Put those paws up – PD Insurance turns five years old! Since opening our doors and launching our website on 3rd August 2020, we’ve helped tens of thousands of pet parents when their dogs and cats were most in need, and now it’s time to celebrate.
We’re taking the opportunity to look back at half a decade of incredible service. But first … want to be part of the PD furmily? Check out our three plans below and get a quick quote.
Now without further ado, let’s pounce into five years of PD …
In this article
- PD turns five – looking back in numbers
- Pawing up with New Zealand’s biggest kennel club
- Showing up for all things woof and meow
- Join our proud fur family as PD turns five
- Advocating for causes we care about
- And most importantly … helping pets when they need it most
- What’s next for PD?
- Insurance by pet people
PD turns five – looking back in numbers
From humble beginnings during COVID to now insuring beloved pets across New Zealand, it’s been an incredible journey. We started with just a handful of policies and have grown into an award-winning, trusted brand.
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve achieved in just five years:
- 4.4 stars on Google and 82% positive rating on Facebook. Those aren’t just numbers – they’re a reflection of the trust you place in us to help protect the pets you love like family.
- 580 blog articles, where we share info on New Zealand’s top pet health queries, interview vets, behaviourists and other experts, delve into dog and cat bylaws, share fun quizzes and polls and much more.
- 142 YouTube videos, including expert pet health vlogs with our host, vet and trustee of Healthy Pets NZ, Dr Cath Watson.
- Approximately 100 media releases and over 450 mentions, where the press published pet health new and statistics shared by PD.
- Almost 209 million Facebook and Instagram impressions and 589,000 TikTok views. Social media is where all the fun happens, including competitions, petfluencer collabs, pet behaviourist advice and more.
- Three major awards that recognising our commitment to customer service. This includes a 2024 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Silver Award for Pet Insurance, 2023 MoneyHub Editor’s Choice Award for ‘Favourite Pet Insurer’ and Canstar’s 2022 Most Satisfied Customers – Pet Insurance Award.
- Six customer surveys, where the over 9,200 collective responses we’ve received have given us incredible and unique insights into how New Zealand pet owners spend, insure and care for their furmily.
Pawing up with New Zealand’s biggest kennel club
A pet’s health and happiness are the sum of many parts. This can include vets, trainers, boarding services, groomers, retailers and of course, pet insurance.. It starts at birth, which is why responsible breeding is so important.
One of our biggest milestones has been partnering with New Zealand’s largest kennel club, Dogs New Zealand.
“We’re incredibly proud of our partnership with Dogs New Zealand,” says COO of PD Insurance, Michelle Le Long. “It’s a special feeling knowing we’re helping new dog owners’ step into pet parenthood with confidence and care.”
This partnership has enabled us to further our mission of supporting pet health and wellbeing, and it also marks the first time Dogs NZ has offered dedicated pet insurance to its wider dog community. Through Dogs NZ Insurance by pd.co.nz breeder partners can provide new puppy owners with complimentary Starter Cover for the first four weeks.
This initial cover offers up to $1,000 towards accident and illness expenses with no excess, giving puppies an extra layer of protection as they settle into their new homes. Afterwards owners have the flexibility to consider one of three Dogs NZ Insurance plans, designed to suit different needs. In addition, pet owners can enjoy extended cover benefits for up to 3 MONTHS FREE when they choose to continue their insurance plan.
This collaboration is the third major partnership PD Insurance has secured in recent years, following our principal partnership with Healthy Pets New Zealand (HPNZ – a charity founded in 1998 by the NZ Veterinary Association’s Companion Animal Branch – and our role as exclusive partner for the Department of Conservation’s Lead the Way programme.
Showing up for all things woof and meow
Though our home base is our office in Takapuna, you’ll spot the PD team attending pet events across Aotearoa.
“We love meeting our customers and fellow pet parents to share stories, ask questions, and hear what really matters to them,” says Le Long. “Attending events helps us stay inspired and connected to the pet community we’re here to support.”
It’s all about connecting with pet industry people, owners, breeders, and fellow animal lovers in person. We attend between 10-15 a year. These are just a few we’ve wagged tails at:
- New Zealand Veterinary (NZVA) and New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) Conference
- 4Paws Empire Woof Markets
- Barking Mad Dog Market
- IndePet Conference
- PURINA Pro Plan National Dog Show
- Auckland Pet Expo
- Companion Animals NZ (CANZ) Conference
Join our proud fur family as PD turns five
Want 1 MONTH FREE* pet insurance? Have a look at our dog insurance and cat insurance plans and find the right one for you and your furbaby. We cushion the financial cost of unexpected accidents or illnesses (depending on the type of plan you choose) so you can focus on giving your pet the best care when they need it most.
Advocating for causes we care about
Whether it’s donning pink for the anti-bullying campaign Pink Shirt Day, supporting dog cancer fundraising efforts, sharing supplies at animal sanctuaries or spreading awareness of important days like World Vet Day and National Cat Health Month, we believe in soft landings for everyone.
Being involved in meaningful support a big part of what PD is devoted to. It’s about showing we care and lending a hand where we can.
“Most of us are pet owners, too – so we like to think of PD as pet insurance by pet people,” says PD Head of Operations, Sheryl Atkins. “For us, being ‘pet people’ means being compassionate and helping in our communities. It’s a big part of what makes PD so special.”
And most importantly … helping pets when they need it most
Our core focus remains on giving pet parents a financial cushion for unexpected vet expenses. After all, when your pet needs help, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you can afford their treatment.
“Though we can’t stop pets from getting sick or injured, we can be there to offer pet parents a financial cushion,” says Le Long. “Simply put, that means making it as fast, simple, and effortless as possible to make a claim. This comes down to providing our customers with easy-to-understand policies, so they know exactly what’s covered, a stress-free user portal, and compassionate call centre agents and claims managers if they need it.”
You’ve only to read some our customer stories below to see the difference PD Insurance makes. As Richard, whose Russian Blue kitten Steve (see his story below) got a rare immune disease, said:
“Just knowing Steve’s covered and that I have the support of a really good insurance company took the stress out of the situation. The experience I’ve had with PD has been superb. I’ve never had such a good experience dealing with any insurance company in my life, it’s just been incredible. The claim is always dealt with incredibly quickly. The level of support, professionalism and friendliness has been really outstanding.”
- A Run-In with Gutter Cleaner: Here’s Alpine’s Story
- Feline Leprosy?! Here’s Herc’s Story
- Romeo the Retriever’s Run-In with a Grass Seed
- Hazelnut’s Story (My Dog Ate My Pills What Should I Do?)
- The Tail of Two Kiwi Labrador Puppies
- Steve the Russian Blue Cat Shares His Tail
- Every Schnauzer Has His Story – Here’s Harvey’s
What’s next for PD?
Over the next five years, PD is determined to become Australasia’s most trusted name in pet insurance — not just by size, but by reputation and meaningful impact.
We’re committed to delivering the fastest and fairest claims experience, offering the most adaptable policy options, and providing unrivalled support for pet health and wellbeing. From setting up a new policy to making a claim or asking a quick question, every touchpoint should feel effortless, empathetic, and genuinely useful.
“We truly couldn’t have come this far without the incredible support of our customers, partners, and our dedicated PD team,” adds Le Long. “We’re so proud to be part of each pet’s journey, and we never take for granted the trust our community places in us to help protect their beloved furry family members.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to our wonderful pet whānau across New Zealand.”
Paws up to that!
To keep on celebrating, check out our Facebook or Instagram page for the chance to win pawsome birthday prize. Or read about our PD two-year anniversary when PD Insurance turned three, and the fourth PD Insurance birthday.
Insurance by pet people
For five years, our pet insurance plans have helped reduce the cost of unexpected vet visits. With us, you’ll get protection that puts your pup or kitten first, without costing you an arm and a paw. Plus, fetch yourself 1 MONTH FREE* pet insurance when you buy a policy!
Click below and get a quote.