Western University Offers Pet Insurance to Staff and Students
Western University of Health Sciences becomes the first university in
California to offer Veterinary
Pet Insurance (VPI) as a benefit to its students, faculty, alumni and
board of trustees. Members of the university’s community will have peace
of mind knowing that their pets, such as dogs, cats, birds and common
exotics, are protected with America’s number one pet medical insurance
plan, while receiving a group rate discount.
Western University is home to Southern California’s first and only veterinary college. The first
class of students will enter in fall 2003.
“”By introducing veterinary students to the concept of VPI, we hope to
ingrain in their minds that not only will the pet and its owner benefit,
but the veterinarian will too because he’ll be able to practice more care,
more often,”” said Jack Stephens, DVM, founder and CEO of VPI. VPI gives
pet owners the freedom to choose the veterinarians of their choice,
worldwide, and accept the treatments or procedures recommended to them
without the hindrance of cost.
By reaching out to all those involved at Western University of Health
Sciences, especially the students, VPI is hopeful that more pets will be
covered and the awareness of pet insurance continues to grow. “”Western
University of Health Sciences’ endorsement comes naturally considering the
goal for both parties is to offer the best care for pets through medical
aid and financial assistance,”” Dr. Stephens added.
Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine is
the second veterinary college in California and the 28th in the nation.
Western University of Health Sciences — a 25-year-old independent,
accredited, not-for-profit university –currently provides post-
baccalaureate professional degrees in health sciences disciplines:
physical therapy, pharmacy, osteopathic medicine, physician assistant
studies and advanced practice nursing.
The first two years of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s innovative
four-year curriculum will give students hands-on clinical experience to
build psychomotor skills earlier in the curriculum than in that of
traditional veterinary schools. The third and fourth years of the
curriculum will occur predominantly in clinical rotations throughout
Southern California, where small groups of students will participate in
cooperative learning experiences under joint supervision of veterinary
faculty and practicing veterinarians.
“”This type of curriculum will help students develop the skills and habits
to better serve the pets they are treating,”” said Shirley Johnston, DVM,
PhD, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
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About Veterinary Pet Insurance
Founded in 1980 by Dr. Jack Stephens with the support of 750 independent
veterinarians, Veterinary Pet Insurance, Brea, California, is the nation’s
number-one medical insurance for dogs, cats, birds and other common exotic
pets, with over 200,000 policies in force. Exclusively endorsed by
American Humane, Veterinary Pet Insurance policies make the miracles of
veterinary medicine affordable by covering more than 6,400 medical
treatments for accidents and illnesses, with optional coverage available
for preventive and routine care. Policies are licensed in all 50 states
and the District of Columbia. Veterinary Pet Insurance policies in
California are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. of Brea,
California. Elsewhere, policies are underwritten by National Casualty Co.,
an A+15 rated company, in Madison, Wisconsin.
For more information on insuring their pets, consumers may call 800-USA-
PETS (800-872-7387) or visit the Veterinary Pet Insurance Web site at www.petinsurance.com.
