Have you noticed a shift in workplace expectations? You’re not imagining it. Millennials and Gen Z are changing the game — prioritizing flexibility, work/life balance, and yes, even benefits for their pets.
While they still value staples like health insurance, competitive pay, and growth opportunities, they’re also looking for perks that align with their lifestyles. One standout? Pet insurance.
According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), nearly 6.25 million pets were insured in 2023 — a 17% increase from the year before.
And it’s not just a Gen Z or Millennial thing. Many Baby Boomers are pet parents, too. (Keep reading to see why pet insurance is becoming a cross-generational must-have.)
Why Offering Pet Insurance at Work Is a Smart Move
California’s Pet Population Is Booming
In California, pets aren’t just companions — they’re family. More than 57% of households in the Golden State have at least one pet, with dogs leading the pack. About 40% of pet-owning households have dogs, while nearly 23% have cats. National trends echo that love: according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 45.5% of U.S. households have a dog, and 32.1% own a cat. Over a third of all households have more than one pet.
Pet ownership is on the rise — especially among Gen Z, which saw a 43.5% increase from 2023 to 2024. Millennials make up 33% of pet owners, followed by Gen X (25%) and Baby Boomers (24%).
Back in 1988, just over half the country had a pet. Today? Two-thirds (66%) of Americans are proud pet parents — and more than three-quarters of them welcomed their pets during the pandemic.
The Rising Costs of Pet Ownership
Pets bring joy — but they also bring bills. According to Forbes Advisor, the average annual cost of owning a dog is around $1,533. That covers essentials like vet visits, grooming, food, treats, and even boarding during a week-long vacation. For pet parents who use doggy daycare regularly, those costs climb even higher.
As everyday pet expenses grow, so does interest in pet insurance. And when emergencies strike, costs can skyrocket. That makes coverage not just helpful, but essential for financial peace of mind.
How Pet Insurance Protects Pets and Paychecks
A surprise trip to the vet can be more than stressful. It can be expensive. Forbes reports that 42% of pet owners couldn’t cover a $999 emergency vet bill without going into debt. That’s where pet insurance comes in. And the good news? If you offer health coverage through CaliforniaChoice, your employees already have access to pet insurance from MetLife and Spot Insurance — two trusted names in pet coverage.
These plans help employees manage the cost of care, so they can focus on their pet’s health — not the bill.
Coverage options vary by plan, but can include:
- Accidents and emergencies
- Illnesses, including cancer treatment
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Diagnostic tests, X-rays, and lab work
- Preventive care (with optional add-ons)
- Prescription medications
- And more!
Rates depend on each pet’s age, breed, and coverage level, with discounts available for multiple pets. It’s a smart, affordable way to help employees protect their furry family members and their finances.
Other CaliforniaChoice Member Value Suite Perks
Reduced rates on premium pet insurance options from MetLife and Spot is just one of the many extras available through the CaliforniaChoice Member Value Suite — a collection of perks designed to support your employees’ health, wellness, and everyday life.
Other Member Value Suite benefits include:
- Fitness and wellness deals like gym memberships, access to thousands of digital workout videos, plus discounts on gear from FitBit, Echelon, Garmin, Vitamix, and many others.
- Entertainment like tickets to sporting events, amusement and water parks, zoos, museums, golf, laser tag, go carts, and much more.
- Savings on health services including dental care through Dentegra dentists nationwide, EyeMed Vision One eye exams, frames, and lenses, and up to 80% savings on prescription drugs when using the California Rx Card — often reducing the out-of-pocket cost to less than the insurance copay.
Not offering CaliforniaChoice to your employees yet? Ask your broker how to get started.
