Press

Allstate Canada Offers an Easy Way to Manage Your Pet’s Health Care Expenses

PetCare Insurance Programs now available for Allstate customers in Canada

Markham, Ontario (September 20, 2005). Allstate Insurance Company of Canada has created an alliance with Pethealth Inc. and its PetCare Insurance Programs to bring economic accident and illness care to the 55 percent of Canadian households who own dogs and cats. Designed in consultation with leading veterinarians, PetCare Insurance Programs are currently the fastest growing family of pet insurance programs in North America, due to the variety of programs offered, the flexible coverage, and low monthly premiums.

“We are receiving more questions from consumers concerned about the costs of treatment for unexpected illness and accident suffered by their pets,” said George Hill, Vice President of Allstate Canada. “We are in the business of providing peace of mind to our customers and their families when we insure their homes, lives and cars. We felt this was meaningful protection which augments their household protection needs. Having the right type of insurance to cover the family pet will alleviate a great deal of stress for many families.”

A recent Pet Owner Study released by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association found that 74 percent of dog owners and 60 percent of cat owners feel their cats and dogs are members of their families. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, two out of every three pets will be stricken with a serious illness or injury during their lifetime.

Mark Warren, President and CEO of Pethealth Inc., notes “We are delighted about being able to offer our insurance products through Allstate’s agent force. In 2005, North Americans will spend well over $19 billion dollars on veterinary care.” “In unexpected situations”, says Mr. Warren, “the cost of pet care can go beyond the means of the family.”

Two levels of coverage will be offered; QuickCare - an accident and selected illness coverage program, and MasterCare – which offers comprehensive accident and illness coverage. Coverage for pets can start as early as eight weeks of age and multi-pet discounts are available.

How do I find out more about these products?
Detailed information on Allstate Canada’s offering of new PetCare Insurance Programs is available from Allstate Canada agents, at 1-800-ALLSTATE, and at www.allstate.ca. Pethealth products are currently available to Allstate customers in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

About the Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
The Allstate Insurance Company of Canada, with headquarters in Markham, Ontario, has provided personal lines products and services to Canadians since 1953. Allstate Canada provides a full line of auto, home, individual life and travel products, serving customers through its Good Hands Network of over 400 Community Agents, the 1-800-ALLSTATE Customer Contact Centre, and allstate.ca. Allstate Canada is part of the Allstate Corporation, the largest publicly-held personal lines insurer in the U.S. with headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois. Allstate is widely known through the “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate” slogan.

About Pethealth
Pethealth is a leading provider of pet insurance and pet-related data management services to the North American companion animal industry. Pethealth offers a unique range of products and services for veterinarians, shelters and pet owners through a number of wholly owned subsidiaries using a range of brand names including PetCare, ShelterCare and 24PetWatch. Pethealth is based in Oakville, Ontario. To find out more about Pethealth, visit the web site at www.pethealthinc.com .

Contact:
Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
905-475-4536, media@allstate.ca

Mark Warren, President and CEO
Pethealth Inc.
905-842-2615