Dutch Expands Virtual Veterinary Services with New Pet Insurance Offering via Pets Best Collaboration

The American pet care market is experiencing significant growth, with over 90.5 million U.S. families owning pets. However, a surprising gap remains: only 3% of these animals have insurance coverage. Dutch, a leading telemedicine platform for veterinary care, is addressing this disparity through a strategic collaboration with Synchrony, a major consumer financial services provider, to introduce Pets Best accident insurance to its member base.

Addressing the Pet Insurance Gap

Dutch’s partnership with Pets Best marks a pivotal expansion in the company’s service ecosystem. The new offering provides eligible members with accident-only coverage extending up to $10,000 for emergency veterinary procedures requiring in-person care. This addition complements Dutch’s existing virtual care model, creating a comprehensive safety net for pet owners navigating unexpected health crises.

“We’re strengthening our commitment to pet parents by bridging the gap between affordable virtual care and financial protection during emergencies,” explained Joe Spector, the company’s CEO and founder. “This collaboration transforms how pet owners access both routine and crisis veterinary services.”

Dutch’s Unique Market Position

Since its launch in July 2021 by Joe Spector—co-founder of HIMS—Dutch has distinguished itself through several competitive advantages. The platform connects pet owners exclusively with licensed veterinarians, typically providing diagnoses and treatment plans within 24 hours. More notably, Dutch remains the only telemedicine veterinary service capable of prescribing and shipping both over-the-counter and prescription medications, encompassing treatments beyond standard flea and tick solutions.

The company has expanded significantly, now treating over 150 different conditions and serving more than 40,000 customers. Monthly memberships start at $15, providing unlimited virtual consultation access via video and chat across most states. In 2022, Dutch launched prescription services across 40 states, further solidifying its role as a comprehensive veterinary solution provider.

Why This Partnership Works

The collaboration between Dutch and Pets Best responds to critical infrastructure gaps in American veterinary care. The country faces a severe veterinarian shortage, with approximately one veterinarian available for every 6,000 pet households. By combining Pets Best’s accident-only insurance products with Dutch’s 24/7 virtual veterinary accessibility, the partnership creates an integrated system addressing both routine and emergency pet healthcare needs.

“Pets Best recognizes that accidents are inevitable—whether a pet ingests a foreign object or sustains injuries requiring emergency surgery,” said Melissa Gutierrez, senior vice president and general manager at Pets Best. “Our accident coverage paired with Dutch’s virtual platform ensures pet parents receive immediate guidance and financial support when urgent situations arise.”

Coverage Parameters and Availability

The insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions, cruciate ligament injuries, and disease-related claims including infectious bacterial or viral infections, parasitic conditions, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Customers can access the Dutch-Pets Best insurance plan exclusively through Dutch’s website.

By combining API-driven technology with innovative insurance products, Dutch and Pets Best are reshaping the pet healthcare landscape, making quality veterinary services more accessible and affordable for American pet owners.