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Press Releases 2003

WEST NILE VIRUS - 8 tips on how pet owners can protect their four-legged family members this summer, presented by PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd.

OAKVILLE, ON, June 16, 2003 Summer is nearly here and pet owners want to relax and enjoy the outdoors with their family, including their pet. But worries about West Nile virus could lessen their enjoyment. PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Pethealth Inc. (TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1: PTZ), would like to provide pet owners with the information they need to understand the risks and realities of the West Nile Virus to their four-legged family members.

Are dogs or cats at risk? Here's what is known. An 8-year-old Irish Setter/Golden Retriever mixed breed dog died from the West Nile virus last year in Illinois. Additionally, blood samples taken from dogs in New York City, where the first North American outbreak of the West Nile Virus took place, revealed that as many as 5%-12% had the West Nile virus, although none were seriously ill. There is currently no vaccine or known cure for the West Nile virus. There is limited evidence or data on just how seriously this virus could affect pets.

The likely symptoms of the West Nile virus in pets are lethargy, head bobbing, progressive weakness, loss of co-ordination and seizures. Should any of these symptoms be noted, owners should bring their dog or cat to their veterinarian immediately for treatment. Veterinarians can rule out any possible underlying disease which may also have these symptoms.

Until more is known about the West Nile virus, the sensible choice for pet owners is to be safe with their pet's health.

PetCare Insurance offers 8 tips to protect pets this summer:

Limit your pet's outdoor exposure during dusk and dawn, peak mosquito times.

Limit outdoor exposure for young and elderly pets and those with weakened immune systems.

Keep functional screens on windows and doors.

Clean your pet's outdoor water bowl frequently (mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water).

Use yellow bug lights to illuminate your porches and patios.

Use caution when walking your pet in areas heavily populated by mosquitoes.

Do not use bug repellents with DEET on your pet; they may lick it off and ingest it. Consider using DEET free repellents instead.

Make sure your pet has health insurance that includes illness coverage.

PetCare pet insurance provides pet owners with the peace of mind of knowing they have financial protection in the event of an unexpected accident or illness, including an infectious disease affliction. If the West Nile virus infects a dog or cat already enrolled in a PetCare insurance program that includes illness protection*, the treatment will be covered up to the policy limits. PetCare provides an extensive range of programs, with accident and illness protection policies starting at just $9.45 per month**.

Pet owners can learn more or enroll in a program by calling 1-866-275-PETS (7387) or by visiting www.petcareinsurance.com.

PetCare Pet Insurance Programs are exclusively endorsed by The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

*Excluding the QuickCare Senior program.
**QuickCare First monthly premium for pets that are registered on the 24PetWatch Microchip Database or that register at the time of enrolment.

About Pethealth

Founded in February 1998, Pethealth Inc. is Canada's number one provider of pet insurance and is number two in North America, currently offering its PetCare pet insurance programs in 10 provinces, 45 states and Washington, D.C. Pethealth offers its pet insurance programs under a variety of names, including the PetCare Pet Insurance Programs, QuickCare, ShelterCare Pet Insurance Programs, Union Plus Pet Insurance, and betterpethealth. In the United States, the PetCare Pet Insurance Programs are underwritten by Lincoln General Insurance Company, York, PA, through Avalon Risk Management Inc. In Canada, the Company's pet insurance is offered to owners of dogs and cats through its wholly owned subsidiary, PetCare Insurance Brokers Ltd. ING Insurance Company of Canada, a member of the ING Group, and Kingsway General Insurance Company underwrite PetCare products in Canada. The PetCare programs also carry the exclusive endorsements of a number of industry leaders, including veterinary medical associations representing approximately four out of five practicing veterinarians in Canada. In addition, Pethealth, through its wholly owned subsidiaries Pethealth Services Inc. and Pethealth Services (USA) Inc., sells and distributes Allflex pet microchip supplies to the companion animal market in North America and operates the related pet recovery registry under the trade name 24PetWatch. Pethealth is based in Oakville, Ontario. Institutional investors include Dynamic Mutual Funds, through its Dynamic Venture Opportunities Fund.

For further information contact and media interviews contact:
Mark Warren, President and CEO of Pethealth at (905) 842-2615
Glen Tennison, Chief Financial Officer of Pethealth at (905) 842-2615