In this episode of Dog Works Radio, Robert Forto interviews Sam Spoto, an ER veterinary professional who now works in the pet insurance world. Sam shares how years in emergency medicine shaped the way she thinks about insurance, unexpected vet bills, and the tough decisions dog owners are forced to make when money and medical care collide.
Listeners will learn when pet insurance makes sense, why timing is crucial, and how to avoid surprises hidden in the fine print of a policy.
What we talk about
Sam’s background in ER veterinary medicine and how she moved into the insurance side
What she saw families struggle with most in the emergency room
The real purpose of pet insurance (and what it’s not meant to do)
Why enrolling your dog while they’re young and healthy matters
How pre-existing conditions are defined and why they’re such a sticking point
How much families are typically asked to put down before treatment in an emergency
Practical questions to ask before you pick a policy
How to talk to your vet and your insurance company so you actually understand your coverage
What Sam wishes every new puppy owner knew about insurance
Sam’s own podcast, “Tell Me About Your Dog,” and how she’s helping people choose the right dog and be better prepared.
