MetLife Pet Insurance has rolled out an exclusive partnership with Petstablished, embedding insurance quotes directly into the pet adoption and registration flow used by animal welfare organisations across the US.
Petstablished’s platform supports more than 1,000 animal welfare organisations and processes over 160,000 adoptions each year.
Under the new setup, adopters can see a personalised MetLife Pet Insurance quote as part of the online adoption or microchipping process, before the pet leaves the shelter.
Cost sits at the centre of the issue. MetLife’s research shows 55% of pet owners cite expense as the main barrier to preventive care, and about 80% have faced unexpected veterinary bills averaging $1,100. Those numbers don’t fade once the adoption papers are signed, Beinsure noted.
Brian Jorgensen, chief executive of MetLife Pet Insurance, said the integration aims to reduce that financial shock.
He said pet insurance helps families manage uncertainty and that offering coverage at adoption makes preparation easier, not an afterthought.
Pet insurance helps families care for their pets and worry less about unexpected costs. By working with Petstablished, we’re making it easier for people to consider coverage when they adopt, so they’re prepared and have support for the unexpected right away.
Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance
“Our goal is to help more pets stay in loving homes by easing the financial burden of care,” said Brian Jorgensen.
During checkout, adopters can include the cost of coverage alongside the adoption fee. Coverage options range from emergencies-only to broader plans that include preventive care.
Pet insurance policies may cover routine wellness visits, vaccinations, dental cleanings, spay or neuter procedures, and behavioural training.
Marc Thalheim, founder of Petstablished, said the partnership brings preventive care into focus from the start of a pet’s life with a new family. He said integrating insurance into adoption removes financial uncertainty and supports long-term health outcomes, not just short-term protection.
The collaboration reflects a wider push to address affordability gaps in pet care, especially as veterinary costs continue to climb.
According to Beinsure analysts, embedding insurance at adoption could reshape how new owners think about coverage, shifting it from a reactive purchase to a default consideration.
MetLife operates globally across insurance, employee benefits, and asset management, with roots dating back to 1868. Its pet insurance business issues coverage through Metropolitan General Insurance Company, with MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions acting as policy administrator in the US.
