Scientific Results: Pet insurance uptake is associated with dog and owner demographics and health status based on Dog Aging Project survey data

July 30, 2026 - 8 minutes read

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_message message_box_color=”violet” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-paw”]Posts in our Scientific Results series introduce recent papers published in the scientific literature by members of the Dog Aging Project research team. Follow this series to learn more about the scientific questions we’re asking, the kinds of results we’re getting, and what it all means for you and your dog.[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Author

Aliya W McCullough

Who worked on this research?

Aliya W McCullough
Janice S. O’Brien
Courtney Sexton
Dog Aging Project Consortium
Audrey Ruple

Where was it published?

American Journal of Veterinary Research

What is this paper about?

This study is about pet insurance for dogs in the U.S. The researchers wanted to answer three main questions:

  • Which dog owners are more likely to have pet insurance?
  • What types of dogs are most often insured?
  • Are insured dogs perceived as healthier than uninsured dogs?

What they did:

The researchers analyzed survey data from 47,444 dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project between 2020 and 2023. They divided the dogs into two groups, insured and uninsured, and compared them.

They examined both owner and dog characteristics. For owners, they looked at age, income, education, race, and whether they lived in an urban or rural area. For dogs, they considered age, breed, where the dog came from (such as a breeder or shelter), as well as the dog’s activity level and role (for example, companion or working dog).

The team also tested whether insured dogs were more likely to be rated as healthier by their owners. To do this, they used a statistical test (chi-square) to determine whether any differences between groups were meaningful.

What they discovered:

Pet insurance was more common among dog owners in this study, with 21% of dogs insured, than dog owners in the United States which stands at ~5%. Owners who were more likely to have pet insurance tended to be between the ages of 25 and 44, have higher levels of education and income, and live in urban areas. In contrast, older adults (55 and older), people living in rural areas, and those with lower incomes were less likely to insure their dogs. 

Certain types of dogs were also more likely to be insured, including younger dogs, dogs that are more likely purebred, and those obtained from breeders rather than shelters. Suggesting that owners are more inclined to insure dogs they acquire early and view as a great investment.

Additionally, insured dogs were more often perceived as healthier, with 54% rated in “excellent” health compared to 48% of uninsured dogs. However, this difference reflects a relationship rather than causation, meaning insurance itself may not be the reason for better perceived health.

What do these results mean for me and my dog?

This study shows a connection, not a cause-and-effect relationship. In other words, the exact relationship between pet insurance and dog health is unknown and likely more complex. Having pet insurance is often tied to life circumstances like income, education, and where you live. That means it’s a financial and lifestyle choice.

If you have pet insurance, you may feel more flexible when making decisions about your dog’s care. It can be easier to say yes to tests or treatments without worrying as much about costs. On the other hand,  if you don’t have insurance, you may need to weigh your options more carefully and make more cost-conscious choices. 

The important thing to know is this: Choosing whether to get insurance often comes down to what fits your budget and comfort level. If it feels expensive or confusing, you’re definitely not alone. If you’re considering it, think about whether the added financial protection and peace of mind would be helpful for you. Especially if you have a dog or breed with higher health risks. 

At the end of the day, pet insurance can be a helpful safety net for unexpected emergencies, but it isn’t known how or if it contributes to your pet’s health. What matters most is the care you provide every day: regular preventive care, good nutrition, and lots of love and attention. No matter where you land on insurance, you can still give your dog a happy, healthy life!

*Note: If you have concerns about your dog’s health, we encourage you to discuss these concerns with your primary care veterinarian. Suggestions for a treatment plan are best recommended by the veterinarian who has a relationship with your dog and understands their medical history.

Where can I learn more?

McCullough, A. W., O’Brien, J. S., Sexton, C., Dog Aging Project Consortium, & Ruple, A. (2026). Pet insurance uptake is associated with dog and owner demographics and health status based on Dog Aging Project survey data. American Journal of Veterinary Research (published online ahead of print 2026). Retrieved Jun 25, 2026, from https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.26.02.0065

Abstract

Objective

To describe the demographics of dog owners and dogs with pet insurance enrolled in the Dog Aging Project (DAP), a large population of dogs in the US, and examine the impact of pet insurance on owners’ perception of their dog’s health. 

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 47,444 dog owners’ responses from the DAP initial enrollment survey, the Health and Life Experience Survey, were analyzed from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2023. Dog and dog owner demographic data were collected and compared using descriptive statistics. Owner-perceived health status of their dog was compared between insured and uninsured dogs using a χ2 test of significance. 

Results

10,127 of 47,444 DAP participants (21%) have a pet insurance policy. Insured dog owners were 25 to 44 years old, non-White, and professional degree earners compared to the overall DAP population. Insured dogs were young, single-breed dogs obtained from breeders for purposes other than companionship compared to the overall DAP population. Five thousand, five hundred and fourteen of 10,127 insured dogs (54%) and 17,979 of 37,317 uninsured dogs (48%) are perceived to be in excellent health, a statistically significant difference. 

Conclusions

This study illustrates that certain demographic factors are more common among insured dogs and dog owners. The health status of dogs with pet insurance is statistically different compared to those without it. Further investigation of this association is warranted. 

Clinical Relevance

This information can inform veterinary discussions with pet owners about pet insurance. 

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