Gina Schopfer, Author at Pet Shield Insurance https://www.petshield.ca/author/gina-schopfer/ Alberta and Ontario pet insurance provider. Mon, 05 Jul 2021 18:59:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.petshield.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-Icon-32x32.png Gina Schopfer, Author at Pet Shield Insurance https://www.petshield.ca/author/gina-schopfer/ 32 32 Top 10 Things to Know When Adopting a New Dog https://www.petshield.ca/top-10-things-to-know-when-adopting-a-new-dog/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-things-to-know-when-adopting-a-new-dog Thu, 08 Apr 2021 21:33:16 +0000 https://www.petshield.ca/?p=4916 If you and your family are looking into buying or adopting a new dog, there’s a lot to consider, especially when doing so online. Luckily, we at Pet Shield are here to help! Here are the top 10 things to consider when adding a new dog to the family.

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Adopting a new dog is a big, exciting, daunting decision.

Dogs truly become members of the family and fill our lives with excitement, love, and fun. If you and your family are looking into buying or adopting a new dog, there’s a lot to consider, especially when doing so online. Luckily, we at Pet Shield are here to help! Here are the top 10 things to consider when adding a new dog to the family:

  • Take your time making the decision.

Adopting or buying a dog is lifechanging and thrilling – it’s easy to rush into, and making a snap decision can be very tempting after an adorable little puppy catches your eye. However, it’s worth it in the long run, for both you and your pup, to put a great deal of time and consideration towards this choice. Think about your current home, life, family, and how a dog will fit into this equation. Then you can start planning!

 

  • Research and planning are key.

Have you planned and budgeted for all your upcoming expenses, including pet insurance, vaccinations, dental care, and spaying/neutering? Tags and microchipping are also extremely important. Even the cost of food adds up! Taking the time to plan and create a budget for these expenses will make the process that much easier for you, will help guarantee your dog’s comfort and safety, and will give you more time to focus on bonding and training once your dog arrives. Remember, you’ll need to set aside time, as well as money, when welcoming your new pet to the family.

 

  • Find out where the puppy or dog was raised.

It’s important to be aware of your new dog’s background as you welcome them into your family and make decisions about their training and care. Your dog’s story and behaviour will differ depending where they came from: a reputable breeder, rescue organization, or a local shelter run by your municipality or local humane society.

 

  • Ask to receive a copy of the puppy or dog’s vaccination records and other medical history.

This information is also crucial. Not only will it factor into your planning and budget, but you’ll also be able to learn more about the overall health of your new pup. You don’t want any unexpected or unwelcome surprises after your pet has joined the family.

 

  • If possible, ask to see the puppy and at least one of the parents beforehand, even virtually.

“Meeting the parents” is usually pretty nerve-wracking, but in this case, it’s way more fun! This is also a useful step in ensuring that the seller or rescue organization is legitimate, and no fraud is taking place. It can also be such a treat to see your special pup and get acquainted before you bring them home.

  • Be on time to pick them up, or make appropriate arrangements if you’re unable.

This is a big day that you shouldn’t miss if you can take part! Not only will it give you the chance to further discuss your new dog’s background, ask any questions you may have, and (possibly) see the dog’s parents in person, you’ll also get to experience those important and memorable first moments with your dog, and start bonding right away.

 

  • Don’t assume the seller is legitimate. They should ask about your experience with dogs to help match you with the right companion.

Reputable dog breeders, rescue organizations, and local shelters should all offer thorough information, consideration, and care when dealing with both their animals, and people hoping to adopt. The best scenario is a seller and buyer who are both extremely considerate of the animals in care, treating these animals well, and ensuring the transition is as smooth and safe as possible for them.

 

  • Ask about policies for financial assistance if health issues are found after buying or adopting, and medical bills arise.

Though we can hope for the best, it’s useful to ask these questions as a just-in-case measure. You can also ask about policies on returns if you feel inclined to do so. However, it’s always better to do your research beforehand, and try to be as sure as you can that you won’t need to return your new dog or give them away.

 

Remember that pet insurance, on average, costs just a few dollars a day. If medical issues arise at any point in your dog’s life, Pet Shield covers up to 80% of medical expenses, as well as additional coverage.

 

  • If your dog is imported, determine if they meet CFIA’s dog import requirements.

Those who take part in activities regulated by the CFIA are responsible for meeting the requirements found in the Health of Animals Act, the Health of Animals Regulations, and the Reportable Diseases Regulations. Anyone importing, exporting, or selling these products – even if they’re doing so on a small scale online from their home, is included in this category. Provincial and territorial requirements likely apply as well.

 

  • Make yourself aware of all Canadian import requirements. Importers who do not meet Canadian requirements may experience delays or have their shipment held at the border.

Canada has strong health requirements for imported puppies and dogs. It’s possible that dogs bred for commercial sale may have been exposed to other diseases or parasites that didn’t appear during the import. Importers are responsible for ensuring the health of animals in their care, and verifying and following import requirements before entering or re-entering the country.

There you have it! As we can see, adding a new dog to the family takes a great deal of thought, planning, and effort, but in the end, it’s worth it. There are so many reasons why dogs are humans’ best friends. Dogs can give us company, love, happiness, exercise, and improved mental health. The least we can do is make sure we offer them a good life that’s filled with the same benefits. For more information on buying or adopting a new dog, visit The Government of Canada’s puppies and dogs page, as well as its buying and adopting page.

 

The easiest way to ensure you’ll always be able to provide your pet with the care they need is through pet insurance. Check out our Plans & Coverages page for dogs to discover the best plan for you and your best friend.

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Pet Profile: Dolce and Gabanna https://www.petshield.ca/pet-profile-dolce-and-gabanna/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pet-profile-dolce-and-gabanna Tue, 30 Mar 2021 18:19:34 +0000 https://www.petshield.ca/?p=4836 We at Pet Shield are obsessed with protecting your pets, because we know just how special they are! We’ll be sharing some of our favourite “pet profiles” we receive. This week’s picks are none other than Dolce and Gabanna!

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Dolce and Gabanna

We at Pet Shield are obsessed with protecting your pets, because we know just how special they are. We thought it’d be fun to show them off on our website! We’ll be sharing some of our favourite “pet profiles” we receive. This week’s picks are none other than Dolce and Gabanna!

Names: Dolce McDonald & Gabanna Cole (though their dog parents are now married, their owners say they haven’t gotten around to changing Gabanna’s last name yet).

Breed: Miniature Pinscher

This brother and sister were born in 2007. “My husband chose Dolce because he immediately took a little nap in his arms when he picked him up. I chose Gabbana because she was the runt of the litter. We decided to get 2 at the same time so they would have each other during the day while we were at work.”

Unlike most other dogs, these two absolutely hate car rides. When their owners go on vacation, they get to stay home and have puppy sitters come live with them.

Dolce has had a few surgeries over the years and has a thyroid issue. He is now pretty much blind and going deaf. Gabanna has had zero issues, and still gets the zoomies. Her family always jokes that she will outlive us all.

Dolce and Gabanna are typical siblings who will snuggle and cuddle each other one moment, and are a tad grumpy with each other the next. Gabanna must sleep completely under blankets. Dolce, not so much.

They love “toothbrushes” (their owner’s code word for “Greenies” treats), and their favourite song is Dolce & Gabanna (in the tune of Copacabana). His name is Dolce, hers is Gabanna.

If you’d like the chance to show off your pet in one of Pet Shield’s pet profiles, send us your favourite pet pictures and a little info on your furry friend – their likes, dislikes, a cute story about them, etc. You can send us your pet bios over Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or email us at info@petshieldinsurance.ca.

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Pet Shield’s $500 Photo Contest https://www.petshield.ca/pet-shields-500-photo-contest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pet-shields-500-photo-contest Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:28:48 +0000 https://www.petshield.ca/?p=4766 Win $500 in Pet Shield's photo contest! Tag us in your favourite pet pictures for the chance to win.

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Would you like to win 500?!

Of course you would, and we’d like to give you the chance to do so! To get everyone as excited as we are about the launch of Pet Shield, we’ve put together a fun little contest where you can show off your pets for the chance to win! It’s easy as 123:

 

  1. Share a photo of your pet on Instagram AND/OR Facebook, on your story, or as a post

  2. Tag @petshieldinsurance (make sure we’re also tagged if you’re sharing on Facebook)

  3. Follow @petshieldinsurance on Instagram AND/OR like Pet Shield on Facebook

After that, you’ll be automatically entered in our draw to win $500!


This contest runs from April 1 – June 30, 2021. We’ll send out reminders over our social media channels coming up to June 30, when we’ll draw the winner.

Contest Rules (the boring, but important stuff)

No purchase necessary to enter or win this contest.

  1. Sponsor: The sponsor of this contest is Armour Insurance Group Ltd., with its registered office at 5750 75 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6E 5X6 (“Sponsor”). The Sponsor reserves the right to permit its subsidiaries and affiliated companies and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, advertising or promotional agencies (the “Agents”) to perform all or any portion of the activities necessary in connection with this contest.
  2. Eligibility:
    • This contest is open to the general public.
    • The following individuals and their household members (whether or not related) are not eligible to enter the Contest: employees, officers, directors, shareholders, agents, representatives, successors and assigns, affiliated or subsidiary companies of the Sponsor.
    • Sponsor shall have the right at any time to require proof of identity and/or eligibility to enter the Contest. Failure to provide such proof may result in disqualification. All personal and other information requested by and supplied for the purpose of the Contest must be truthful, complete, accurate and in no way misleading. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any entrant should such an entrant at any stage supply untruthful, incomplete, inaccurate or misleading personal details and/or information.
  3. Contest Period: The contest entry period (the “Entry Period”) begins at 12:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time MST on April 1, 2021 and ends at 11:59p.m. MST on June 29, 2021.
  4. How to Enter:
    • Share a photo of your pet on Instagram AND/OR Facebook, on your story, or as a post
    • Tag @petshieldinsurance (make sure we’re also tagged if you’re sharing on Facebook)
    • Follow @petshieldinsurance on Instagram AND/OR like Pet Shield on Facebook
  5. Prize Description: One (1) eligible entrant will win one (1) prize consisting of $500 CDN.
  6. Prize Conditions: The contest prize must be accepted as awarded and may not be transferred, assigned, or redeemed for cash except at Sponsor’s sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any stated prize (or portion thereof) with an alternate prize of comparable or greater value at its sole and absolute discretion, for whatever the reason. Prizes may not be exactly as advertised, and except as expressly warranted herein, any prize is provided “as is” without further warranty of any kind. Some restrictions may apply.
  7. Random Draw: At approximately 10:00 a.m. MST on June 30, 2021, at the Sponsor’s office a representative, or other person designated by the Sponsor, will select by random draw one (1) potential winner from all eligible entries received. Odds of winning the prize depend on the number of eligible entries received and on whether entrants choose to submit additional entries.
  8. Notification: The potential winner selected in accordance with the previous section will be contacted by a Sponsor representative by telephone at the telephone number indicated in his/her file to determine if he/she is eligible in the sole discretion of the Sponsor representative. In the event that any potential winner does not respond to such notification within seven (7) days, incorrectly answers the skill testing question (described in more detail below), as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion or declines a prize for any reason, he/she will be disqualified, the prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor’s discretion and time alternate potential winner may be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries.
  9. Declaring a winner: To be declared a winner and claim the prize awarded, the potential winner must (i) be eligible according to these official rules, (ii) correctly answer, without assistance of any kind, whether mechanical or otherwise, a time limited mathematical skill testing question which will be administered by telephone at a mutually agreeable time, and (iii) sign a duly completed Liability and, except where prohibited by law, Publicity Release form, and any other documentation as may reasonably be required by Sponsor, and return same to Sponsor by the date specified on the applicable documentation. The winner’s guests must also each sign a duly completed Liability and, except where prohibited by law, Publicity Release form and return same to Sponsor by the date specified in order to participate in the prize. If all required documents are not properly executed and returned within the specified period of time, or the potential winner otherwise fails to comply with these Official Rules, a disqualification will result and the prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor’s sole discretion and time permitting, an alternate potential winner may be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries.

Waiver of Liability/Publicity Release

  • By participating in the contest and submitting an entry, each entrant (i) agrees to be bound by these Official Rules, including all entry requirements, (ii) agrees that the decisions of Sponsor is final and without appeal, (iii) remises, releases and forever discharges Sponsor, each of their respective parents, affiliated companies and subsidiaries, any and all other companies associated with the contest (including prize suppliers and suppliers of materials or services related to the contest), and all of their respective employees, directors, officers, shareholders, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, dues, accounts, claims, damages, liability, losses, harm, costs or expenses, including without limitation any and all liability for any injuries, loss or damage of any kind to the entrant or any other person, including personal injury, death, or property damage, arising out of, or in any way related to, directly or indirectly, the contest, including without limitation the entrant’s participation in the contest, any breach of these Official Rules, the awarding, receipt, possession, use and/or misuse of any contest prize (or any portion thereof), and any travel or activity that is related to the receipt or use of any contest prize, and/or the violation or infringement of any intellectual property rights or of any publicity, personality or privacy rights, and agrees to fully indemnify the Released Parties from any and all claims by third parties relating to the foregoing.
  • By accepting a prize, the winner authorizes Sponsor and each of their respective designees to use in any related publicity, such winner’s name, city and province of residence, photograph, image, likeness, voice, and any statements he/she may make regarding such prize, as may be edited in Sponsor’s sole discretion, for advertising and promotional purposes worldwide in perpetuity and in any form of media now or hereafter devised worldwide (including the Internet), without limitation and without additional compensation or consideration, notification or permission, unless prohibited by law; and waives any rights that may exist in respect of materials produced pursuant to the foregoing.

General Contest Terms and Conditions

  • The Released Parties are not responsible for (i) stolen, late, incomplete, illegible, inaccurate, misdirected, lost, misrouted, scrambled, damaged, delayed, undelivered, mutilated, postage-due or garbled entries, transmissions, email or mail; (ii) lost, interrupted or unavailable network, cable, satellite, server, Internet Service Provider, website, or other connections including those through and/or by any website; (iii) availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cable transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; (iv) failures or malfunctions of phones, phone lines or telephone systems, (v) any error, omission, interruption, defect or delay in transmission, processing, or communication; (vi) non-delivery of any communication or Entry; (vii) misdirected, blocked, or delayed email notifications; (viii) printing, typographical or other errors appearing within these Official Rules, in any Contest-related advertisements or other materials; (ix) any other errors, problems or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, network, computer, telephone, mail, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Contest, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Contest, the processing of Entries or the announcement of any prize in any Contest-related materials, (x) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Contest; or (xi) any injury or damage to the computer of any entrant or other person related to or resulting from participating in this Contest or downloading materials from or use of any website.
  • Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Contest or website or attempt to undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest by cheating, deception or other unfair playing practices, or intend to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrant or Sponsor’s representatives or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor will be disqualified and all associated Entries will be void. Any attempt to deliberately damage the content or operation of this Contest is unlawful and subject to legal action by Sponsor or its respective agents. Sponsor shall have the sole right to disqualify any entrant for violation of these Official Rules or any applicable laws relating to the Contest, and to resolve all disputes in their sole discretion. The Released Parties (i) make no warranty, guaranty or representation of any kind concerning any prize, and (ii) disclaim any implied warranty. The failure of Sponsor to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. All disputes will be resolved in the Province of Alberta under applicable Alberta and Federal laws.
  • Sponsor reserves the right, in their sole discretion, to cancel, suspend or otherwise modify the Contest (or any portion thereof) and/or to amend these Official Rules at any time and in any way, without prior notice, for any reason, including, but not limited to incidents where a virus, bug, unauthorized human intervention, or other causes corrupt the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper operation of the Contest (or any portion thereof). In the event of cancellation, Sponsor may elect to identify a winner and award the prize by way of random drawing from among all non-suspect, eligible Entries received up to the time of such cancellation.
  • All Entries must include a valid email address and phone number for the entrant. In the event of a dispute as to the identity or eligibility of any potential winner based on an Entry, the winning Entry will be declared made by the Authorized Account Holder (defined below) of the email address submitted at the time of entry, provided such Authorized Account Holder is eligible according to these Official Rules. A potential winner may be required to provide proof, upon request of Sponsor, that he/she is the applicable Authorized Account Holder, the sufficiency of such proof to be determined in the absolute discretion of Sponsor. The “Authorized Account Holder” is defined as the natural person to whom the applicable Internet Service Provider or other organization (such as a business or educational institution) has assigned the email address for the domain associated with the submitted email address.
  • All entry data provided via an entrant’s Entry is provided to Sponsor, as applicable. This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the Contest should be directed to Sponsor.
  • The Contest is subject to all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

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Welcome to Pet Shield! https://www.petshield.ca/welcome-to-pet-shield/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=welcome-to-pet-shield Tue, 29 Jan 2019 18:34:25 +0000 http://petshield.ca//?p=1 Welcome to Pet Shield! We’re your new and local Canadian pet insurance provider, specializing in dog and cat insurance. Pet Shield was developed around the idea that protecting our pets’ health is a decision that shouldn’t be based on finances alone – we believe you should always have the freedom to make decisions about your […]

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Welcome to Pet Shield! We’re your new and local Canadian pet insurance provider, specializing in dog and cat insurance. Pet Shield was developed around the idea that protecting our pets’ health is a decision that shouldn’t be based on finances alone – we believe you should always have the freedom to make decisions about your pet’s care. Our pets play a big role in our well being, and we want to ensure that you can do everything possible to protect your well being.

Veterinary care is necessary, but expensive. Having pet insurance is the best way to plan for unexpected veterinary costs, should your pet have an accident or illness. Through Pet Shield, we’re ensuring that Alberta pet owners have access to great insurance coverage and excellent service at a reasonable price.

 

What’s covered with Pet Shield insurance?

  • Up to 80% of your vet bill, including the exam fees and taxes
  • Dental coverage – cost of annual cleanings or problems with the teeth or gums
  • Medical devices
  • Boarding/kennel fees
  • Alternative treatments such as acupuncture or massage
  • Accidents or illnesses
  • Diagnostics
  • Lost pet advertising
  • Cremation/burial costs and an in-memoriam donation
  • Medications
  • X-rays
  • Holiday cancellation
  • Emergency care and hospitalization
  • Surgeries
  • Behavioural therapy
  • Secure 4 includes wellness coverage that can be used for routine care (vaccines, annual check-ups, etc.)

On average, pet insurance costs just a few dollars a day, and offers peace of mind knowing your best friend can receive the medical care they deserve, without having to worry about costly vet bills. Our plans include special coverage and additional member benefits, as well as coverage for alternative treatments, behavioural therapy, routine dental and member benefits.

Pet Shield Insurance is underwritten by Petline Insurance Company, the first licensed insurance company in Canada to focus solely on pet health insurance. Pet Shield is also a division of Armour Insurance Group Ltd. At Armour, we like to say we’re Obsessed with Protection. This obsession carries over to Pet Shield and we are happy to continue expand our journey by being able to offer, what we believe to be, the best Pet Insurance product available in Canada.

Contact us today to find out more about protecting your pets!

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