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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Loran Hickton, Executive Director
North American Pet Health Insurance Association
(412) 319-7730 / (412) 908-9766
http://www.naphia.org
Pet Healthcare Insurance Experiencing Positive Growth as Providers Join Together to Unify Higher Standards
Brent Hinton, PetFirst Healthcare Co-Founder & CEO Appointed to Board of Directors of National Pet Insurance Association
February 4, 2010 (Pittsburgh, PA) The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) announced today the addition of A. Brent Hinton, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PetFirst Healthcare to its Board of Directors.
According to Loran Hickton, Executive Director of NAPHIA, "Brent Hinton and PetFirst Healthcare have developed and expanded many new markets for pet healthcare insurance across North America. PetFirst recently enhanced their marketing reach through a national agreement with Kroger, the third largest retailer in the U.S. Brent is a one of the most successful and creative leaders in our industry. His tireless work for eight years as CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society is just one of many components that will be helpful to our board. Brent has also become a champion of collaboration among the leading pet insurance providers. It is NAPHIA's mission to develop and deliver the highest standards and the most positive principals of all pet health insurance. The appointment of Brent Hinton to serve on the NAPHIA Board of Directors is great news for our mission and for the pet health insurance industry".
"I am honored to join my colleagues within our industry that share the commitment to transparency and increasing value and understanding of all quality pet health insurance. There are opportunities to work together and create basic uniformity in electronic claims processing and other non-competitive issues that are very important to all stakeholders. The net result of proper collaboration will be the ongoing improvement of already superior products and value for pet owners", stated Brent Hinton.
"While this difficult economy presents challenges for consumers and pet owners, it is also driving a robust market for pet insurance; in fact, the market in North America is very strong and has grown over 300% in just the past few years," continued Hickton.
Surveys and research by the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Pet Products Association indicates that today most pets are regarded as members of the family. Over 60% of North American households have at least one dog, cat, bird, or other companion animal. Many have more than one. There are more than 75 million pet dogs in the U.S. and Canada and nearly 85 million pet cats. Projected 2009 pet expenditures for North America are over $45 billion, of which $25 billion will be spent on veterinary-related care.
Prior to joining PetFirst Healthcare, Brent served as an executive for various non-profit organizations for 17 years. Most recently he spent eight years as CEO of the Kentucky Humane Society. Brent earned a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Kentucky.
PetFirst has been in business since 2004. The company is based in Jeffersonville, Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, KY. Like all NAPHIA members, pet owners that have PetFirst are able to go to any veterinarian nationwide including specialists and emergency care clinics. Importantly, hereditary conditions are covered by adding an endorsement to PetFirst's comprehensive plans. PetFirst Healthcare provides simple, straightforward pet insurance plans that are easy for pet owners to understand and use. Visit PetFirst Healthcare at www.petfirst.com
The Board of Directors of NAPHIA:
Darryl Rawlings, President & CEO, Trupanion Pet Health Insurance (US) and previously Vetinsurance (Canada) Mr. Rawlings serves as Chairman of the Board of NAPHIA
Laura Bennett, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Embrace Pet Insurance
A. Brent Hinton, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, PetFirst Healthcare
Jack Stephens, DVM, President & Founder, Pets Best Pet Health Insurance
Dennis Rushovich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hartville Group, which includes Hartville Pet Health Insurance, ASPCA Pet Health InsuranceTM, and Petshealth Care PlanTM; brands
Randy Valpy, President & CEO, SecuriCan, Petsecure Pet Health Insurance
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About The North American Pet Health Insurance Association
Founded in 2007, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association is committed to educating and promoting the values and benefits of pet health insurance to North American pet owners, the general public, and the veterinary industry. For more information, visit www.naphia.org or call 412-319-7730 / 412-908-9766.
