Pet Anxiety Claims Are Increasing, Insurer Reports | Insurify

“It’s not so much that dogs are suddenly more anxious than before. It’s that we’re better at recognizing the signs,” Kris Hampton, a Canada-based certified pet trainer and counselor, and founder of Raintown Dog Training, told Insurify. “Combine that with people being more open to seeking professional help and using insurance to cover it, and it makes sense why claim numbers look higher.”

Louisiana saw the highest jump in anxiety claims

Since 2019, anxiety claims rose more than 100% in six U.S. states and Washington, D.C., with Louisiana seeing the highest spike of 150%, according to Trupanion’s data. Washington State had the highest number of anxiety claims in 2024, at 2,830, and had the second-highest increase (149%) in number of claims.

States With the Highest Increases in Pet Anxiety Claims

Most states in Trupanion’s study saw fewer than 1,000 anxiety-related claims in 2024. But Washington, D.C., New York, Massachusetts, and California all had more than 1,000 claims, Trupanion’s data shows.

Breeds with the most anxiety claims

Trupanion saw notable increases in pet insurance anxiety claims among certain breeds of dogs and cats.

Intelligent, high-energy breeds make up the majority of the insurer’s list of most anxious dogs, including:

• Australian cattle dog

• Portuguese water dog

• Shetland sheepdog

• American pitbull

Cat breeds with the most anxiety claims tend to be highly affectionate, interactive, and energetic. They include:

• Siamese

• Bengal

• Siberian

• Ragdoll

• Maine coon

“A lack of appropriate enrichment and exercise can exacerbate anxiety,” said Dr. Bethany Hsia, a veterinarian and co-founder of pet services company CodaPet. “Pets, especially those with high energy levels or specific breed needs, require adequate physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors that can stem from underlying anxiety.”

What’s driving the increase in anxiety-related claims?

Anxiety has been rising among human Americans for years, driven by the economy, politics, gun violence, and more, according to an American Psychiatric Association poll. Pets picking up on their owners’ emotional state could partially account for the increase in pet insurance claims for anxiety.

“Owners now spend more time with their [pets], often working from home, so they notice pacing, whining, or restlessness that might have gone unseen in the past,” Hampton said.

“Pets are indeed becoming more anxious, or at least are exhibiting more noticeable signs of anxiety that are being recognized and addressed,” said Hsia. “Environmental changes, lifestyle shifts, and potentially genetic predispositions create a situation where pets may experience increased stress levels.”

What’s next: Recognizing and treating pet anxiety

While veterinary medicine has improved the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in companion animals, it’s important for pet parents to remain vigilant, experts said.

Dog owners should watch for symptoms like pacing, excessive panting or vocalization, hiding, trembling, behavioral changes, dilated eyes, appetite changes, drooling, and a change in bathroom habits, Trupanion’s report said. Cats with anxiety may overgroom, exhibit behavior changes, drool, hide, pace, or experience changes in eating or litter-box habits.

Pet parents who think their four-legged friend experiences anxiety should consult their veterinarians. Treatments are available, ranging from regular exercise and quality time with pet parents to medications and desensitization programs.

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