California pet owners who insured their animals with VPI spent more on non-routine veterinary care in 2007 than owners in any other state, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance of Brea, Calif. VPI recently analyzed its claims data to find the average amount policyholders spent state by state on pet emergencies. California topped the list at $500 per pet. Next were New York at $499, the District of Columbia at $474 and New Jersey at $437. States where pet owners spent the least on non-routine medical expenses were Mississippi at $207 per pet, North Dakota at $213 and Missouri at $246. The number of claims submitted per pet did not vary significantly by state, indicating that spending discrepancies are due to regional differences in the cost of veterinary care, according to VPI. For example, veterinarians in California or New York may charge more than veterinarians in Mississippi or North Dakota to offset higher property costs and employee salaries. Most Spent Per Pet State Medical Expense Per Pet 1. California $500 2. New York $499 3. District of Columbia $474 4. New Jersey $437 5. Colorado $428 6. Connecticut $420 7. Massachusetts $416 8. Maryland $397 9. Illinois $395 10. Oregon $392 Least Spent Per Pet State Medical Expense Per Pet 1. Mississippi $207 2. North Dakota $213 3. Missouri $246 4. Arkansas $246 5. West Virginia $247 6. Kansas $248 7. Iowa $262 8. Oklahoma $264 9. South Carolina $276 10. Alabama $280 <HOME>
