Canada is home to approximately 1.2 million small mammals, 2.5 million pet birds and 274,300 reptiles, according to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s 2025 estimates. That’s nearly four million companion animals across these categories alone, including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, birds and reptiles. Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Pet Food Trends in Canada (2025).

Behind those numbers are millions of people who love their animals and consider them family. Yet when it comes to pet insurance in Canada, owners of rabbits and other exotic pets have no access to insurance coverage for their animals. While exotic-pet insurance is available in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, Canadian pet owners are left to cover the full cost of their animals' veterinary care out of pocket, without the financial protection that pet insurance can provide.

What makes this even more surprising is that I haven't found any Canadian law that specifically prevents insurance companies from offering coverage for exotic pets. Insurance providers already have the ability to develop different policies, determine eligibility requirements and establish premiums based on the animals they choose to insure, provided they meet applicable insurance regulations.

Australia is a example of how this is possible. Petcover offers dedicated exotic-pet insurance that includes rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds, reptiles and turtles, with coverage designed around different species. If insurers in other countries can develop specialized policies for these animals, why can't Canadian providers explore doing the same? I'm not asking for insurance companies to be forced into covering every species, but I believe they should recognize this underserved market and consider making these options available to Canadians too.

I never expected to find myself creating a petition about this, but what I've been going through with my 4-year-old rabbit, Ina, has made me realize just how important this issue is. When I first got him, I looked into pet insurance so I could prepare for routine veterinary care, neutering and unexpected health issues. I quickly discovered that coverage for rabbits and other exotic pets simply wasn't available to Canadian owners.

Even routine care can become expensive. A checkup can cost around $200 CAD, X-rays approximately $600–$700 CAD, and a CT scan around $2,500 CAD. On October 29, 2026, Ina was found to have a large mass near his left lung. It has completely collapsed that lung and is beginning to put pressure on his right lung. Cancer is suspected, although we don't have a confirmed diagnosis.

The cost of trying to find answers has already exceeded $4,000 CAD, all paid out of pocket, including appointments, X-rays, bloodwork, medication, a CT scan and further testing. Surgery and internal biopsies were also discussed, with an estimated cost of around $15,000 CAD. Given how compromised Ina's condition is, these procedures would carry an extremely high risk. Even if the cost had been lower, it would still have been an incredibly difficult decision because of the risks to his health and quality of life. We ultimately decided not to pursue them. Ina is now receiving palliative care, and my priority is keeping him comfortable and giving him the best quality of life possible.

This experience has made me think about other owners who may face similar decisions, especially those whose pets have a much better chance of recovery but whose owners simply cannot afford the treatment. For some, the cost alone could be the only thing standing between their pet and a potentially life-saving procedure.

I'm asking Canadian pet insurance providers to recognize the demand for exotic-pet coverage and consider expanding their policies beyond cats and dogs. There is an opportunity to offer separate insurance plans for rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, ferrets and other companion animals, with coverage and premiums tailored to the veterinary needs and risks of each species. Many owners would gladly purchase insurance for their animals if these options were available in Canada. I hope providers will recognize this underserved market and consider giving Canadian pet owners the same opportunity to prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses.

Insurance doesn't need to look the same for every animal. Different species have different veterinary needs, risks and costs, and policies could be designed to reflect those differences and I truly hope that pet insurance providers will take a closer look at what's already available internationally and consider bringing similar options to pet owners in Canada.

All pets are family , and their owners deserve the opportunity to protect them and prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses. If you've experienced something similar, please speak up and share your story, and sign and share this petition to help raise awareness and push for change.