Like many of you, I have had pets my entire life.
    Since 2009, I have had two dogs. Lyra, who passed in November 2021. And my current kid who adopted me in March 2022.
    Lyra  was my kid for 12 years. During that time, she had incurred medical expenses, just like any human child would.

Currently, pets are considered property!!
    Do we consider our human family members property? NO!! Why should family pets be any different? They are living beings, and often times a life-long commitment!! THIS is the most important thing that needs to be changed!

The cost of caring for a family pet is outrageous when it comes to medical needs.
    A simple dental procedure, like cleaning, can cost anywhere from $300 to $1000. Most Pet Insurance companies do not cover dental.
    Emergency Vet Clinic stays can cost upwards of $600 a day!! I speak from experience. 
   Other procedures, like surgeries, and cancer treatments, can cost well over $10k!!

For Pet Insurance, there is no Co-Pay. Deductibles and Premiums are high!!
    You must file a claim, and HOPE that it is covered. Often times, Pet Insurance companies will use loopholes (Pre-Existing conditions, lack of previous veterinary records, age, breed, etc.) to deny coverage. 
    A majority of Americans do not have the funds available to pay for these expensive medical needs out of pocket.
    Often times, people have to use credit cards, take out loans, rely on the kindness of strangers, friends, and family members.
    Some, never get the help that is often needed.
    Often times, Americans are left with no choice but to let their fur-kid cross the Rainbow Bridge, which can still incur a heavy cost that some cannot afford out of pocket.

Our Health Insurance coverage is so important. It should not be any different for our family pets!
    When you take on the responsibility of a pet, you are taking on a living being with needs. You are taking on a FAMILY MEMBER. A dependent. And as such, they need to be covered as a dependent in our Health Insurance.

I am calling on all Americans who love their pets, their family members, to sign this petition to let lawmakers know that we need a change in our Health Insurance policies to cover our beloved pets as family members so that a lot of Americans do not go bankrupt when unexpected medical expenses arise for our furry children.

Please take the time to sign this and share it to as many people as you can. We are the change. Let's do it!