back yard. I can assure you I do not have money tree growing in my back yard! I take my pets as a luxury and give up other things to have them and let them live the life I want for them. Both are insured and both cost me quite a bit of money but adding it up is only going to cause more concern than I believe it is worth. Having an almost 12 year old Great Dane and cat who is nearly 10 and having grown up with pets I know they can cost a lot to keep and they are a big responsibility not just something to get on a whim. Certainly if you haven't had a pet before you need to do your homework and realise they are going to cost money, as I am fully aware of the costs involved but don't want to add it up I don't see a problem provided I am happy with how I manage my own finances. I can't speak for Scottsmum but my response to your comment was in relation to you suggesting that if you are ever concerned about the costs associated with owning a pet, you're not a suitable owner. If you don't want to add up the costs for you, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, and I don't spend all my time thinking about how much Justice has cost me either. I've gone without things so that I can give him what he needs and I'll continue to do that whenever it's needed. He's my main priority and I will always put his needs ahead of my own, even though some may say my priorities are messed up. Perhaps I misunderstood what you were saying and you didn't mean that anyone who is concerned about the money spent probably shouldn't own animals? Snook I only meant me, I probably didn't word it very well, whoops. I would never judge others if they want to add up the costs and budget for their animals that's great, I'm not a budget person. I have in my mind what I need to pay for each fortnight and what is left over I use to buy food and the necessary for my pets and me. I don't have a second dog because I know I could not afford one without getting worried the costs are too high. As I am now with my two I am comfortable and can manage unexpected expenses even if it means I need to pay it off. Hope that explains where I am coming from, it is just me and not a judgement on anyone else. Give Justice a big pat.

That's a bit extreme. I'll happily pay for whatever treatment Justice needs but that doesn't mean I can't be concerned about the potential costs going forward, especially since he's roughly 11 this year, without being considered unsuitable to have pets. I get concerned about my own medical costs and unexpected expenses too. Life isn't cheap and most of us don't have unlimited incomes or financial resources. I agree with Snook. It was also commented further up that this is the kind of thing new pet owners should know. I hate when people think a kitten is "free" because they paid nothing to become it's owner...It's important to realistically know and plan for the financial cost of owning a pet. I know the running costs for my car and plan accordingly, I know the average daily cost of electricity for my home and also put an appropriate amount aside each week so we're not stung at the end of the quarter. How is it that taking the time to know that my dog will cost AT LEAST $1600 per year in vet fees alone makes me an unsuitable pet owner? He costs $20 a week in medication at the moment and I ensure I have that set aside so I can cover it. Must be nice to have a money tree growing in the back yard. I can assure you I do not have money tree growing in my back yard! I take my pets as a luxury and give up other things to have them and let them live the life I want for them. Both are insured and both cost me quite a bit of money but adding it up is only going to cause more concern than I believe it is worth. Having an almost 12 year old Great Dane and cat who is nearly 10 and having grown up with pets I know they can cost a lot to keep and they are a big responsibility not just something to get on a whim. Certainly if you haven't had a pet before you need to do your homework and realise they are going to cost money, as I am fully aware of the costs involved but don't want to add it up I don't see a problem provided I am happy with how I manage my own finances.

Haven't added it up and have no intention of doing so. The minute I start to get concerned about the costs involved with my pets health and well being (provided I am not being overcharged for unnecessary services) it will be time for me to reevaluate if I am suitable to have pets.

I've not seen a dog do that with poo, only with bones. I wonder if there may be something missing in her diet. Really have no other idea.

The ombudsman can only look into individual complaints and I hope the office if FLOODED with complaints which is why I wanted everyone to know. I have something else in the wind in terms of the way these companies operate :) You have started the ball rolling. I didn't know you could go to the ombudsman about pet insurance and something I will certainly keep in mind anytime I have an insurance issue. My girl is nearing 12 so too old to change companies and has had some issues so would have been excluded if I had changed. From what I can tell Petplan charge varying amounts for policies depending on where you live. I was told that by one of their staff. Because I live where many vets have high charges I pay the penalty, my vet is cheap compared to what others pay. All the companies are the same, I ended up with Petplan because the previous company I was with excluded everything I had claimed for my previous dog even though it was a new policy with a puppy. Good luck with your insurance plans.

Well done for getting your claims sorted, I would never have thought of the ombudsman, must remember that in future. With any luck now the ombudsman will look into pet insurance more, especially if people report their problems with their claims and high fees.

I have had insurance for my Great Dane since I got her at 9 months of age, the company had a big increase for most people before her 10th Birthday and I was tempted to let it go. Lucky for me I didn't as she developed a cancer and my refund was more than my annual premium. What I did with her insurance is kept it at the high level until after 5 when they would no reimburse the cost or part cost of her purchase if she died. Then I decreased it to a lower level I felt comfortable with knowing if I needed to spend I think it was $15000 then I would really need to consider if the outcome would be beneficial to my girl. I still have her covered and always will as I never know when I may need it, she will be 12 in June and is covered for both illness and accident.

Seeing oldies out and about is lovely, I use to see a lady taking her old dog out in a pram while walking another dog. The old one in the pram couldn't walk too far but loved getting out in the sun and fresh air and have a "walk". Hold your head high and be proud you are helping your dog enjoy their senior years and ignore negative comments.

PetPlan have paid my vet directly very quickly for the last claims I have had to make they have both been since April when premium increases and admin problems started. One thing to remember with PetPlan is that after your dog is considered a senior you will have to pay 35% of the claim and the first $125 (I think that is the amount now) for each condition during the policy year. I will probably stick with PetPlan when a new pet arrives.

My Vet sent the paperwork to Petplan for payment and it was sorted within 2 weeks from their side I still need to pay my bit which is more than previously because my dog is 10 and a Great Dane. Even with the huge premium increase I have had this year I am only $104 short of getting my annual premium back so it is simple for me keep my insurance going.

As much as it annoys me the premiums have gone up with Petplan I couldn't change because my girl is now 10 was 9 when the policy was renewed, I have at least $2000 to claim and can't guarantee I won't have more expenses during the year. Would rather have cover than not and my vet claims directly from them so I don't need to find the money first.

My premium went up over $42 without notice, I am not in a position to change policy because my girl is nearly 10. I had no notice either when I rang they emailed the new policy to me and I have received 2 in the post for my dog and 2 for my cat. They also said it was the underwriters who wanted the substantial increase and in future it won't be so high, I will believe that when my next policy renewal is due. Vets charging high fees and suggesting unrealistic treatment and tests because they can have a lot to answer for as it is just pushing the premiums beyond reach for most people. I do understand vets need to charge reasonable amounts but perhaps the industry needs to look into what is acceptable mark up and what is just lining their pockets with gold.

So pleased you didn't just throw it out. I have the pedigree from my mother peke from before she met dad (I have more info on him too) I found a pedigree from our old Bull Terrier and his lines are mentioned in a book I have and I also have our Airedales too from the 1977 I think. It is all interesting reading and information if you ever get the time to research.

I wouldn't step foot inside there again if that is how they treat a cat. Certainly the cat may not have liked being shaved but to be upended and squirted with soap and then hosed off in a carry cage is cruelty to me. If my cat was treated like that I would report them, (I take my cat the the same groomer my dog goes to) the lack of cleaning is an issue too.

Hope harry continues to improve and he can come home tomorrow.

Glad Harry is on the mend and fingers crossed he keeps mending. So glad you caught it quickly and had a vet who could intervene as required. Get better soon Harry.

Hushers come with a warning not to leave on an unattended dog. Not sure about the best way to desensitise him, maybe contact a behaviourist.

My girl is a bit of both snuggles when she wants it or if I want to give them and then happy to do her own thing. I think she is a good happy balance for me.

I drive down the pacific hwy passed where Janarlee is located quite often with my windows down to listen to the birds. If you want me to drive to their location I am happy to and see if it is affected by freeway traffic noise. I live in Wyong and it is only a short drive from here, there is also another daycare slightly further north which friends are happy with, I think there is doggy daycare in Gosford too but that is at least 30 minutes drive. Most kennels / doggy daycare places will be near the freeway to catch passing traffic.

Very sad for all involved. RIP dogs owner.

I have been going to my vet for years and have both my dog and cat covered by PetPlan, recently my cat has needed quite a lot of treatment and it is ongoing at present I asked my vet if I could get them paid directly by Petplan and it wasn't a problem. I have had a statement from PetPlan letting me know what they didn't cover and a cheque was promptly sent to my vet. I guess you need to have a vet that knows and trusts you to pay the difference.

Glad you got payment without a problem donatella. I won't go without pet insurance while I have paid out more than claimed it is there if I need it and I am quite happy to pay and not need to use it.

When my old girl Hilda died I was a mess and just knew I wanted her cremated and returned to me, my budget was limited at the time so she came back in a plastic box with a name plate on it. I have her sitting in the room I use as a dressing room and see her everyday, often give her a pat and feel comfy with her in the box she is in. It may not be attractive to most but she was a very practical girl and seems fitting for her and doesn't mean I don't love her any less.