At Trupanion, we’re on a mission to help loving, responsible pet owners budget and care for their pets.
Our story

Our mission was initially hatched in the mind of teenaged Darryl Rawlings when his family was faced with a heart wrenching decision about their sweet and playful standard poodle, Mitzy. At just two years old, Mitzy was rushed to the emergency vet and diagnosed with a twisted stomach. Saving her life would require surgery. While the surgery was a relatively routine procedure, the Rawlings family couldn’t afford the cost, and ultimately had to leave the veterinary clinic that day without Mitzy.

At the time, Darryl knew there must be a better way – one in which could deliver a better outcome to veterinarians, pet owners, and of course pets – and yet the chance to act on his belief did not present itself until 15 years later. In 1998, Darryl started Trupanion (originally called Vetinsurance International, Inc.) with the goal of introducing a high-quality medical insurance offering for cats and dogs. In 2000, Trupanion had its first pet, Darryl’s own mixed breed dog named Monty.