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Pet Anxiety Claims are Up 93%

May 30, 2025
 

Pet anxiety claims are on the rise. Over the last six years, the number of anxiety-related claims among Trupanion dogs and cats has increased by 93%. And in some states, it’s even higher. 

Our team of data analysts found that anxiety-related health claims have increased by as much as 150% in some states since 2019. 

Key Findings 

  • Louisiana, Washington and North Carolina had the biggest increase in claims 

  • Australian Cattle Dogs have the most anxiety-related claims among dogs 

  • Siamese Cats have the most anxiety-related claims among cats 

The Rise in Pet Anxiety Claims 

In the last year alone, Trupanion received more than 25,000 anxiety-related claims. 

Louisiana, Washington and North Carolina have had the biggest increase in pet anxiety claims. Anxiety-related claims increased by 150% in Louisiana, 149% in Washington and 129% in North Carolina. 

In all, six states and Washington D.C., experienced a 100% or more increase in anxiety-related claims.  

Pet Anxiety in the United States 

State 

Trupanion Anxiety claims in 2024 

% Change since 2019 

Louisiana 

121 

150% 

Washington 

2,830 

149% 

North Carolina 

416 

129% 

Washington DC 

78 

121% 

South Carolina 

160 

115% 

Nevada 

177 

112% 

New York 

1,260 

102% 

Texas 

374 

99% 

Pennsylvania 

338 

98% 

Vermont 

103 

93% 

Illinois 

379 

84% 

Connecticut 

296 

79% 

Massachusetts 

1,123 

73% 

Michigan 

197 

71% 

Oregon 

456 

68% 

California 

1,479 

65% 

Indiana 

168 

62% 

Tennessee 

170 

57% 

New Jersey 

775 

53% 

Maryland 

246 

51% 

Colorado 

402 

50% 

Virginia 

401 

38% 

Wisconsin 

111 

31% 

Georgia 

168 

28% 

Arizona 

101 

28% 

Hawaii 

114 

23% 

Minnesota 

192 

15% 

Rhode Island 

52 

12% 

 

Cat and Dog Breeds with the Most Anxiety Issues 

The sharp rise in anxiety-related claims is especially prominent in certain breeds of cats and dogs. Among Trupanion insured pets, Australian Cattle Dogs and Siamese cats have had the highest number of anxiety-related claims. 

Dog Breeds with the Most Anxiety Claims 

  • Australian Cattle Dog 

  • Portuguese Water Dog 

  • Shetland Sheepdog 

  • American Pitbull 

Cats Breeds with the Most Anxiety Claims 

  • Siamese 

  • Bengal 

  • Siberian 

  • Ragdoll 

  • Maine Coon 

How to Tell if your Pet has Anxiety 

Anxiety can be a chronic health issue, so spotting it early is key.  

Potential Signs of Anxiety in Dogs 

  • Excessive panting 

  • Pacing 

  • Excessive vocalization 

  • Peeing or pooping in the house despite previous house training 

  • Hiding or withdrawing 

  • Trembling and or behavioral changes (acting irritable or aggressive) 

  • Tucking the tail between the legs 

  • Pulling the ears back 

  • Dilated eyes 

  • Excessive grooming 

  • Appetite changes 

  • Drooling 

Potential Signs of Anxiety in Cats 

  • Overgrooming 

  • Excessive vocalizations 

  • Drooling 

  • Behavior changes 

  • Hiding or withdrawing 

  • Pacing or restlessness 

  • Changes to litter box habits 

  • Changes in appetite 

It’s also important to note that anxiety is complex. Pets may exhibit the signs above but can also appear extra friendly, excited or needy. That’s why it’s important to talk with your veterinarian. 

 

How to Deal with Pet Anxiety 

The best way to help your pet deal with anxiety is to talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can best help you identify and manage the signs and symptoms of anxiety. 

Some common ways of treating anxiety in pets include: 

  • Regular exercise 

  • Enrichment and interactive toys 

  • Quality time with pet parents 

  • Counterconditioning and desensitization programs 

  • Provide a quiet, safe space 

  • Vertical space and cat trees for cats 

  • Avoid significant changes to routine 

Why Pet Anxiety Claims are on the Rise 

It’s important not to assume that pets are simply becoming more anxious. The sharp rise in anxiety-related claims could be due to a multitude of factors, including increased awareness, pet owners spending more time with their pets and better options for care. 

About truInsights 

The data presented in this report is part of Trupanion’s truInsights initiative. truInsights is a data focused initiative introduced by Trupanion and designed to deliver valuable health-related data and insights to pet parents, veterinarians and pet lovers alike. With over 20 years of pet health data, Trupanion has explored its veterinary invoice data from more than two million pets and provides details on data trends, as well as prevention tips for keeping our pets safe. 

 

About Trupanion 

Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Puerto Rico and Australia with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet parents peace of mind so they can focus on their pet's recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "TRUP". The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. Trupanion Australia is a partnership between Trupanion and Hollard Insurance Company. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.  

Methodology 

For this study Trupanion looked at anxiety-related claims made by Trupanion members from 2019 to 2024. Percentages were adjusted to account for an increase in the number of Trupanion insured pets.