Are You Covered to Give Pet Medication?

💉

I've had a proper run of the same question popping up lately from pet business owners:

"Can I give insulin?"

"What about epilepsy meds?"

"Does my insurance actually cover me for this?"

And my honest answer? Don't just assume it does. 😬

Medication is just part of the job now

More of us are looking after older pets, or ones with long-term conditions, and giving medication has quietly become... well, just part of the job. Insulin injections, anti-epileptic meds that need to go in on time, the lot.

But (and this is the bit that catches people out) being able to give medication and being insured to give medication are two very different things. 👀

What to actually check

So if this is part of what you offer, it's worth a nosy at your policy:

✔️ Does your insurer actually know you offer this?

✔️ Is medication administration named in your policy (not just assumed)?

✔️ Are injectables like insulin specifically covered? Suppositories for epilepsy?

✔️ Have you got written consent from the owner + clear dosing instructions?

One quick email to your insurer today could save you a proper headache down the line. Ten minutes, tops.

It's not just giving the meds

If you're giving medication to a pet with epilepsy for example, it's not just about the meds. It's also knowing what you'd actually do if a seizure happened on your watch. Giving the medication is only one piece of it. Spotting when it's an emergency, keeping the pet safe while it's happening, knowing when to ring the owner or the vet, and what to actually write down afterwards, all matter just as much.

We don't have to know everything. But we do owe it to the animals in our care to know our limits, ask the important questions, and be properly prepared — not just winging it and hoping for the best.

Future-you (and your clients) will thank you for the ten minutes it takes to check.

Want the full lowdown?

I've put everything you need to know about spotting and handling a seizure into my epilepsy guide. GRAB IT HERE