Pet insurance giant Trupanion has reported a dramatic 93% rise in anxiety-related claims across the United States since 2019, with more than 21,000 claims filed in 2023 alone, sparking debate amongst veterinary behaviorists about whether pets are genuinely becoming more anxious or if improved recognition is driving the surge.
The Seattle-based insurer’s data, drawn from over one million insured pets, reveals anxiety claims have grown 227% in total since 2019, with some states experiencing even steeper increases. Louisiana, Washington, and North Carolina have seen spikes ranging from 129% to 150%.
The findings emerge as part of Trupanion’s truInsights initiative, which analyses claims data to identify health trends and inform veterinary practice.
Pandemic Puppies Face Unique Challenges
Many veterinary experts point to the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant contributing factor to rising anxiety levels, particularly amongst dogs adopted during lockdown periods.
Dr. Meghan E. Herron, board-certified veterinary behaviorist and Senior Director of Behavioral Medicine Research at Gigi’s shelter organisation, explained that pets who spent their formative months surrounded by family 24/7 now struggle with sudden absences. “Any ‘pandemic puppies’ or patients with a history of separation distress are the ones most likely to struggle as routines change,” she said.
Dr. Leslie Sinn, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, echoed these concerns. “In many situations, people have been with their pets 24/7 during the pandemic… we’re seeing an increase in problems as owners go back to work,” she noted.
The American Animal Hospital Association has highlighted that pandemic restrictions severely limited opportunities for proper socialisation during critical neurodevelopmental stages. Dogs not exposed to new environments by 14 weeks of age often exhibit “freezing” behaviour when faced with unfamiliar situations.
Experts Divided on True Increase
Not all veterinary behaviorists agree that anxiety levels are genuinely rising amongst pets themselves. Some believe the surge in claims reflects improved diagnosis and awareness rather than an actual explosion of cases.
Dr. Laurie Bergman, board-certified veterinary behaviorist working at a Pennsylvania veterinary specialty hospital, stated: “Anecdotally, I’m not necessarily seeing dogs adopted or born during the pandemic who now have separation anxiety.”
Dr. Valarie V. Tynes, board-certified in both veterinary behavior and animal welfare, questioned the common assumption about schedule changes. “We don’t know what truly causes separation anxiety… there’s often a suggestion that schedule changes trigger it, but by definition, the condition shows up when you leave.”
The increase in pet insurance coverage, widespread use of home monitoring cameras, and greater access to specialist veterinary behaviorists may mean that previously unnoticed mild cases are now being diagnosed and treated.
Separation Anxiety Affects One in Six Dogs
According to Dr. Christopher Pachel, board-certified veterinary behaviorist and owner of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon, approximately 17% of dogs suffer from separation anxiety. This equates to roughly 13 million dogs across the United States experiencing negative emotional states when separated from their owners.
“Separation anxiety is something I hear about frequently from pet parents,” Dr. Pachel explained. “They mention how devastating it is to know that, when they need to leave their pet alone, they’re experiencing an emotional crisis.”
The condition is classified as a panic disorder, with affected animals displaying symptoms including destruction, excessive vocalisation, and inappropriate elimination when left alone.
Environmental Factors and Owner Influence
Veterinarians emphasise that anxiety extends beyond separation issues. Urban noise, fireworks, storms, and even owner stress levels can significantly impact pet wellbeing.
Dr. Becky Peters, a veterinarian interviewed about the trend, noted: “A lot of pet anxiety comes from changes to the household — loss of routine, not enough structure and activity.”
Interestingly, owners can inadvertently amplify their pet’s anxiety through their own behaviour. “If owners try to over-comfort in an anxious voice, the animals often get more anxious. If we stay calm and quiet, they do too,” Dr. Peters added.
Medical Evaluation Essential
Veterinary behaviorists stress the importance of ruling out medical causes before assuming behavioural issues. Dr. Amy Pike, board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Virginia, warned: “Medical etiologies, including pain, must always be considered because behavior changes are often the first sign of illness.”
Conditions such as arthritis, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, or neurological problems can manifest as anxiety-like symptoms, requiring different treatment approaches.
Treatment Options Expand
Modern treatment for pet anxiety encompasses various evidence-based approaches, with veterinary behaviorists typically recommending a multi-pronged strategy.
Dr. Pachel outlined three primary treatment approaches: behavioural management and avoidance strategies, training and behaviour modification programmes, and pharmaceutical interventions when necessary.
FDA-approved medications for long-term separation anxiety management include fluoxetine (Reconcile) and clomipramine (Clomicalm). Short-term options may include trazodone or benzodiazepines for specific situations.
Dr. Stephanie Borns-Weil, veterinary behaviorist at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, emphasised the importance of routine: “For many pets it’s 100 percent wonderful to have their people home, but keeping a routine — feeding, walks, sleep — helps them transition back when that changes.”
Insurance Claims and Rising Costs
The surge in anxiety claims comes amid broader concerns about pet insurance affordability. Trupanion faced criticism in 2023 when it requested rate increases of 33% in New Jersey, prompting intervention from Congressman Josh Gottheimer, who called on state regulators to reject the “unreasonably high” increases.
According to Trupanion’s September 2024 press release, members claiming for anxiety make an average of three claims for the condition over their pet’s lifetime, highlighting the chronic nature of many anxiety disorders.
Cultural Shift in Pet Care
Despite concerns about rising costs, many experts view the increase in anxiety claims as reflecting a positive cultural shift. Pet owners increasingly recognise that behavioural health is as important as physical health and are seeking professional help rather than ignoring symptoms.
Dr. Stephen Rose, veterinarian and Trupanion General Manager, advised: “Recognizing behavior changes early can be key to helping prevent the problem from escalating. Simple and regular exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet are important, as well as plenty of play sessions and quality time with your pet.”
The veterinary behaviour community continues to study the phenomenon, with presentations at the 2023 Florida Behavior Symposium suggesting that fears about a widespread separation anxiety crisis may be somewhat overblown, though the importance of proper socialisation and early intervention remains paramount.
As pets increasingly become integral family members, the willingness to invest in their emotional wellbeing continues to grow, with early intervention offering the best outcomes for both pets and their families.
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