Canadian employers can now offer payroll-deducted pet insurance to their employees through the newly launched OnePack Plan, aimed at easing financial stress over unexpected veterinary expenses.
The Toronto-based company’s entry into the Canadian market addresses rising pet ownership rates, with 58 per cent of Canadian households owning a cat or dog, yet only two per cent of workplaces currently providing pet insurance as an employee benefit.
“The average veterinary visit for an accident or illness costs up to $1,000,” said Michelle Yates, executive vice-president of business development at OnePack Plan in Canada. “For many pet parents and employees in Canada, unexpected bills of this size can cause significant financial strain and stress.”
OnePack Plan provides companies with the option to include pet insurance as part of their employee benefits packages. Premiums are payroll-deducted, offered at a flat group rate, and available nationwide in both English and French.
Demand for pet insurance is growing among Canadian workers. According to a recent study by Angus Reid, commissioned by Independence Pet Group, half of Canadian pet owners express interest in receiving pet insurance through their employers. The same research found 42 per cent of pet owners have made financial sacrifices due to pet care costs, while 40 per cent reported missing work because of a pet’s health issues.
The insurance covers accidents, or accidents and illnesses, and includes optional add-ons for wellness and preventative care. It features no breed restrictions and offers potential coverage for pre-existing conditions after 365 days of continuous policy coverage.
For HR professionals, the integration of OnePack Plan with existing benefits administration systems simplifies the enrolment process and payroll deduction setup. Employers can tailor the plan to their organization’s specific needs, accommodating small to large-sized businesses.
“We’ve seen a growing focus on wellness in the workplace and know pets play a significant role in improving mental health,” said Yates. “Implementing policies that show empathy and consideration for pet parents can be a game changer for employee satisfaction and retention.”
OnePack Plan’s Canadian launch reflects changing attitudes toward pet care and increasing employee expectations for inclusive and supportive workplace benefits.
