News
5 November, 2025
Pet injuries more than double in 2025
AUSTRALIA’S pets are facing more dangers than ever, with injury claims soaring 62 per cent this year, making accidents the fastest-rising threat to our furry family members.
From swallowed toxins to shattered limbs, vet bills are blowing out to cover the costs, leaving owners with painful and costly surprises. 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.
Injuries 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 preventative steps to reduce the likelihood of illness.
Petsy founder Monica Limanto said the growth in injuries shows how unexpected incidents, such as swallowing foreign objects or accidents on walks, can turn into expensive vet visits.
“Even the most careful owner can find themselves in an emergency,” she said.
Analysis of Petsy’s injury data found that gastro-intestinal and digestive system injuries, after a pet has swallowed a toxin or indigestible item, are the top cause of injury claims. These make up 29.1 per cent of all injury claims, with individual vet costs this year reported up to $8422.
The second most common injuries are to the leg, hip, or shoulder, including lame or fractured limbs, making up 15.9 per cent of claims, with vet costs topping $9083. Foot and claw injuries — from tears, nail injuries, and paw-pad trauma — account for 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.
“Besides the trauma to the pet, and their owners, treatment for injuries can further burden owners with financial stress,” Ms Limanto said. “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.
“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 offers five simple steps to help reduce pet injuries this summer:
Pet-proof your home and yard. Remove jump-height risks, secure fences, and keep small objects out of reach.
Keep dogs leashed in public. Introduce them to other animals gently, and avoid high-stress situations that can lead to fights.
Keep their weight healthy and exercise them regularly. This will help reduce ligament and joint injuries.
Check on their play. Pets can be oblivious to risks when outdoors. In summer, grass seeds, heat stress, and snakes can be common hazards.
Keep ingestible items out of reach. Human foods, medicines, and household items, if eaten, can lead to gastro-intestinal emergencies.
