Kiwi pets’ most common vet visits:
PD's top 10 pet insurance claims of 2025
With the release of its Top 10 claim types for cats and dogs in 2025, pet insurance specialist PD Insurance is once again highlighting the health issues most commonly affecting Kiwi pets, and what pet parents can do to help stay one step ahead.
The insights come as PD Insurance launches the inaugural World Pet Health Month, a global initiative focused on raising awareness of preventable pet health issues and encouraging proactive, year-round care. Together, the claims data and the campaign reinforce the importance of prevention in improving long-term outcomes for cats and dogs.
PD Insurance has published annual claims insights since 2021, building a clearer picture of pet health trends across New Zealand. By analysing both the volume and type of claims each year, the data enables meaningful year-on-year comparisons, identifying emerging issues, persistent conditions, and areas where preventative care can make a measurable difference.
“Claims data provides valuable insight into what pets are actually experiencing,” says Michelle Le Long, PD Insurance COO. “When we look at the most common reasons families are visiting the vet, clear patterns emerge. That knowledge helps pet parents be more vigilant, take preventative steps where possible, and potentially avoid unnecessary pain, stress, and unexpected vet bills.”
“Every claim represents a real pet and a real family,” she adds. “By understanding the trends, and through initiatives such as World Pet Health Month—which PD founded in collaboration with Healthy Pets NZ and Blue Badge Insurance—we can support owners to make informed decisions that contribute to longer, healthier lives for their cats and dogs.”
So, what’s in the claims data that can help pet owners? Below are the most common conditions claimed for in 2025.
Dog top 10
- Ingestion
- Skin allergy
- Ear infection (otitis)
- Gastroenteritis
- Vomiting
- Limb injury
- Diarrhoea / grass seeds
- Allergic reaction / bite wound / lameness
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Nail injury
Cat top 10
- Abscess
- Bite wound
- Vomiting
- Ingestion / limb injury
- Cystitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Diarrhoea
- Skin allergy
- Eye infection / eye injury / urinary tract obstruction
- Blocked bladder / upper respiratory tract infection / body lacerations
Preventable, manageable and unavoidable
While some health issues are unavoidable, others can be prevented or managed with awareness and practical understanding. “The health problems faced by cats and dogs generally fall into three categories,” says Le Long. “Those that are preventable, those that are unavoidable, and those we can manage. Focusing on the first and third categories is where pet parents can make the biggest difference.”
Many claims arise from everyday accidents. Cats (and dogs) may sustain bite wounds, injuries, or abscesses from less-friendly encounters with other animals, while both can also injure limbs through falls or energetic play. Pet owner insights from PD’s recent Human Pet Bond survey[1] conducted with input from Healthy Pets NZ helps highlight the realities of how commonplace some of these health issues can be:
“When my dog was 4 months old, he had an accident and broke his leg. He needed surgery and it made me more sympathetic towards animals as he was so distressed and all he wanted was me.”
Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or gastroenteritis can result from ingesting foreign objects, toxins, or foods that don’t agree with them. Teaching pets simple commands like ‘leave it’ or ‘drop’ can help reduce the risk of swallowing harmful items. An option for cats is catios (cat patios), providing them with a safe, stimulating environment while simultaneously protecting wildlife from their expert hunting skills.
Some conditions, such as skin allergies, are less preventable but can be managed by identifying triggers and working with your vet to avoid exposure. Ear infections in dogs can be minimised by regular checks, cleaning with vet-approved solutions, and thorough drying after swimming. Even tiny hazards such as grass seeds can lead to serious issues, but vigilance can help reduce the risk. One PD survey respondent shares the following*:
“When Boris was 7 months old, he inhaled a barley grass which 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.”
World Pet Health Month
World Pet Health Month is a timely reminder to consider how everyday choices around diet, exercise, preventative care, and lifestyle directly affect the wellbeing of our pets. “By understanding each pet’s unique needs, from breed and age to individual health, owners can take meaningful steps to reduce risks, manage ongoing issues, and support overall wellbeing,” says Le Long.
“Kiwis can get involved in many ways, whether it’s signing the pet health promise, sharing resources online, volunteering at shelters, donating, or starting a funding drive,” she adds. For free pet health resources, including healthy feeding guidelines and pet-to-human-years age converters, visit the PD Insurance World Pet Health Month hub.
*Please note, cover limits vary by plan and maximum per-claim limits may apply. Before making a decision about any product, please consider the relevant Policy Wording.
[1] https://www.pdinsurance.co.nz/human-pet-bond-survey/