PD turns 6 and we’re positively wagging our tales at all the growth that’s come with that. We’re seriously proud of the support we’ve provided thousands of customers and their pets – helping pay vet bills when they’re in trouble.
Not to mention our 4.5 star Google review rating. We’d like to think it reflects the personal service we give each pet parent that’s insured with us. Speaking of … want to be part of the PD family? Check out our three plans and get a quick quote.
We caught up with PD chief operating officer Michelle le Long and customer operations manager Sheryl Atkins to find out what PD got up to since our last birthday, and where we’re heading.
In this article
Named MoneyHub’s favourite pet insurer
This year brought some exciting recognition. PD was named MoneyHub’s Editor’s Choice Favourite Pet Insurer of the Year, an award that reflects the trust we’ve built with Kiwi pet owners over the past six years.
“PD Insurance offers comprehensive cover, fast, fair claims, and a digital-first approach that makes ongoing administration painless. In a category long populated by middling providers, it is the most consumer-friendly option we have reviewed.” – MoneyHub
This adds to our list of gongs, including the 2023 MoneyHub Editor’s Choice Favourite Pet Insurer Award, 2024 Reader’s Digest Silver Pet Insurance Award, and 2022 Canstar Most Satisfied Customers Award for Pet Insurance.
Michelle was also recognised with an Elite Women in Insurance Award, acknowledging her leadership within the industry.
“We don’t take any award for granted,” she says. “To be recognised again is incredibly special.”
“We’re not the new kids on the block anymore. We’re here, we’re credible, and we’re putting tens of millions of dollars back into the New Zealand economy through our claims.” – Michelle
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Growing alongside New Zealand’s pet community as PD turns 6
Another big highlight as PD turns 6 has been the initiatives we’ve collaborated on with our key partners, Healthy Pets NZ and Dogs New Zealand.
As Principal Partner of Healthy Pets New Zealand, PD Insurance helps fund vital research into companion animal health and welfare, supports veterinary advancements, and works alongside HPNZ to educate pet owners and improve the lives of New Zealand’s cats and dogs.
This past year includes collaborating with HPNZ on nationwide pet owner surveys that generate valuable insights into topics such as the cost of pet ownership, pet health, behaviour and wellbeing. Another big one is launching a global campaign together to highlight pet health needs (more on that up next). We also collaborated on several media releases to include incredible vet insights with pet owners across the country.
Our partnership with Dogs New Zealand has continued from strength to strength, with weekly, monthly and annual news publications going out to Dogs NZ members, and PD in attendance at major events like the National Dog Show (always a good place to come say ‘Hi’ and meet us in person). And of course, our breeder partner programme continues to send new puppies home with Free Starter Cover**.
Those relationships are built face-to-face. Whether it’s veterinary conferences, pet expos or breed events, meeting pet owners and breeders remains one of our favourite parts of the job.
NZ team members at last year’s Auckland Pet & Animal Expo. Launching World Pet Health Month
One of the biggest milestones this year was launching World Pet Health Month.
Created to encourage pet owners everywhere to make simple, meaningful commitments to their pets’ lifelong wellbeing, the initiative reflected something we’ve believed since day one.
Pets aren’t just companions. They’re family.
“I think it was a real reminder that bringing a pet into your life is a lifelong commitment,” Michelle says.
The campaign also reinforced conversations we’ve been having for years about responsible ownership, preventative care and celebrating everything pets bring to our lives.
Growing our pet-friendly office culture as PD turns 6
Walk into the PD office and you won’t just meet our team.
You might also meet a few four-legged colleagues.
Having pets in the workplace isn’t simply a fun perk. It reflects who we are as a business. Pets reduce stress, get us moving, spark conversations and remind us every day why our work matters. You’ve only to read the results from our Human-Pet Bond survey to be reminded of how important this connection is.
That philosophy extends beyond the office too.
“To me, pets are family,” Michelle says. “We need to recognise that.”
4.5 stars on Google
When asked what makes her proudest, Customer Operations Manager Sheryl Atkins didn’t mention awards or milestones.
She spoke about customer feedback.
Reading Google reviews, Facebook reviews and customer survey responses where people specifically mention team members by name reminds us that great service is remembered.
Those moments tell us we’re doing something right and that behind every policy is a family, and behind every claim is a pet who matters deeply to someone. Below are just a few of the heartfelt reviews we’ve received:
“We lost our beloved Bruce-Lee and we were crippled with grief. Bruce had been very sick for a while and PD insurance were incredible. They covered all his vet costs and their communication was always so kind. When he passed they were so compassionate. The experience with them was exceptional.” – Jodi, Taranaki, Google Review
“My fiancé came home to Lando limping, barely bearing on his back leg. He rushed Lando to vet hospital. Being insured gave us peace of mind financially in the midst of the panic of if Lando was okay. We didn’t have the financial barrier to do all we can for Lando. Pet insurance is worth every cent and we are beyond grateful for PD insurance for protecting us. Hopefully no more scares/vet hospital visits🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻” – Jessica, Canterbury, Google Review
“When Boris was 7 months old, he inhaled a barley grass that punctured his lung and embedded in his liver. We spent $18,000 in a week. Thank goodness for PD Pet Insurance. The money was in my account the next day after I claimed! The vet said they put down a dog the week before in a similar situation because the owner couldn’t afford the care their pet needed.” – Helen, Otago, Google Review
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Keeping the human touch as PD turns 6
Technology continues to transform insurance, and at PD we’ve embraced innovation wherever it genuinely improves the customer experience. But one thing won’t change.
When you’re worried about your pet, you deserve to speak to a real person.
“Our customers can always speak to one of us. They can always speak to a claims person,” says Michelle. “In this year of AI and how fast things are moving and how impersonal things are getting, we never want to lose that human touch.”
That philosophy isn’t just important to our customers. It’s something our vet partners tell us they value too. Whether it’s a pet parent needing reassurance or a clinic with a question, being available when it matters has become one of the things people associate most strongly with PD.
Looking ahead
Six years in, it still feels like we’re only getting started.
Over the coming year we’ll continue improving our customer portal, simplifying claims, exploring new payment options and finding more ways to remove friction for pet owners, while never losing the personal service that’s become part of who we are.
To every customer, pet, vet partner, breeder, charity partner and team member who has been part of our journey so far—thank you.
Here’s to the next chapter of offering pet insurance by pet people.
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Cover your pet for the unexpected
As PD turns 6, why not join our thousands of happy customers? We’re an award-winning* brand that’ll help you focus on your pet’s recovery without the added stress of paying unplanned pet bills.
We offer cover wherever you are in New Zealand and whichever qualified vet you choose. Choosing a pet insurance plan is all up to your budget, and you can always consult our Policy Wording to check what’s covered or not.
PLUS, if you sign up with us, you can get 1 month free pet insurance – no matter what plan you choose. One tip – be sure to get pet insurance before conditions come into the picture. Insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. So, why not take two minutes to get a quick quote now?
*PD Insurance is winner of the 2023 and 2026 MoneyHub Editor’s Choice Favourite Pet Insurer Award, 2024 Reader’s Digest Silver Pet Insurance and Canstar’s 2022 Most Satisfied Customers – Pet Insurance awards.
**Starter Cover Ts+Cs apply.
Please note: Cover, exclusions and benefit limits vary by plan. PD may refer to conditions that are not covered under some plans, and per-claim limits may apply.
Tell us the answer and you could win a $300 Prezzy Card*
Now that you’ve read all about PD’s pawsome milestones, answer the below question and pop us your details. You stand the chance to get your paws on a Prezzy Card.