German Shepherd Insurance with our dog policies
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Protect your German Shepherd with one of our policies and help us support animal charities everywhere.
About German Shepherds
A breed originated from Germany and used as a sheep dog, the German Shepherd is now a versatile worker and service dog known for its bravery and intelligence. Eager to learn and loyal to their owners, German Shepherds can make great pets and family dogs.
Thinking of getting a German Shepherd?
Learn more about these brave dogs with our breed guide.
Breed health conditions
German Shepherds can be predisposed to a number of health conditions including gastrointestinal diseases, a life-threatening stomach condition known as bloat, epilepsy and certain eye problems. Not all German Shepherds will suffer from the same conditions but some of these will need treatment for life and frequent visits to the vet.
Want to know what to expect with a German Shepherd?
Learn more about the breed’s most common health conditions.
Did You Know?
Your Animal Friends policy helps animal charities like Hope Rescue who find forever homes for dogs just like yours.
Insurance for German Shepherds made simple
Our step-by-step online quote process can help you determine the level of cover you need for your four-legged best friend. With just some quick information about yourself and some details about your dog, we'll give you quotes that suit you, your dog and your budget.
Want to know a bit more about what policy cover or type is right for you and your dog first? Find out how our award-winning policies work below;
Our policies
We have 5 types of pet insurance policies, including two options for Lifetime, each with different levels of cover for the cost of vet fees.
This aims to protect your dog if they have an accident. It doesn’t cover you for any illnesses or diseases they might have. If your dog has an accident, the policy offers £2,500 per year towards the cost of treating their injuries. The £2,500 limit applies to each accident your dog might have, and there’s no limit to the number of accidents you can claim for.
Each accident also has a lifetime limit of £15,000 – as long as you renew your policy. So, you can make claims over multiple years if your dog needs long-term treatment for their injuries – up to the £2,500 annual limit.
Time Limited products aim to protect your dog if they become ill or are injured in an accident. You can claim up to a set amount for vet fees for each condition your dog might have.
Each new condition is covered for 12 months – as long as you renew your policy. The 12 months starts from the date your dog first showed signs or symptoms of the condition. Once you reach your vet fee limit – or after 12 months, whichever comes first – we won’t cover that condition anymore, even after you renew.
The annual limit in your schedule is the most we’ll pay in total each year for all conditions.
Maximum Benefit policies aim to protect your dog if they become ill or are injured in an accident. You can claim up to a set amount for vet fees for each condition your dog might have. You can claim for as many conditions as you need to, as long as you stay within the vet fee limit for each condition. Once you reach the limit for a condition, you won't be able to make a claim for it again, even after you renew.
Lifetime Annual Limit
Lifetime Annual Limit policies aim to protect your dog if they become ill or are injured in an accident. This policy allows you to claim up to a set amount for vet fees each policy year. You can claim for as many conditions as you need to each policy year, as long as you stay within your vet fee limit. The limit resets when you renew, and we’ll cover your dog’s conditions for as long as you have a policy with us.
Lifetime Condition Limit
Lifetime Condition Limit policies aim to protect your dog if they become ill or are injured in an accident. This policy allows you to claim up to a set amount for vet fees per policy year for each condition your dog might have. You can claim for as many conditions as you need to each policy year. This limit resets when you renew, and we’ll cover your dog’s conditions for as long as you have a policy with us.
Pet insurance premiums increase as your pet gets older, as the chance of your pet becoming ill increases. Excesses apply to all our policies and a co-payment is currently payable on claims if you renew your policy after your dog turns 8 years old.
Puppy insurance with PupStart
Our policies cover puppies from 4 weeks old, if your dog is under one year old you will also get additional exclusive benefits with PupStart, our uniquely tailored puppy programme.
You'll have access to:
- Puppy clinics and training with our vet experts at Joii Pet Care
- One month free flea and tick treatment
- Online introductory puppy first aid training
- The chance to win a puppy prize bundle worth £200*
Puppies are covered under our dog insurance policies. *Giveaway terms and conditions apply.
Why choose Animal Friends?
With over 25 years' experience, more than £8.5 million donated to support animal welfare, and over one million pets covered, customers choose Animal Friends for:
- Affordable, award-winning cover to suit you and your pet
- Free vet video calls 24/7/365 through the Joii app for dog and cat customers
- Every policy bought helps support animal charities and conservancies around the world
- Fuss-free claiming. Vets can claim on your behalf
- Expert advice and guides for you and your pet.
German Shepherd FAQs
When seeking loyalty, intelligence and courage in a canine companion, you need look no further than the German Shepherd!
Also known as the Alsatian or GSD, these large breeds are often known to be gentle giants who like to stay close to their owners. However, with their need for closeness, German Shepherds are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for too long - which can result in a lot of barking and chewed up furniture.
So, if you want to save your sofa, be sure to organise doggy daycare if you have a busy schedule to adhere to. It doesn’t matter whether they’re part of a big family home or a two-person household - all they need is to be active and adored.
Although we can’t say for sure how much it will cost, we can tell you some of the factors that will determine the final quote you recieve when seeking dog insurance for your German Shepherd. Here are a couple of things to consider:
- Their age - Dogs are more likely to suffer from health issues and injuries as they get older. This means that insurance will be pricier for older dogs.
- Their location - Pet insurance prices are affected by region in the UK. Areas with lower veterinary costs typically come with cheaper insurance prices than that of areas with higher average costs.
Get a quote to insure your German Shepherd with one of our dog insurance policies.
German Shepherds live, on average, between 10 and 14 years.
In order to boost the possibility of your pet having a long life and increase the chances of owning a happy and healthy dog, ensure that you’re buying your German Shepherd from the right breeder.
Once you bring your dog home, it’s your responsibility to continue to look after them as best you can by taking them to regular health checks, as well as keeping them fit and healthy.
Unfortunately, there are certain health conditions that German Shepherds are at risk of developing. Some of the problems they can face affect areas including their teeth, digestive system, bones, hips, eyes and skin.
It’s important for you to choose a reputable breeder who has undertaken numerous health checks. Doing so will reduce the chances of your dog suffering from some, if not all, of these health conditions.
Sadly not. German Shepherds have fur that easily shed, which can result in a lot of excess hair around the house. This is likely to trigger a reaction in people who are sensitive to allergies. If that sounds like you, we would recommend opting for a breed that doesn’t shed as much hair.
If you’re unsure whether you have a pet allergy, please take an allergy test so you can get a dog that is suitable for you.
German Shepherds have a lot of energy. If you feel up to the challenge, you must make sure that you’re enabling your pet to be active in more ways than one - from long playtime sessions to regular walks. However, it’s difficult to say how many miles your German Shepherd can walk a day as each dog is different.
You want to follow your dog’s lead, whilst also taking an approach that works for you. If you struggle with long distance, we advise splitting their walks up into intervals. Start off with something relatively simple like walking a mile with them 3 times a day.
Switch up how much distance you walk them for depending on their ability - for example, if they’re too tired after a few miles, then try halving your route. Your dog may even have certain preferences, either with the weather or time of day, so make a conscious effort to understand what walking times and durations work best for them.
Although it differs depending on each German Shepherd, they usually get along well with other dogs, especially ones they’ve been raised with.
However, the behaviour of a German Shepherd when meeting another dog for the first time mostly depends on how they have been socialised. If they have been integrated well with other dogs from an early age, it’s unlikely they will be aggressive towards other dogs as adults. Of course, you can still socialise an older German Shepherd, it just might take a little longer.
It’s worth noting that well-socialised German Shepherds are more likely to be calmer when playing with small dogs, friendlier when interacting with medium dogs and more avoidant of fights with larger dogs.
It’s highly advisable to expose them to other dogs, whether through organised meetings or taking them to daycare. You may have to keep them afar at first, before encouraging them closer and closer to other dogs over time. Eventually, with enough exposure, they should be comfortable around other dogs.
Get a quote to insure your German Shepherd with one of our dog insurance policies.