Complete sham.
I adopted 2 kittens, and this company was recommended to me for insuring them. After looking at the coverage options, I decided to go with one of the better options, at least until it became apparent whether or not my kittens had any predisposition toward health issues. Got a confirmation email saying my paperwork would arrive shortly.

I (thankfully) didn't have any major issues with the kittens during the first month. However, I never received my paperwork from them. Since I was planning to send the medical history once I got the insurance paperwork, I never bothered asking my vet for the paperwork on their physical exams.

After realizing I never received the paperwork from them, I decided that this was not a company I wanted to deal with. Realizing that it had been exactly 32 days, I decided to wait to see what they were going to do, since I breached the agreement (to send the medical history within 30 days of the coverage start).

Now, 35 days after my coverage took effect, they're charging me again. Complete and utter BS. By there own rules, I shouldn't have a policy with them anymore, but they'll still take my money. Absolutely Terrible.

ShelterCare is a scam. I have spent more than 6 hours of my life (mostly on hold) dealing with their representatives who are only skilled at lying and pushing my buttons. Our puppy became sick 1 week after we adopted him and we were left footing over $1200 in vet bills. ShelterCare, according to their terms, should have covered round worms, but instead found every way possible to delay processing our claims. Aside from the time spent on hold, ShelterCare also sent me on several 45 minute round trips to the vet to get more paperwork so they could further delay our claims. It's amazing that both their representatives and "supervisors" have no idea what they need in order to process a claim. I was told by supervisors both verbally and in writing that out claims would be expedited. To date, we've been waiting a month since our claims were submitted and have not received a dime. I have cancelled my policy and suggest anyone holding a policy should do the same.

Update: As of yesterday, I filed a complaint with the BBB against their parent company (Pethealth Inc. It's the only one accredited by the BBB) in regards to their customer service. After I finished filing my complaint, I received an email stating they are paying half of the claim. I suggest that anyone else who had a similar experience should file a complaint with the BBB.

This is another rip off. Three days after we adopted our dog, he required treatment at our vet. We filed all the required paperwork along with copies of the paperwork from the vet. We got a notice that the insurance company need a full medical history on the dog. We got the dog at our local shelter. The only medical history available was what we sent. Tried to call. Like everybody else we were put on endless hold. I'm not sure how cheats like this are allowed to stay in business.

Here are the facts regarding my experience with this company: I adopted a pet from a City shelter. Info on the '1 month of insurance for $1.00' "Sheltercare Pet Insurance" was included with the adoption papers. It is advertised on the shelter's website. You are instructed to sign up the same day you adopt the pet. I did so. Through NO fault of the new dog - my elderly dog wouldn't accept him, and because of the size disparity could have seriously injured or killed him - I had to return him to the shelter the following day.

Obviously, I needed to cancel the policy. Per Sheltercare's website, this could ONLY be done via phone. The same day the dog was returned, I attempted to cancel the policy. Twice, I waited on 'hold' for the 'cancel policy' menu option until my phone battery died. I called back the following day, and chose a different menu option, one for *getting* a policy. It was answered immediately by a 'live person' who transferred me to someone I was told could help.

I explained the situation, and was told my policy 'wasn't in the system yet' so they could not cancel, but when I provided the 'confirmation number' I received via email, they were suddenly able to find it. I was assured the policy would be canceled, and my credit card would not be billed.

When I checked my bank account online this morning - I HAD been charged. Note: it isn't 'just' $1.00 for 1 month. They tack on a $2.00 'handling fee', AND your bank will charge you an 'international transfer fee' as the money is going to a FOREIGN country. While the actual amount is less than a latte at Starbuck's, that isn't the point. The point is, I was mislead, lied to, and now wonder how hard it's going to be to get the charge reversed, AND, more seriously, if they're going to 'pull an AOL' and continue charging my card after the '$1.00 month'. (Supposedly, once the 'trial month' is up, you have the option of continuing the coverage at the 'regular' rate, or canceling.)

I'm actually glad I found out how they operate *now*, and not later. I had considered getting an additional policy for another pet, and suspect I 'dodged a bullet' not doing it. NO, I would not do business with this company again under any circumstances - and what I've read here, from others who got their 'insurance', makes me doubly thankful I never had to rely on them!

I recently adopted a dog from a shelter and received the 30 days of free insurance. Well about a week after we had her she began not eating or drinking so we took her to the vet. The vet ran many tests of her to discover what happened. Well they never figured out what it was and the veterinarian diagnosed it as poison ingestion. Our dog was on an IV all weekend and still on antibiotics. The pet insurance did not cover anything! Therefore we will not buy future pet insurance. It’s not worth it!

What a joke!!

This company is nothing but a rip-off! Luckily I received this coverage free when I adopted my dog. I cannot believe people would actually pay for this!

Be warned...once taking the time to complete the paper work (and it is a pain)...it will take months before you hear back. In fact, I have yet to receive anything in writing and it has been over 3 months. When I contacted customer service I literally sat on hold for almost an hour. It got to the point it was a game...I wanted to see just how long it would take before some one would actually speak with me! Apparently they only have about 7 people working in the "claims" division. (By the way, the "claims" number is 866-275-7387 x: 329 not the number on the website. I found this out by finally calling back and hitting the button for the sales department...which was VERY quick to answer!!)

Just know that they DO NOT cover anything that could be considered "wellness" and that the deductable is $75...not $50. Also, the cap is $750.

Pet insurance has a looooooooong way to go before I would consider actually purchasing a policy...like I say, I'm so glad that it was free!!

I received the 30 day insurance when I adopted my pet. The week after I purchased my kitten, I spent a couple thousand with emergency care. After contacting them several times, I realized that the $750 max is a joke. ShelterCare said that they would only cover less than $100 of the care.

WOW,

If I could give a negative star I would. What a rip off Sheltercare Pet Insurance, Petcareinsurance.com, or whatever con name they are under this week. I'm glad I never gave these clowns any money - had a 30 day trial following a shelter adoption - and they couldn't get that right. If there is a way to weasel out of paying, they will. But remember, this place is out of NY and the Attorney General is always looking for someone to sue.

I was highly disappointed as well not only is there a gap, Lord forbid you care enough to not make the pet suffer, but also if it is a pre existing condition its not covered. Explain to me how a pet that you get from a shelter is probably not going to have a pre existing condition. This is a joke insurance I would tell anyone not to do it! Its called shelter insurance hmmmm maybe thats just to get people to think they are good hearted??.....

I'm sure it's great insurance if you don't need it within the first 48 house of adopting your pet. For some reason, there is a 2 day gap before their insurance kicks in. On the form those dates are not prominent and subsequently my kennel cough claim was denied. Disappointing.