Valentine’s Day and pet insurance may not seem like a perfect match, but think again. Many of the ways by which we express our affections on February 14 can be harmful to pets.
Gifts of chocolate and flowers followed by a night on the town can be a recipe for disaster if you have pets at home. PetSure’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Simone Maher (along with Buster, the rescue dog looking for his forever home) joined Weekend Today to discuss the dangers of Valentine’s Day and the importance of pet insurance and telehealth in the event of an emergency.
Unwanted surprises
If you’ve just come home from a romantic evening to find your dog looking sick and guilty next to an empty box of Favourites, don’t panic.
“You’re going to need expert vet advice,” Dr Maher says. “If your dog has gorged on the Cadbury Roses, you’ll have to act quickly.”
PetSure claims data from 2025* shows that the average claim for chocolate poisoning in dogs was $488, with the maximum over $3,300.
Your first step should be to get in touch with your regular vet. If they’re closed, use GapOnly’s Find a Vet tool to find another in the area.
“If you have a GapOnly-ready insurance policy, you may be able to access the LiveVet telehealth service 24/7 for no additional cost,” Dr Maher says.
Over the phone, a vet can advise methods of stabilising your dog or the next steps you should take, such as an after-hours emergency clinic visit.
It’s a similar story for cats, who’ll find your fresh bouquet of flowers irresistible – and deadly.
“Lilies are highly poisonous to cats and are common in cut flowers, so be very careful which flowers you choose,” Dr Maher says.
It’s a choice that could cost you: 2025 PetSure Claims data* shows lily poisoning cost cat owners an average of $705, with the maximum over $3,100.
The gift that keeps on giving
Having pet insurance can be a great idea on days like this. Accidental poisoning can happen in an instant, and pet insurance can help with unexpected vet bills as well as provide access to useful services such as LiveVet.
If you do come home to an emergency situation, having GapOnly-ready pet insurance in place can provide more pet healthcare options and help mitigate your stress.
Dr Maher suggests some other practical tips to keep your pets healthy and happy next Valentine’s Day.
“Keep the chocolate out of reach and stick to pet-friendly flowers such as orchids, sunflowers or roses,” she says.
“And if you’re going out, make sure your pets are well fed before you go, and hide pet-friendly treats around the hosue as a safe distraction.
Thanks to Weekend Today for sharing Dr Maher’s insights and the important message that a few simple precautions can prevent the most romantic day of the year from ending in tragedy.
*FY25 PetSure claims data, average amount claimed per case (dogs & cats).
