‘Pet Insurance’ is a concept introduced by Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) to relieve pet lovers from the financial burden that occurs when pets face unfortunate life challenging incidents. This new insurance scheme was introduced to the market to mark World Animal Day, which fell on October 4. As much as 90% of the cost incurred in maintaining the health of pets can be covered through this pet Insurance scheme which makes allocations for sicknesses, deaths and accidents.  

SLIC states that this pet insurance is meant to take care of dogs and it is working towards opening the insurance for other pets as well in the future. SLIC specifies a few rules for its present pet insurance scheme; the animal must be a dog, should be at least eight months old and cannot exceed the age of seven at the time of registering for the pet insurance scheme. The coverage starts from Rs100,000 and extends up to Rs125,000. SLIC officials also stated that the insurance scheme also covers accidents and sudden illnesses, but not pre-existing health conditions.  

This pet care insurance scheme is a newly added opportunity to enhance the protection of pets. It will also help pet lovers to have less stress during an emergency involving their pets. The SLIC also guarantees the safety of pets and will account for veterinary bills.  

 Pet lovers can now dial 119 as an emergency measure if they witness or come to know of any cruelty to animals  

The “Pet Insurance” concept was introduced to SLIC by Chrishanthi Perera, the founder of Randi Foundation. This new insurance scheme was an idea taken from British Citizens. She also stated that the CEO of SLIC Chandana Aluthgamage and the regulator Razik Zarook fastened the steps to introduce this insurance to the market. Furthermore, she stated that the “Pet Insurance” scheme will be more beneficial for pensioners who face financial difficulties regarding their pets. In addition, the objective of Randi Foundation is to reduce the distance between dogs and people; hence the birth of this “Pet Insurance” scheme.  

Chrishanthi Perera established Randi Foundation in 2019 with then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and former President Maithripala Sirisena. The motto of the foundation is “Strong voice for animal Welfare”. Randi Foundation operates with Chrishanthi Perera’s funds which sends the message that anyone is capable of being socially responsible and anyone can help dogs. The foundation has also launched an app for Veterinarians sponsored by Dialog. The foundation successfully introduced another called facility and now pet lovers can dial 119 as an emergency measure if they witness or come to know of any cruelty to animals. The former DIG of Sri Lanka Police Pujith Jayasundara played an active role in making this insurance scheme a success.