I am a pet owner, like many of you, who deeply cares about the health and wellbeing of my pets. However, the high cost of emergency services and treatments has often put me in difficult situations. The city requires us to insure and neuter our pets, among other rules, but does not provide adequate support when it comes to healthcare expenses.

Many pet owners are burdened with insurance policies that do not cover all necessary treatments or emergencies. I personally have two insurances for my pets but was denied reimbursement on two separate occasions due to their restrictive policies. This is an issue that affects many pet owners in Burien, WA.

The American Pet Products Association reported that Americans spent $29.3 billion on veterinary care in 2019 (source: APPA). Yet despite such significant expenditure, many pet owners still struggle with unexpected costs related to their pets' health.

We need a change in policy that ensures affordable healthcare for our beloved companions – including reasonable prices for emergency services and illness treatments. We also need better regulation of pet insurance companies to ensure they provide fair coverage.

It's time we stand up as responsible pet owners demanding better support from our city officials and insurance companies alike. Let's make sure no one has to choose between financial stability and the health of their cherished pets ever again.

Please sign this petition if you believe in affordable healthcare for all pets!