PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 24, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Petplan, America’s top-rated pet health insurer, today became the first and only pet insurance provider to be named to Inc. magazine’s prestigious "Inc. 500" list, recognizing the nation’s fastest growing private companies. Making its debut at number 123, Petplan was recognized for both tripling its Philadelphia-based workforce and growing its gross written premiums by more than 2,200 percent over the past three years, despite the challenging economic climate.
"We are delighted to have made our debut on the Inc. 500 list this year," said Natasha Ashton, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Petplan. "They say success demands passion, and there is no company more passionate about ensuring that pets get the very best care than Petplan. Our own experience of going into debt to care for our cat, Bodey, is what drove us to launch Petplan in the U.S. five years ago. And our unwavering dedication to pet health and creating an exceptional customer experience is what drives every decision we make - from building our world-class team, to seeking the right partners and beyond."
Petplan’s inclusion on the Inc. 500 list is the latest of many industry-leading milestones enjoyed by the company, which include being the first pet insurance provider in the U.S. to offer full coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions as standard; the only pet insurance provider to offer a Covered for LifeTM guarantee; and the only pet insurance provider to offer exclusive, interactive vet-authored pet health advice to pet parents both online and through the company’s widely read pet health publication, fetch!.
In its 30th annual list, Inc. magazine provides year-over-year insight into the American economy by tracking the expansion of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. - and the entrepreneurial spirit driving them. The Inc. 500 has provided tremendous exposure and traction for hundreds of fledgling companies, including such powerhouse brands as Microsoft, Zappos, GoDaddy, Oracle and Under Armour, in their early years.
Petplan’s success is indicative of the industry’s rapid growth in the U.S., which has been fueled by rising costs in veterinary care and the changing attitudes of many American pet parents, 98 percent of whom view their pets as four-legged members of the family. Yet, there is still tremendous opportunity for growth in the U.S. as just one percent of the nation’s 93 million cats, and only three percent of the nation’s 78 million dogs, are currently insured. Petplan Pet Insurance is primed to continue to grow exponentially, and will continue to look for ways to improve the lives and health of pets everywhere.
"This is just the tipping point," comments Ashton. "I strongly believe the American market is moving in the direction of many European nations, where 25 to 50 percent of pets have health insurance. Petplan remains committed to the coverage pet parents need to keep their pets healthy, and their budget intact."
To learn more about Petplan and its variety of pet healthcare offerings, please visit www.GoPetplan.com.
ABOUT PETPLAN
As America's top-rated pet insurance provider, Petplan, through one or more licensed insurers, offers customizable policies to meet any coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. The policies offered by Petplan cover all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet - without dollar limits per condition. For information, visit www.GoPetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.