New data reveals pet injuries grew 62% in 2025

Our pets are much more at risk of accidents and hazards, with new data showing that pet injuries have risen by two-thirds so far this year. Treatment for some injuries can cost thousands.

Insurance claims data from pet insurance provider Petsy reveals that injuries have become the fastest-growing category of claims from January to September year on year. They accounted for 22 per cent of all claims – up from 13.6 per cent in the same period last year. That’s a 61.8 per cent increase in share of injury claims.

In contrast, claims for pet illnesses fell by 10.91 per cent, likely because pet owners are doing more to improve their pets’ diets and taking pets to reduce the likelihood of illness.

Petsy founder Monica Limanto says: “The growth in injuries shows how unexpected incidents, such as swallowing foreign objects to accidents on walks, can turn into expensive vet visits. Even the most careful owner can find themselves in an emergency.”

In analysing its injury data, Petsy has found that gastro-intestinal and digestive system injuries, after a pet has swallowed a toxin or indigestible item, is the top cause of injury claims. This makes up 29.1 per cent of all injury claims, with Petsy data showing individual vet costs this year have been up to $8422.

The second most common injury has been to the leg, hip or shoulder, including lame or fractured limbs. These make up for 15.9 per cent of all injury claims, with vet costs topping $9083.

Foot and claw injuries – from tears, nail injuries and paw-pad trauma — make up 15 per cent of claims. General soft-tissue injuries, including from dog and cat fights, are the fourth most common injury, with an average cost of $2105 in vet bills.

Monica says: “Besides the trauma to the pet, and their owners, treatment for injuries can further burden owners with financial stress. Our data from this year shows that one vet bill for an accident totalled $13,000. Treatment for a head injury came in at $7752, and a tick paralysis treatment was $6071. Petsy paid all of these bills, because the owners had wisely taken out insurance.

“We want pets to live active, happy lives – and owners can take a few easy precautions to keep their furry family members safer at home and outdoors, from securing them inside the home to preventing sudden escapes or defensive bites.”

Petsy’s offers 6 simple steps to help reduce pet injuries this summer

1. Pet-proof your home and yard. Removing jump-height risks, secure fences and keep small objects out of reach.
2. Keep dogs leashed in public. Introduce them to other animals gently, and avoid high-stress situations that can lead to fights.
3. Keep their weight healthy and exercise them regularly. This will help reduce ligament and joint injuries.
4. Check on their play. Pets can be oblivious to risks when outdoors. In summer, grass seeds, heat stress and snakes can be common.
5. Keep ingestible items out of reach. Human foods, medicines and household items, if eaten, can lead to gastro-intestinal emergencies.
   

The top 5 pet injuries in 2025, taken from Petsy claims data from Jan-Sept:

ENDS

About Petsy

Petsy has quickly become a leading pet insurance provider in Australia, dedicated exclusively to dogs and cats. It offers comprehensive coverage with annual limits of up to $30,000 and no sub-limits on claimable conditions, and its customisable policy options allow pet owners to tailor coverage to their specific needs. Petsy is also the preferred pet insurance provider to Costco members nationally. Petsy has been recognised for delivering outstanding value pet insurance through multiple awards, winning Canstar’s 2024 Outstanding Value in Pet Insurance Award, MOZO’s 2024 Experts Choice Awards, and WeMoney’s Best for Value Pet Insurance Award and Best for Young Pets Pet Insurance Award. Visit petsy.com.au.