Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
Pet Insurance for Your Prancing Pony Maremma
We strongly encourage every Prancing Pony Farm Maremma family to activate pet insurance on pickup day — or as close to it as possible. This page tells you what we recommend, why it matters, and exactly how to get started.
Your Free 30-Day Trupanion Trial
As a Trupanion breeder partner, we can send every Prancing Pony Farm puppy home with 30 days of free coverage — no credit card required, no commitment to continue.
Here’s how it works:
- You activate the offer using our breeder code on or within one day of pickup
- Waiting periods are waived — coverage starts immediately
- The trial covers new, unexpected illness and injury
- After 30 days you decide whether to continue; there’s no obligation
To receive the breeder code:
It will be included in your go-home information. You can also download it on this page. If you have any issues activating it email kim@prancingponyfarm.com for help.
Important:
The offer must be activated on pickup day or within one day before or after. It cannot be activated retroactively. Don’t wait.
Why We Recommend Pet Insurance for Livestock Guardian Dogs
A health guarantee from a reputable breeder is meaningful protection — but it has limits. If your puppy develops a condition covered under the guarantee, we’ll honor it. What we can’t do is cover your veterinary bills, which can easily exceed the original purchase price of the dog.
LGDs also face risks that suburban pets don’t. Working outdoors around livestock, predators, farm equipment, and rough terrain, they are more likely to need emergency care than a dog living primarily indoors. The first year is statistically the highest-risk period for puppies — accidents, illness, and unexpected injuries don’t wait for a convenient time.
A few real examples from our experience:
- A dog degloving her thigh in the pasture overnight — cause never determined, emergency bill over $2,200
- A dog swallowing squeaker from a a toy whole, requiring emergency surgery to remove it — $3,600
- A dog breaking a leg jumping a fence — weeks of stall rest and rehabilitation costs
- A dog snagging his belly on a tiny nail on a tree stake, requiring emergency surgery to repair it
- Injuries from dog fights, foxtails getting embedded in skin, etc
None of these were predictable. None were preventable. All of them were expensive. Insurance exists for exactly these situations.
What Trupanion Covers
- New, unexpected injuries and illnesses
- No payout limits — no cap on how much they’ll pay per condition or over your dog’s lifetime
- Lifetime per-condition deductibles — you pay the deductible once per condition, not annually
- Direct payment to your veterinarian at checkout is available at participating clinics, so you don’t pay upfront and wait for reimbursement
What it doesn’t cover:
Pre-existing conditions, routine and preventive care (vaccines, flea/tick prevention, wellness exams), and elective procedures.
For full policy details: trupanion.com
Figo: A Second Option Worth Considering
If you’re a Costco member or want to compare options before committing, Figo is worth a look.
- Costco members receive a 15% discount on premiums
- Processes over 80% of claims within 2–3 business days
- Mobile app lets you file claims, access vet chat, and store medical records
There are other insurance companies worth considering, but Trupanion and Figo are the only two we have experience with.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?
Average monthly cost for dogs runs around $60, but your actual premium depends on your dog’s age, your location, the deductible you choose, and the reimbursement percentage you select. Most policies reimburse 70–90% of covered costs after your deductible.
A rough example: $4,000 surgery, 80% reimbursement policy, $500 deductible → you pay $1,200 out of pocket. Without insurance, you pay $4,000.
The monthly premium is small compared to a single emergency vet visit. For a working dog whose job is protecting your livestock — and whose injury or illness puts your animals at risk — it’s one of the smarter investments you can make.
The Most Important Thing
Enroll as early as possible. Insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, so any illness or injury that occurs before enrollment is permanently excluded. The Trupanion trial waives waiting periods — which is exactly why activating it on pickup day matters. Don’t let the first week go by uninsured.
Questions about the breeder code or which option is right for you?
Already have your code and ready to enroll?
Ready to Protect What You Love?
Join scores of happy families who sleep peacefully knowing their beloved animals and family are protected by reliable Prancing Pony Farm Maremmas.
✅ Health-tested bloodlines ✅ Proven working genetics ✅ Lifetime support included
