Summer 2006 - University of Minnesota College of Veterinary ...

ProfilesCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Minnesota1365 Gortner AvenueSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDMpls., MN.Permit No. 155Change Service RequestedVeterinary Medical Center createshealth maintenance plancare are unpredictable. If one of thedogs does get injured or sick, wewon’t need to worry about what it willcost to treat him and whether themoney is in the budget to do it. It willbe covered, like health plans coveremployees when they get sick orhurt.”Roseville Police Officer Tom Gray and Tasco, Officer John Jorgensen and Major, Officer Brady Martinand Velo, and Sergeant Eric Christensen and Cooper.Three Roseville police dogsare the first animals to becovered under a newVeterinary Medical Center healthplan specially designed for policecanine officers.The concept is similar to that of anHMO (health maintenance organization),which provides health insurancecoverage through specificproviders and emphasizes preventivecare in an effort to control costs. Fora fixed rate per dog per year, the plancovers wellness, preventive, urgent,emergency, and specialty services.“It allows us to budget for the cost ofhealth care for our canine officers,”says Sergeant Eric Christensen, whoworked with Veterinary MedicalCenter officials to create the caninehealth plan. “The costs associatedwith illness, injury, and preventiveWhile “pet insurance” plans are availablethrough private companies, theVeterinary Medical Center’s programis different because it is being offeredby a veterinary care provider and coversboth preventive care and treatmentfor acquired conditions.“There is fairly little financial risk tothe Veterinary Medical Centerbecause the animals need to remain ingood physical condition to maintaintheir status as canine officers,” saysDr. Roberto Novo, medical director.“However, there is a risk that one ormore of the dogs could be injured inthe line of duty, in which case theirtreatment would be totally covered bythis plan.”■ SUE KIRCHOFF