Spikes in parasite-related illnesses and one of the highest veterinary claims this year led to a rise in Q2 2025 claims, according to Embrace Pet Insurance.
Based on the pet insurer’s internal data, notable increases in claims from Q1 to Q2 included:
- Tick bites rose by 210 percent
- Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease, jumped 143 percent
- Fractures rose 142 percent
- Hookworm infections climbed 140 percent
- Allergic conjunctivitis increased 138 percent
“These spikes aren’t just statistics—they’re a reflection of what pets are actually facing out there,” said Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinary consultant at Embrace. “Warmer weather and more outdoor activity lead to greater exposure to parasites and injury, so it’s essential for pet parents to stay proactive about prevention and care.”
The second quarter also marked a new record for claims covered in 2025.
The most expensive individual claim reached $35,755 for a mixed-breed dog with diskospondylitis, a painful infection of the spine.
Other top claims included $30,327 for a French Bulldog with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and $29,515 for an American Cocker Spaniel with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.
French Bulldogs, ranked as the most popular dog breed in the U.S. for the third consecutive year by the American Kennel Club, continue to generate some of the highest average claim costs at Embrace, averaging approximately $490 per claim. They also had the highest number of allergy claims in Q2.
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and French Bulldogs were the most frequently treated purebred dogs during Q2 2025.
Condition-specific highlights, according to internal data, include:
- Labrador Retrievers: Highest number of arthritis claims
- Golden Retrievers: Most skin mass claims
- French Bulldogs: Most allergy claims
Breeds with the most expensive average claims included Samoyed, Belgian Malinois, Bull Terrier, Papillon, and Maine Coon cat.
Based on internal data, the states with the highest average individual claim costs in Q2 were:
- Washington, D.C. – $601
- California – $546
- Washington – $529
- Nevada – $523
- New York – $521
These regions typically see higher veterinary service costs, greater access to specialty care, and denser urban pet populations, which contribute to the elevated claims, the pet insurer stated.