A retail first: Free pet insurance for SA’s 9 million dog and cat owners
Petshop Science has become the first pet retailer in South Africa to offer customers free accidental pet insurance in partnership with OUTsurance.
The country is home to an estimated 7.4 million dogs and two million cats, according to recent Stats SA data and yet only a small percentage are covered by pet insurance. With household budgets increasingly under pressure, an unexpected veterinary emergency can quickly become a significant financial burden for pet owners.
Petshop Science is addressing this gap by providing Xtra Savings members with one month’s free accidental pet cover (of up to R10 000) for their dog or cat, for every month they spend R1 000 or more in-store or via Sixty60.
Cover is activated through the Petshop Science WhatsApp channel and commences on the first day of the following month after meeting the qualifying criteria, limited to one pet per month, for specified accidental events outlined in the terms and conditions.
“Pets are an important part of family life for millions of South Africans. When accidents happen, the last thing owners should have to worry about is how they will pay for emergency treatment. This partnership helps make accidental cover more accessible and gives pet parents greater peace of mind,” explains Trevor Paxton, General Manager of Petshop Science.
A range of pet insurance products, underwritten by OUTsurance, are already available at Petshop Science from as little as R69 per month. Existing policy holders who qualify, will receive a R50 discount on their next premium for each qualifying month.
Since launching in 2021, Petshop Science has become South Africa’s fastest-growing pet retailer, expanding to 174 stores nationwide. In 2025, it strengthened its reach further through a partnership with Sixty60, South Africa’s number 1 on-demand delivery service, to offer same-day delivery of the pet retailer’s wide range of specialised pet food, treats and toys.
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Author: Lusisipo Ndongeni from Shoprite Group on behalf of Shoprite Group.
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