Lessons from a first-time pet owner.
Thinking about getting a pet but not sure where to begin with the insurance side? Don’t stress. Here’s everything you need to know about pet insurance before you start purchasing cute jumpers and matching accessories for your new bestie.
Everything I wish I knew before I got pet insurance.
It’s been nearly six years since I brought my dog Freddie home. Before he came to me, he was anxious, overweight, and scared of his own shadow. Today, he’s sassy, endlessly funny, and obsessed with cheese in all of its forms. Watching him grow into the dog he was meant to be has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and I’m so proud to be his mum!
Back in 2020, I was 22, fresh out of university, living through yet another lockdown, and had absolutely no idea what I was doing with my life. Freddie gave me purpose, routine, and a reason to get out of bed every morning. He changed my life in ways I never expected. (Although I still maintain that it takes a special kind of person to own a Shiba Inu, but that's a story for another day.)
Insurance is just the start.
How Waggel looks after Freddie
24/7 vet video calls
Unlimited video vet calls with a UK vet from Joii Pet Care. That 2am panic? Waggel’s got it covered. Phew.
Track your walks and more
Track your dog’s daily activity with a free PitPat monitor to help prevent any midnight zoomies.
A unique care score
One result you’ll actually want to check. See a clear picture of your dog’s health with the Biscuit app.
Unlimited expert sessions
Connect with a nutritionist or behaviourist any time you need some advice. Best of all, the sessions are unlimited and free.
How Waggel looks after me
Unlock access to top rewards
Receive discounts and exclusive offers just for being a Waggel member. We’re talking discounts on sweet treats and more.
Your own UK vet nurse
An assigned UK vet nurse who knows your dog and their quirks, so if it ever comes to claiming, you and your pet are totally understood.
Get paid for referring friends
Refer a friend, a family member, or a stranger in the park and get paid a £40 voucher when they sign up.
Money off pet perks
Get money off leading brands to make you the ultimate pet parent and reduce those monthly bills.
Ready to join Waggel?
Joining the pack is easy. Waggel offers so much more than insurance to help you keep your pet healthy and happy. Get a no obligation quote now and find out for yourself.
Not got a pet yet?
Learn the money bit first and find out how much owning a pet could really cost you with our calculator tool. From breed specifics to location and the level of care you’d aim to provide, it’s just one of the many ways we make pet ownership that tiny bit easier.
Breed
Location
Level of care
This calculator gives a general estimate of annual dog ownership costs based on breed size, care level, and UK region. Figures are based on publicly available data from sources including Battersea, Pet Supermarket, Rover and others, accessed April 2025.
All figures are estimates only. Actual costs will vary depending on your dog, your lifestyle, and where you live. Insurance premiums shown are indicative and not binding quotes. For a tailored quote, visit our quote page.
Waggel is not liable for decisions made based on this tool. Always seek advice from a vet or pet care professional before bringing a dog home.
