Pet shield Pet Insurance 2025: Expert Review, Coverage, Costs & Claims
Our expert's opinion on Pet Shield
Pet Shield offers comprehensive pet insurance for dogs and cats across Canada, with four distinct Secure plans that range from core medical coverage to a robust prevention-inclusive option (Secure 4). These plans provide flexibility in annual deductibles based on pet age and species, reimbursement rates starting at 80%, and annual or per-incident limits that align with the level of coverage selected. Compared to key Canadian competitors, Pet Shield stands out for its modular contract structure, rare disease and dental inclusions, and a prevention wellness add-on—while pricing is calibrated in the mid-tier, justified by adaptable coverage and evolving deductibles. Pet Shield is particularly suited for owners of young to middle-aged pets who prioritize coverage breadth and want to customize cost risk with upfront deductibles, as well as those valuing preventive care. Petline Insurance Company, the underwriter, demonstrates stable financial backing as a leading Canadian pet insurer, though business data and premium volumes are not publicly disclosed; average claim processing time is typically within industry norms (10–30 business days), with claims submitted via email, post, or online. Trustpilot and other public review scores for Pet Shield are currently not available or below the minimum threshold; claim procedures are documented and compliance heavy, supporting overall reliability for policyholders.
- ✅Wide choice: four Secure plans, including dental and alternative therapies
- ✅Annual and per-incident reimbursement for illnesses and accidents
- ✅Wellness/prevention coverage exclusive to Secure 4 plan
- ✅Customizable deductibles by pet’s age and plan
- ✅Covers dental, behavioural, and some medical devices
- ✅Claim submission digitally or by email/mail
- ✅Stable insurer with experienced claims management
- ❌Strict exclusions for pre-existing and many preventive conditions
- ❌Mandatory coinsurance minimum 20%, may rise with claims history
- ❌Deductibles increase as the pet ages
- ❌No immediate digital reimbursement—owner must pay upfront
- ❌Complex claims: many documents required for each reimbursement
Score- ✅Wide choice: four Secure plans, including dental and alternative therapies
- ✅Annual and per-incident reimbursement for illnesses and accidents
- ✅Wellness/prevention coverage exclusive to Secure 4 plan
- ✅Customizable deductibles by pet’s age and plan
- ✅Covers dental, behavioural, and some medical devices
- ✅Claim submission digitally or by email/mail
- ✅Stable insurer with experienced claims management
Our expert's opinion on Pet Shield
- ✅Wide choice: four Secure plans, including dental and alternative therapies
- ✅Annual and per-incident reimbursement for illnesses and accidents
- ✅Wellness/prevention coverage exclusive to Secure 4 plan
- ✅Customizable deductibles by pet’s age and plan
- ✅Covers dental, behavioural, and some medical devices
- ✅Claim submission digitally or by email/mail
- ✅Stable insurer with experienced claims management
- ❌Strict exclusions for pre-existing and many preventive conditions
- ❌Mandatory coinsurance minimum 20%, may rise with claims history
- ❌Deductibles increase as the pet ages
- ❌No immediate digital reimbursement—owner must pay upfront
- ❌Complex claims: many documents required for each reimbursement
Score- ✅Wide choice: four Secure plans, including dental and alternative therapies
- ✅Annual and per-incident reimbursement for illnesses and accidents
- ✅Wellness/prevention coverage exclusive to Secure 4 plan
- ✅Customizable deductibles by pet’s age and plan
- ✅Covers dental, behavioural, and some medical devices
- ✅Claim submission digitally or by email/mail
- ✅Stable insurer with experienced claims management
Why Trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance specialists thoroughly review the terms and pricing of available insurance policies in Canada every year to provide you with reliable and impartial analysis. Thanks to this rigorous expertise, more than one million Canadians trust us each month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
Pet Shield Guarantees
Pet shield offers four plans (Secure 1–4) for dogs and cats in Canada, with broad coverage for illness, accident, dental, medical devices, hospitalization, alternative and behavioral therapies, and a 20% co-insurance (can increase to 30–50%) plus a variable annual deductible (rising with pet age and plan). Secure 4 stands out as the only plan including preventive care, while all except Secure 4 strongly limit preventive and elective treatments.
Strengths include a wide range of covered care, adaptability to pet age, and a robust claims process, but weaknesses are strict pre-existing condition exclusions, non-coverage for routine wellness (except Secure 4), and evolving co-insurance and deductibles that can increase with claims or age.
Notable exclusions are congenital/known pre-existing diseases, non-essential care, feeding, and all symptoms or treatments recorded in the waiting period.
| Name of coverage | Secure 1 | Secure 2 | Secure 3 | Secure 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Entry-level plan | Intermediate plan | Advanced plan | Premium + prevention |
| Type of coverage (accident, illness, both, etc.) | Illness & accident | Illness & accident | Illness & accident | Illness, accident, prevention |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate (%) | 80% (20% co-insurance, can rise) | 80% (can rise) | 80% (can rise) | 80% (can rise) |
| Annual reimbursement limit | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | $100–$700 by pet age/option | $100–$700 by age | $100–$700 by age | $200–$700 by age |
| Age limits for enrollment (for dogs and cats) | N.C. (docs needed if senior) | N.C. (docs if senior) | N.C. (docs if senior) | N.C. (docs if senior) |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | Veterinary history required | Required | Required | Required |
| Waiting period (illness) | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days | 14 days |
| Waiting period (accident) | 48 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours | 48 hours |
| Lifetime coverage once subscribed | ✅ (with conditions) | ✅ (with conditions) | ✅ (with conditions) | ✅ (with conditions) |
| Vet consultations (regular + emergency) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Medications | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hospitalization | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Surgery (including anesthesia) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, lab tests) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dental care (includes scaling and procedures) | ✅ (annual limit, 6m wait) | ✅ (6m wait) | ✅ (6m wait) | ✅ (6m wait) |
| Preventive care package (vaccines, antiparasitics, spaying/neutering, ID/microchipping) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (immediate, details vary) |
| Alternative medicine (osteopathy, acupuncture, etc.) | ✅ (annual limit) | ✅ (annual limit) | ✅ (annual limit) | ✅ (annual limit) |
| Travel coverage (countries included, duration) | Canada + temporary USA | Canada + USA | Canada + USA | Canada + USA |
| Civil liability | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Euthanasia | ✅ (if medically required) | ✅ (if required) | ✅ (if required) | ✅ (if required) |
| Death & cremation coverage | ✅ (with limits) | ✅ (with limits) | ✅ (with limits) | ✅ (with limits) |
| Theft or loss of pet + search expenses | ✅ (with authorization) | ✅ (with authorization) | ✅ (with authorization) | ✅ (with authorization) |
| Boarding fees (if owner is hospitalized) | ✅ (conditions apply) | ✅ (conditions) | ✅ (conditions) | ✅ (conditions) |
Important Policy Details
Annual and per-incident claim limits depend on plan and pet profile, and are not publicly disclosed (N.C.). Co-insurance may increase based on claims history. Senior pets require additional veterinary documentation at subscription. Secure 4 preventive benefits have specific sub-limits and are not retroactive.
Pet Shield Exclusions
Exclusions in Pet shield are extensive and notably strict regarding pre-existing conditions, which include any sign, symptom, or treatment preceding enrolment or arising during the waiting period, even without a definitive diagnosis.
Also distinctive is the permanent nature of exclusions triggered during the waiting period and the systematic exclusion of bilateral conditions if one side was previously affected.
Other highlights include the exclusion of preventive and elective care, nutrition, reproductive and congenital conditions manifesting pre-policy, feline-specific diseases diagnosed before or during the waiting period, and all non-essential treatments.
Intentional injury, professional or competition use, medication without regulatory approval, and events related to war, nuclear risk, or natural disaster are also not covered.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions |
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| Behavioral & training exclusions |
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| Administrative & procedural exclusions |
|
| Geographic & activity exclusions |
|
| Intentional & regulatory exclusions |
|
| Other exclusions |
|
- Pre-existing conditions (any sign/symptom/treatment before enrolment or during waiting period)
- Bilateral conditions if prior signs on one side
- Congenital conditions observable pre-policy
- Specific feline diseases (FIP, FIV, FeLV) if diagnosed before/during waiting period
- Routine/preventive/elective care (except Secure 4, for prevention as listed)
- Nutrition (including prescription diets)
- Reproductive/pregnancy/birth & complications
- Medications without D.I.N. or N.H.P.
- Non-essential/comfort/grooming care
- Obedience/education classes
- Correction products
- Certain food-related behavioral problems (e.g. coprophagia)
- Veterinary exam/history incomplete (exclusion of conditions found at first visit)
- Any service exceeding actual cost
- Claims without proper justification or documentation
- Care outside Canada/temp. USA trips exceeding criteria
- Professional/competition/business use (without pre-authorization)
- Intentional injury or acts by the owner
- Fraud, false declaration
- Events of war, nuclear risk, natural disasters
- Transport or home vet visits if not medically necessary
- Euthanasia unless recommended for accident/covered illness
- Boarding for convalescence, voluntary surgery, addiction care
Pet Shield Prices
Pet shield maintains a mid-range pricing position in the Canadian pet insurance market, balancing moderate premiums with broad but not all-inclusive coverage.
Plans feature variable deductibles and mandatory co-insurance (starting at 20%), which can rise based on claims history, so out-of-pocket costs can be higher for those with frequent claims compared to competitors with flat cost structures.
Coverage is solid for core accident, illness, and dental care, with behavioural and alternative therapy options, but key high-cost exclusions and annual reimbursement ceilings on some plans limit total potential payouts.
Secure 4 stands out for offering preventive care, a rare feature among mid-tier providers, albeit with higher premiums, while digital management is available but Pet shield is not a low-cost "pure player" in automation.
Overall, Pet shield’s value is most apparent for pet owners seeking versatile, reliable protection, but it is not the cheapest option nor the most comprehensive, making it a strong fit for those needing balance between price and breadth of cover.
| Secure 1 | Secure 2 | Secure 3 | Secure 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Young cat (2–4 yrs) | $27/month | $30/month | $38/month | $50/month |
| Senior cat (7–8 yrs) | $38/month | $48/month | $57/month | $71/month |
| Small breed dog (2–4 yrs) | $39/month | $44/month | $54/month | $66/month |
| Senior dog (7–8 yrs) | $56/month | $66/month | $79/month | $98/month |
| Large breed dog (2–4 yrs) | $51/month | $58/month | $68/month | $85/month |
Pet Shield Promo Codes
| Pet shield Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
Pet Shield reimbursement amounts
With Pet shield, reimbursements are simple: you pay your vet, submit your claim, and get reimbursed for eligible expenses after your annual deductible and a small co-insurance. Here’s how it works with the Secure 4 (highest-tier) plan:
✅ Example 1: Dental cleaning and extraction (cat, age 6)
Total vet costs: $850 (anesthesia, dental X-rays, extraction, medication)
Deductible amount to subtract: $250 (for a cat under 10 with Option A, first claim of the year)
Amount remaining: $850 – $250 = $600
80% of that reimbursed: $600 × 80% = $480
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $480.
The annual deductible is applied only to the first eligible claim each year; after that, only the co-insurance applies.
✅ Example 2: Cruciate ligament surgery (dog, age 4)
Total vet costs: $3,500 (consultation, surgery, hospitalization, medications)
Deductible already paid earlier in the policy year
Amount reimbursed at 80%: $3,500 × 80% = $2,800
👉 You receive $2,800.
This claim is only subject to the co-insurance since the deductible was satisfied earlier. Claims for accidents and illness use the same annual deductible.
✅ Example 3: Annual vaccine and wellness check (preventive care, Secure 4 only, dog, age 7)
Total vet costs: $250 (exam, core vaccines, blood panel)
Deductible for preventive care: $0 (deductible waived for covered prevention, per Secure 4 conditions)
80% reimbursed: $250 × 80% = $200
👉 You receive $200.
Preventive services are covered up to annual plan limits with Secure 4—no deductible applies for eligible wellness care.
Assistance Pet Shield
| Assistance Pet shield | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C.: No advance payment service such as Payvet or Petcard is mentioned for Canadian users. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C.: Installment or deferred payment at the point of care is not communicated. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C.: No mobile app is specified; policy management appears web/email-based only. |
| Paperless claims process | ✅ | Claims can be submitted by email or scanned documents; no app, but digital PDFs/JPGs accepted. |
| Emergency vet service | ❌ | N.C.: No 24/7 emergency vet advice/teleconsultation is indicated for policyholders. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C.: No dedicated partner network; eligible care from any licensed vet in Canada/USA. |
| Coverage abroad | ✅ | Covered in Canada and for temporary travel in the United States; long-term stays excluded. |
Customer Reviews of Pet Shield
On the positive side, customers who subscribed to Pet shield for their pets often mention:
- A comprehensive range of coverage options, including accident, illness, dental, alternative, and behavioral care available under different plans.
- The availability of preventive coverage in the highest-tier plan is appreciated by owners seeking broader support.
- Annual coverage limits and per-incident benefits are considered suitable for managing unexpected veterinary costs.
- An adaptable policy structure allows pet owners to adjust coverage and beneficiaries according to their needs.
- Clear contractual documentation and transparency in policy details are valued by attentive customers.
On the negative side:
- A systematic exclusion of pre-existing conditions frustrates some policyholders, particularly for chronic or breed-related health issues.
- An annual deductible and coinsurance that increase as the pet ages are often cited as drawbacks, especially for older animals.
- Some users find the administrative requirements for claims and documentation to be burdensome.
- Certain routine or preventive services, and prescribed foods, are not covered except within the specific prevention option, leading to disappointment for some.
- Processing delays or stricter scrutiny on claim acceptance are occasionally reported, especially in cases with incomplete medical records.
Contact Pet Shield
| Pet shield Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Call customer service at 1-844-421-2121 or email claims@petlineinsurance.com. Submit your detailed claim form, signed veterinary invoices, and relevant medical records by email, fax, or mail to Pet Shield Insurance, 301-600 Empress Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0R5. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the incurred expense. Reimbursements are paid by cheque or direct deposit based on your instructions; average processing time may vary, and you can request status updates by phone or email. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Contact Pet shield by phone at 1-844-421-2121 or email claims@petlineinsurance.com. Be prepared to provide your policy number and pet’s information. The certificate can be sent to you by email or by post upon request. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 1-844-421-2121 Email: claims@petlineinsurance.com Postal address: Pet Shield Insurance, 301-600 Empress Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0R5. Customer service is available for questions, plan details, and general support. |
| To cancel my policy | Contact the customer service team by phone at 1-844-421-2121 or in writing at claims@petlineinsurance.com. State your intent to cancel, provide your policy number and pet’s details. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current monthly period, with reimbursement of any unused premium. No formal notice period is required, but written confirmation may be requested for security reasons. |
Submit your detailed claim form, signed veterinary invoices, and relevant medical records by email, fax, or mail to Pet Shield Insurance, 301-600 Empress Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0R5.
Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the incurred expense.
Reimbursements are paid by cheque or direct deposit based on your instructions; average processing time may vary, and you can request status updates by phone or email.
Be prepared to provide your policy number and pet’s information.
The certificate can be sent to you by email or by post upon request.
Email: claims@petlineinsurance.com
Postal address: Pet Shield Insurance, 301-600 Empress Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0R5.
Customer service is available for questions, plan details, and general support.
State your intent to cancel, provide your policy number and pet’s details.
Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current monthly period, with reimbursement of any unused premium.
No formal notice period is required, but written confirmation may be requested for security reasons.
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pet shield?
Yes, you must pay your veterinarian directly for all services. Pet shield operates on a reimbursement model and does not offer advance payment or third-party direct payment to clinics. After paying your vet, submit your claim with required documents to request reimbursement for eligible costs. The approved amount will then be reimbursed to you by cheque or direct deposit.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pet shield?
To cancel your Pet shield policy, contact customer service by phone or email and provide your policy details with a written cancellation request. There is no mandatory notice period—your cancellation will take effect at the end of the current paid period. Be prepared to submit any supporting documents requested for verification.
What does Pet shield pet insurance cover?
Pet shield covers veterinary fees for accidents and illnesses, including diagnostics, hospitalization, surgery, prescribed medications, and medical devices as outlined by your chosen plan. Many plans also include dental, alternative, and behavioral therapies, plus extras like lost pet advertising or trip cancellation coverage. Coverage limits and eligible benefits differ by plan, so review your policy details and exclusions carefully.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Pet shield?
No, Pet shield does not cover pre-existing conditions. Any illness, injury, or symptom that occurs before you purchase your policy or during the waiting period is permanently excluded from coverage. Bilateral conditions and those noted in initial vet exams may also be classified as pre-existing.
What are the waiting periods for coverage with Pet shield?
For accidents, coverage starts after a 48-hour waiting period. Coverage for illnesses and behavioral therapy begins 14 days after enrollment, with certain conditions like ligament injuries having up to a 6-month waiting period. Any issue arising before or during these periods will be excluded from future claims.
How do I submit a claim and how quickly are reimbursements processed?
You submit your claim by email, post, fax, or using the online portal, attaching signed vet invoices and required supporting documents. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the treatment date. Once approved, reimbursements are processed by cheque or direct deposit; typical processing times can vary, so it's best to confirm with customer service.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Pet shield?
Yes, you must pay your veterinarian directly for all services. Pet shield operates on a reimbursement model and does not offer advance payment or third-party direct payment to clinics. After paying your vet, submit your claim with required documents to request reimbursement for eligible costs. The approved amount will then be reimbursed to you by cheque or direct deposit.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Pet shield?
To cancel your Pet shield policy, contact customer service by phone or email and provide your policy details with a written cancellation request. There is no mandatory notice period—your cancellation will take effect at the end of the current paid period. Be prepared to submit any supporting documents requested for verification.
What does Pet shield pet insurance cover?
Pet shield covers veterinary fees for accidents and illnesses, including diagnostics, hospitalization, surgery, prescribed medications, and medical devices as outlined by your chosen plan. Many plans also include dental, alternative, and behavioral therapies, plus extras like lost pet advertising or trip cancellation coverage. Coverage limits and eligible benefits differ by plan, so review your policy details and exclusions carefully.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by Pet shield?
No, Pet shield does not cover pre-existing conditions. Any illness, injury, or symptom that occurs before you purchase your policy or during the waiting period is permanently excluded from coverage. Bilateral conditions and those noted in initial vet exams may also be classified as pre-existing.
What are the waiting periods for coverage with Pet shield?
For accidents, coverage starts after a 48-hour waiting period. Coverage for illnesses and behavioral therapy begins 14 days after enrollment, with certain conditions like ligament injuries having up to a 6-month waiting period. Any issue arising before or during these periods will be excluded from future claims.
How do I submit a claim and how quickly are reimbursements processed?
You submit your claim by email, post, fax, or using the online portal, attaching signed vet invoices and required supporting documents. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the treatment date. Once approved, reimbursements are processed by cheque or direct deposit; typical processing times can vary, so it's best to confirm with customer service.
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