Latin America pet ownership and insurance

In late July, reports from Peru and Costa Rica showed that dogs were increasingly being treated as family members, with a large share of households owning pets and facing high veterinary costs. Insurers highlighted the financial strain of unexpected care and promoted pet‑insurance and preventive health programs, while market forecasts pointed to rising spending on dog food and health products.

By early August, attention shifted to cats in Chile and Peru, where cat ownership had surged to over five million in Chile and accounted for a quarter of pets in Peru. Experts stressed the hidden health risks of cats and the need for regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and nutrition. Insurance providers in both countries reported growing demand for pet‑insurance policies and dedicated savings tools to cover feline medical expenses.

Together, the snapshots illustrate a broader regional trend: rising pet ownership across species is prompting heightened awareness of veterinary costs and a growing market for pet‑insurance products throughout Latin America.