Breeder
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AKC Pet Insurance Breeder Support Program?

The AKC Breeder Support Program was developed to help breeders navigate the insurance options that are available for their puppies and their new owners. We want to partner with breeders to help ensure their puppies get off to a healthy start as they transition into their new homes. We also want to help breeders educate new puppy buyers on the importance of quality healthcare for their puppies.

How do I participate in the Breeder Support Program?

When you register your litters with the AKC, you are automatically eligible to participate in the Breeder Support Program. There is no cost to join and there are no minimum requirements. You can contact one of our Breeder Support Specialists to learn more about the program or to request additional information.

What do I get for being a participating breeder?

Participating in our breeder program and providing information about the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage helps ensure your puppies get off to a healthy start and shows potential puppy buyers that you care about the health and well-being of your puppies. Please remember that you are not a licensed insurance agent and if your puppy buyers have questions about the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage, you must send them to AKC Pet Insurance, where the licensed agents at PetPartners can help the puppy buyer understand their insurance and the various coverage options.

What Is the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage program?

The Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage program is a benefit included with AKC registration that provides 30 days of accident and illness pet insurance coverage.

What is the difference between the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage and the AKC VetNet Certificate Program?

The Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage is offered by AKC Pet Insurance. The puppy buyer is enrolled in a full 12-month policy. However, the premium payment for the first 30 days of pet insurance coverage is deferred, which means a premium payment is not due until the start of the second month of the policy. If the puppy buyer does not provide their payment information, the policy will terminate at the end of the initial 30 days. The AKC Veterinary Network Certificate Program is supplied by the American Kennel Club and provides a complimentary first office visit with a participating AKC veterinarian within the first 60 days of registration. Visit AKC Veterinary Network to learn more.

Is the Initial 30-Day Offer of Pet Insurance Coverage provided by the AKC?

No. The Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage is a benefit of AKC registration; however, it is not provided by the AKC. The coverage is administered by PetPartners, Inc. and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company. PetPartners is a licensed insurance agency that is separate from the AKC, but serves as their exclusive pet insurance provider.

Does the Initial 30-Day Offer of Pet Insurance Coverage cost anything?

Not initially. The premium for the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage is deferred, which means a premium payment is not due until the start of the second month of the policy. It is included with AKC registration. There is no credit card or commitment required to activate. Payment information is not required until the start of the second month of the policy.

How do I give it to my puppy buyers?

When your registered litter turns 6 weeks old, you will receive an email from AKC Pet Insurance alerting you that the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage activation forms are available for download. The email contains a link that will take you to your Breeder Portal, where you can print or email the Initial 30-Day Offer of Pet Insurance Coverage activation forms to your puppy buyers. You can print as many forms as you need for the puppies in your litter. If you pre-register your puppies with new owner information before pick-up, our Breeder Support Team can help the puppy buyer activate the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage before the puppy heads to their new home.

Are the activation forms required to get the insurance?

No. The forms are not needed to activate the policy. The forms serve as a good reminder to puppy buyers to complete their AKC registration, and provide instructions on how to activate the policy. If the new owner registers with the AKC, they can activate the coverage.

Are there any advantages for puppy buyers going from the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage to a full-term policy?

Yes. If a pet owner chooses to continue coverage following the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage, accident and illness waiting periods for the full-term policy will be waived* and they will be able to use their insurance immediately. Also, if any eligible claims were filed under the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage and the puppy buyer has no lapse in coverage (goes directly from the Initial 30 days of Pet Insurance Coverage to full-term policy), those eligible conditions will not be considered pre-existing and would be eligible for future coverage. If there is a lapse in coverage between the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage and a full-term policy, those conditions would be considered pre-existing and would only be eligible for coverage following a 12-month waiting period.**

*Not yet available in all states. Waiting periods for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Pre-Existing Conditions, and Cruciate Ligament still apply. WA residents not eligible for this program. For complete details, refer to www.akcpetinsurance.com/sample-policies.
**Not available in all states (including CA and WA).

Is the Initial 30-Day Offer of Pet Insurance Coverage available in all states?

The Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage is available in all states, excluding CA and WA.

Do the puppies automatically have coverage when they register with the AKC?

No, the puppy buyers must activate their Initial 30 days of Pet Insurance Coverage with us within 28 days of registering with the AKC.

What if my puppy buyers want more coverage?

If your puppy buyers want more coverage from day one, they can choose to enroll in a plan they design from day 1. When activating the Initial 30 days of Pet Insurance Coverage, they can also make changes to their coverage that will become effective at the end of the initial 30 days.

How much does continuous coverage cost?

The cost of a full-term policy varies because pet owners can customize a plan to best suit their budget and needs. The policy premiums vary based on pet age, breed, and geographic location. The deductible, policy limits, and available upgrades will also change the overall cost.

What if my puppy buyers forget to activate?

If your puppy buyer forgets to activate, we will remind them of the benefit with an email one day after registration. They will also see information on the benefit in their registration packet that they receive in the mail. Puppy buyers have 28 days from the day of registration to activate and the 30 days does not begin until the policy has been activated.

What do my puppy buyers have do?

All your puppy buyers have to do is complete their AKC registration and activate the policy. Puppy buyers can activate by visiting our website or by calling our support specialists at 866-725-2747. Activation only takes a couple minutes and there is no credit card or commitment required. Puppy buyers have 28 days from the day of registration to activate and the Initial 30 Days of Pet Insurance Coverage does not begin until 12:01am the day after the policy has been activated.