CLEVELAND – From dramatic spikes in parasite-related illnesses to the highest veterinary claim of the year, Q2 2025 claims data from Embrace Pet Insurance provides a snapshot of emerging health trends and financial pressures impacting pet families across the country. With inflation still the top financial concern among Americans and only 55% reporting they could cover three months of expenses in an emergency (Federal Reserve), pet insurance is proving a vital source of financial relief for families.
Notable increases in claims from Q1 to Q2, based on internal data, included:
- Tick bites rose by 210%
- Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease, jumped 143%
- Fractures rose 142%
- Hookworm infections climbed 140%
- Allergic conjunctivitis increased 138%
"These spikes aren't just statistics—they're a reflection of what pets are actually facing out there," said Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinary consultant at Embrace. "Warmer weather and more outdoor activity lead to greater exposure to parasites and injury, so it's essential for pet parents to stay proactive about prevention and care."
Costly Care on the Rise
The second quarter also marked a new record for claims covered in 2025. The most expensive individual claim reached $35,755 for a mixed-breed dog with diskospondylitis, a painful infection of the spine. Other top claims included:
- $30,327 for a French Bulldog with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
- $29,515 for an American Cocker Spaniel with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
French Bulldogs—ranked the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for the third consecutive year by the American Kennel Club—continue to generate some of the highest average claim costs at Embrace, averaging approximately $490 per claim. They also had the highest number of allergies claims in Q2.
Financial Protection and Peace of Mind
In a recent survey of 6,200 Embrace pet parents, nearly 80% reported greater peace of mind and a stronger willingness to seek veterinary care, including moving forward with recommended or advanced treatments.
"Behind every claim is a family doing everything they can for the pet they love," said Laura Dunn, senior manager of Strategic Communications at Embrace. "These numbers reflect the growing role of pets in our lives, and the very real financial relief insurance provides."
Breed Insights
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and French Bulldogs were the most frequently treated purebred dogs this quarter.
Condition-specific highlights, according to internal data, include:
- Labrador Retrievers: Highest number of arthritis claims
- Golden Retrievers: Most skin mass claims
- French Bulldogs: Most allergies claims
Breeds with the most expensive average claims included Samoyed, Belgian Malinois, Bull Terrier, Papillon, and Maine Coon cat.
Regional Snapshot: What's Driving Higher Costs?
Based on internal data, the states with the highest average individual claim costs in Q2 were:
- Washington, D.C. – $601
- California – $546
- Washington – $529
- Nevada – $523
- New York – $521
These regions typically see higher veterinary service costs, greater access to specialty care, and denser urban pet populations, which contribute to the elevated claims.
Wellness Rewards Help Offset Routine Costs
In Q2, 22% of all submitted claims were for Embrace's Wellness Rewards program, with 27% of policyholders currently enrolled. Wellness Rewards is an optional add-on that reimburses for routine pet care expenses, including vaccines, exams, and dental cleanings.
"Add a wellness program to your plan to save on routine and preventive care, like vaccines and dental cleanings," Dr. Cahn added. "Keeping up on wellness care can help catch potential issues early, when they may be easier and less costly to treat."
