Is parrot insurance essential for proper bird care
http://www.animalsaspets.net/articles/5111/1/Is-parrot-insurance-essential-for-proper-bird-care/Page1.html
Sarah Hosford
Sarah Hosford is a freelancer writer and journalist. A frequent blogger and digital writer, her work is featured on a growing number of websites across the web. By Sarah Hosford
Published on 07/8/2010
While parrot insurance is helpful in keeping a parrot, it doesn't exempt owners from the other responsibilities of owning a parrot
Is parrot insurance essential for proper bird care
In the United Kingdom, there are a growing number of pet insurance companies offering cover for parrots. But is parrot insurance really essential?
Apart from car insurance, which is a legal requirement in most countries, insurance is generally not essential, but always helpful.
Pet insurance - for any pet, including parrots - is not essential, but not having it can put you in some awkward situations. For example, pet insurance covers owners against the cost of veterinary bills. Now, while most pet owners will happily take their pet to the vet for a quick checkup, a serious operation can cost thousands. Without proper insurance, this can leave many owners in an awkward situation as for most people, this could be a huge chunk out of their paycheque.
Veterinary bills are obviously the most important part of a policy. Other areas of cover such as against theft and loss are more suited to those who have paid large amounts of money for the pet in the first place, such as for a pedigree dog - or sometimes a prized parrot.
However, even though parrot insurance is helpful, having it doesn't exempt owners from their responsibilities.
Bird theft - especially with parrots - is on the rise. There is a growing black market for birds around the world, as parrots and other exotic birds can cost hundreds and sometimes thousands at retail value.
Just because you have insurance doesn't mean you don't need to take care of your parrot and protect it from theft or getting lost. Parrots and exotic birds are prone to trying to fly away, and you need to make sure that your house or aviary, is designed in such a way that keeps them safe.
Having health insurance for a parrot is also no excuse for not taking proper care of your parrot. Parrots require a proper diet and a clean home to remain healthy and free from disease.
If you are a first time bird owner, then it's worth spending a few hours at the local library reading up on parrot care. You should be able to get plenty of useful tips and advice from experts that will help to reduce any future problems.
Exotic bird forums, bird magazines and blogs are also worth paying attention to as they will give you an opportunity to communicate with other parrot owners who can give you real, personal stories of their experiences raising and taking care of parrots.
So do you need to take out an insurance policy for your parrot? It's not essential, but the most important thing to remember is, if you do take out a premium, it's not an excuse to deliberately not take proper care of your bird.
Apart from car insurance, which is a legal requirement in most countries, insurance is generally not essential, but always helpful.
Pet insurance - for any pet, including parrots - is not essential, but not having it can put you in some awkward situations. For example, pet insurance covers owners against the cost of veterinary bills. Now, while most pet owners will happily take their pet to the vet for a quick checkup, a serious operation can cost thousands. Without proper insurance, this can leave many owners in an awkward situation as for most people, this could be a huge chunk out of their paycheque.
Veterinary bills are obviously the most important part of a policy. Other areas of cover such as against theft and loss are more suited to those who have paid large amounts of money for the pet in the first place, such as for a pedigree dog - or sometimes a prized parrot.
However, even though parrot insurance is helpful, having it doesn't exempt owners from their responsibilities.
Bird theft - especially with parrots - is on the rise. There is a growing black market for birds around the world, as parrots and other exotic birds can cost hundreds and sometimes thousands at retail value.
Just because you have insurance doesn't mean you don't need to take care of your parrot and protect it from theft or getting lost. Parrots and exotic birds are prone to trying to fly away, and you need to make sure that your house or aviary, is designed in such a way that keeps them safe.
Having health insurance for a parrot is also no excuse for not taking proper care of your parrot. Parrots require a proper diet and a clean home to remain healthy and free from disease.
If you are a first time bird owner, then it's worth spending a few hours at the local library reading up on parrot care. You should be able to get plenty of useful tips and advice from experts that will help to reduce any future problems.
Exotic bird forums, bird magazines and blogs are also worth paying attention to as they will give you an opportunity to communicate with other parrot owners who can give you real, personal stories of their experiences raising and taking care of parrots.
So do you need to take out an insurance policy for your parrot? It's not essential, but the most important thing to remember is, if you do take out a premium, it's not an excuse to deliberately not take proper care of your bird.