In addition to Nationwiders honoring the LGBTQ community this June, some pets are taking part in the celebration as well. Through the company’s virtual pet parade, employees are able to submit photos of their furry friends in their pride attire for coworkers across the company to enjoy.

"We love and celebrate every pet — and their person," says Heidi Sirota, Nationwide's Chief Pet Officer.

Take a look at some of the images Nationwide employees are sharing.

“We’re working to give every pet owner access to affordable treatment on their schedule. The expansion of Nationwide Pet Rx Express into Sam’s Club pharmacies gives families even more options for keeping their pets healthy,” said Nationwide Chief Pet Officer Heidi Sirota.

Nationwide Pet Rx Express gives Nationwide’s pet insurance members affordable pet prescription medicines and an expedited, in-club claims experience. Preferred pricing and the opportunity to have claims for covered drugs processed at the counter of a major retail pharmacy is a first for the pet health insurance industry.

Patients do not need to be a member of Sam’s Club to fill prescriptions at the pharmacy, which include Nationwide pet insurance members. Through this collaboration, members will have access to the retailer’s most commonly prescribed pet-specific medications for chronic disease and flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

For information about Nationwide’s full range of pet insurance plans and benefits, visit petinsurance.com.

About Nationwide pet insurance
With more than one million insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2019); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2019). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

In this senior leadership role, Mariel will develop new distribution channels, partnerships and products while building upon Nationwide’s existing capabilities to accelerate growth and diversify Nationwide’s pet insurance business.

Mariel joins Nationwide after more than 10 years as a senior leader of successful innovations at Farmers Insurance and more recently at Phyn property intelligent water systems. She also spent more than 10 years at Deloitte & Touche, Red Bull and Herbalife, where her work focused on streamlining efficiencies and emphasizing the global transfer of best practices.

Mariel earned her bachelor’s degree from UCLA, is a California Certified Public Accountant, and a seven-time national champion windsurfer.

“Mariel joins Nationwide Pet at a time of unprecedented growth and opportunity,” said Heidi Sirota, President and Chief Pet Officer. “Her unique skill set and successful track record will help us to identify and reach uninsured pet parents where they are with meaningful ways to care for and protect their beloved companions.”

Nationwide Pet Rx Express^SM gives Nationwide’s pet insurance members access to affordable pet prescription medicines and introduces a new, expedited, in-store claims experience. Members can log into my.petinsurance.com to sign up for the program and access their digital ID card to present at the Walmart pharmacy. Preferred pricing and the opportunity to have claims for covered drugs processed at the counter of a major retail pharmacy is a first for the pet health insurance industry.

Through this partnership, Nationwide pet insurance members will have access to Walmart’s most commonly prescribed pet-specific medications for chronic disease and flea, tick and heartworm prevention.

“Families deserve the same convenience when tending to their pets’ health as they do their own. Offering on-the-spot claims filing and preferred pricing at a major retail location helps our members save time and money,” said Nationwide Chief Pet Officer Heidi Sirota. “We’re working to make it possible for every American to bring a pet into their family and this first-of-its-kind partnership with the country’s leading pet retailer brings us closer to that goal.”

“Whether our customers are buying prescription pet medicine or an insurance policy, we want to provide an effortless experience and unmatched value,” said Nationwide Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer Mike Mahaffey. “Partnering with Walmart to both lower costs and streamline the claims process at the pharmacy counter is a terrific example of innovating to meet our members’ needs, and we’re excited about providing them this convenient, new option when managing their pets’ care.”

“Affordable health & wellness offerings for families is important for the whole family, including family pets,” said Luke Kleyn, Vice President, Health & Wellness, Walmart. “We are proud to partner with Nationwide to further support our commitment of helping people save money and live better, and healthier, in a way that is convenient and accessible.”

Whether picking up pet supplies, filling a prescription with Nationwide, or having pet food delivered with their weekly groceries while arranging a quick dog walk, Walmart is the one-stop pet destination customers can trust for simple, everyday pet needs.

For information about Nationwide’s full range of pet insurance plans and benefits, visit petinsurance.com.

“Nationwide’s support of HABRI is another way we help people and their pets experience better lives together,” said Heidi Sirota. “I am thrilled to join the HABRI Board and collaborate with other pet industry experts to advance science, educate the public and advocate for a healthier, more pet-friendly society.”

“HABRI is grateful for Nationwide’s longstanding commitment to supporting scientific research on the human-animal bond,” said Steve Feldman, Executive Director of HABRI. “Stepping up as a HABRI Trustee only further underscores Nationwide’s commitment to the human-animal bond and to the health and wellbeing of pet and human lives.”

Scientific evidence increasingly shows that pets improve heart health, alleviate depression, increase well-being, support child health and development, and contribute to healthy aging. In addition, companion animals can assist in the treatment of a broad range of conditions from post-traumatic stress to Alzheimer’s disease to autism spectrum disorder. The benefits of the human-animal bond impact more than just human health. Findings from a HABRI survey of pet owners demonstrate that knowledge of the scientific research on the human-animal bond motivates pet owners to take better care of their pets – from providing pets with better veterinary care to purchasing pet health insurance.

In March 2020, Nationwide became a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company. Human-Animal Bond Certification prepares veterinarians and animal care staff to recognize and promote the importance of the bond between pets and their families. As part of the certification process, Nationwide associates completed human-animal bond training, learning about the science behind the human-animal bond and gaining a deeper understanding of how this science supports pet health and the practice of veterinary medicine.

“We’re proud to be supporting HABRI at the highest level while amplifying the message that healthy, happy pets can improve our lives,” added Sirota.

As the 2021 workplace benefits open enrollment period gets underway, Nationwide, the largest provider of pet health insurance in the U.S., is reminding employees to ask their employers if they offer pet insurance as a voluntary benefit. Nationwide’s medical and wellness plans for dogs, cats, birds and exotics are offered as a voluntary benefit by more than 8,600 employers and associations, including more than half of Fortune 500 companies.

“With nearly 70% of U.S. households owning at least one pet, many employees may be faced with unplanned pet health expenses,” said Nationwide Chief Pet Officer Heidi Sirota. “Offering pet insurance as a voluntary benefit is a win/win for employer and employee. It demonstrates that the company is invested in the wellbeing of the whole family and it provides pet-owning employees financial relief to get the care their beloved companions need.”

Employee benefits
Enrolling through work guarantees preferred pricing and may offer the convenient option of having monthly premiums payroll deducted. Additionally, this voluntary benefit is portable so a Nationwide pet insurance member who separates from their company may retain the policy at the preferred rate for the remainder of the term.

Employer benefits
There is no cost to add Nationwide pet insurance to its benefits portfolio and it may help attract or retain a key demographic in today’s workforce. This increasingly in-demand benefit is shown to greatly appeal to millennials who represent the largest generation in the workforce and 35% of all U.S. pet owners. According to a HealthPocket poll, 62% of millennials say they would put their pet’s health before their own.

Nationwide has plans that cover accidents, illnesses and routine care, such as vaccinations, flea and tick preventive medication, and annual wellness exams. Employees may visit the voluntary benefits section of petinsurance.com to see if their company offers Nationwide pet insurance and employers may visit the HR professionals/broker section of the site to learn more about adding the benefit to its portfolio. Nationwide has also created a virtual booth that contains additional resources and enrollment FAQs.

Nationwide pet insurance journey 
Earlier this year, Nationwide became one of only two companies in the U.S. to earn designation as a Human-Animal Bond Certifed Company. The certification, created by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), prepares veterinarians and animal care staff to meet the bonding needs between pets and their families. The program evaluates the science, communication, community engagement, animal welfare and wellness, and medical care needed to create and maintain a positive human-animal bond. 

And in January, Nationwide updated and expanded its popular avian and exotic plan which now reimburses up to 90 percent of eligible veterinary expenses. Nationwide is the only pet health insurer in the U.S. to offer an avian and exotic plan. More information about this plan, including a list of pets and conditions covered, can be found at EveryPetInsurance.com.

About Nationwide pet insurance

With more than 880,000 insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2019); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2019). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

As the first and largest pet insurer in the U.S., Nationwide joins countless pet owners across the country in celebrating National Take Your Dog to Work Day on Friday, June 26. The annual recognition, which was created by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1999 as a way to celebrate companion dogs and encourage adoption, takes on a unique twist this year as many people have already had their dogs “at work” in home offices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As millions of Americans spent the last several months sheltered in place and working from home, we have become increasingly bonded with our pets and more tuned into their care and well-being,” said Heidi Sirota, Nationwide’s Chief Pet Officer. “Companies of all sizes can play an important role in supporting employees with pets. Offering pet-friendly perks such as allowing dogs in the workplace (regularly or occasionally) and offering pet insurance as a voluntary benefit are very meaningful ways to show they care.”

The number of employers that offer pet-friendly benefits continues to rise. According to Nationwide, half of the Fortune 500 and more than 8,600 U.S. companies offer employees its pet health insurance as a voluntary employee benefit, and a study indicates the importance of pet-friendly perks to associates.

The study conducted by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), shows that 90 percent of employees in pet-friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company’s mission; fully engaged with their work; and willing to recommend their employer to others. In contrast, less than 65 percent of employees in non-pet friendly workplaces made the same claims.

More than three times as many employees at pet-friendly workplaces report a positive working relationship with their boss and co-workers, significantly more than those in non-pet friendly environments. Additionally, these employees are more likely to stay with a company long term. The findings held true even among non-pet owners in both pet-friendly and non-pet friendly workplaces.

When viewed across generations, millennials, the largest generation in the U.S. workforce, are far more likely than their Generation X and baby boomer counterparts to value a pet-friendly work environment.

“Not only do the findings from the Nationwide/HABRI study emphasize the benefits of having pets with us while we work, but they also show that supporting employees with pets through a variety of means – such as offering pet health insurance – can be highly beneficial in demonstrating an organizational commitment to employee health and well-being,” said Steven Feldman, executive director of HABRI.

To learn about Nationwide pet insurance, visit petinsurance.com.

Nationwide/HABRI Research Methodology

Nationwide and Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), a not for profit organization, commissioned Lieberman Research Worldwide (LRW) to conduct a 20-minute, online survey between December 15-21, 2017, among a sample of 2,002 U.S. full-time employees in businesses that have 100+ employees. Employees surveyed were between 18-64 years old, spent a majority of their time working in an office environment, and were not employed in a research-sensitive industry. Statistical confidence intervals are given throughout the study and are reported at the 95% and 99% confidence level. As a member of The Insights Association in good standing, LRW conducts all research in accordance with Market Research Standards and Guidelines.

About Nationwide pet insurance 

With more than 825,000 insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2019); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2019). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

“I’m thankful to have witnessed first-hand the benefits of pet insurance to veterinarians, pet owners, and most importantly pets,” said Dr. McConnell. “I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done on behalf of Nationwide to promote business education for veterinary students and veterinary practice teams, helping to build organizations such as the Veterinary Business Management Association, the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, VetPartners and, most recently, the Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association. Over the years, we have educated a whole generation of veterinary professionals. I can think of no greater legacy and I am proud to leave it in such capable hands as Dr. Benson’s.”

“Nationwide is profoundly grateful to Dr. McConnell. Her expertise and commitment in the areas of veterinary relations, education, marketing, business development and thought leadership have been invaluable to our company and the animal health industry,” said Nationwide Chief Pet Officer Heidi Sirota. “We’re very fortunate that Dr. Benson joined our team several months ago in anticipation of this transition. His experience in veterinary practice, as well as human and animal healthcare business, makes him exceptionally qualified as an integral member of the pet insurance leadership team.”

In his new role, Dr. Benson will serve as liaison with the veterinary industry, providing education and insight about pet health insurance to veterinary staff and students, and acting as a resource for Nationwide’s entire pet insurance team.

“Dr. McConnell is an extremely tough act to follow, but her amazing leadership and generosity of spirit have left a clear, if challenging, path for me to tread,” said Dr. Benson. “Since joining Nationwide in September of 2019, I’ve been hugely encouraged by the warm, inclusive culture; by the concept of mutuality that mirrors the client- and pet-focused attitude I learned in veterinary medicine; and by the mission of providing extraordinary care to our members and their pets.”

Dr. Benson is an experienced animal health strategist with expertise in innovation, start-ups and marketing. A licensed veterinarian, Dr. Benson is a graduate of the University of Liverpool’s school of veterinary medicine, and a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. He has been active in conservation efforts in Africa, and he worked in clinical practice before moving into the animal health industry. Dr. Benson and his wife are Nationwide-protected pet parents to four cats (Jethro, Penguin, Jackie O and Westley), a chihuahua (Bean), and a leopard gecko (Tabitha Charles).

About Nationwide pet insurance 

With more than 800,000 insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2019); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2019). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

“Nationwide has earned this meaningful recognition through its significant commitment to human-animal bond research, education, and professional development,” said Steven Feldman, HABRI Executive Director. “Being a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company recognizes that Nationwide is strengthening the human-animal bond as a core part of its mission.”

As part of the certification process, all Nationwide pet associates will complete human-animal bond training, learning about the science behind the human-animal bond and gaining a deeper understanding of how this science supports pet health and the practice of veterinary medicine. The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors considered essential to the health and well-being of both.

“Becoming Human-Animal Bond certified is an honor and a process that we are committed to in every interaction we have with pets and their families. We know the more we learn, the more we can protect them,” said Heidi Sirota, Nationwide’s Chief Pet Officer.

Launched in 2018, the NAVC Human-Animal Bond Certification prepares veterinarians and animal care staff to recognize and promote the importance of the bond between pets and their families. The program evaluates the science, communication, community engagement, animal welfare and wellness, and medical care needed to create and maintain a positive human-animal bond.

“The Human-Animal Bond Certification gives veterinarians and all those who support them additional tools and training to further understand and safeguard this bond,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill. “The NAVC is committed to expanding the benefits of the human-animal bond to as many health care professionals as possible. We are proud to bestow Nationwide with the Human-Animal Bond Certified Company designation, and we thank them for their commitment to this important education initiative.”

The leading role of Nationwide is evidenced by their commitment to education and support of the Human-Animal Bond Certification program. More than a thousand professionals have signed up for this certification, which offers 22 hours of Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) -approved continuing education credit.

Important for their certification, Nationwide has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the human-animal bond by making sizeable investments in independent research on the benefits of companion animals for those such as people with autism, veterans with PTSD and people with cancer diagnoses. The work also researches the benefits of animals in assisting children and adults on the autistic spectrum.

Nationwide’s support for the human-animal bond and the role of pets in society is further demonstrated by their groundbreaking research on pet-inclusive workplaces. In partnership with HABRI, Nationwide has shown how pets and pet-friendly benefits, including pet health insurance, are increasingly important to the millennial workforce, enhancing employee wellbeing, as well as company recruitment, retention, engagement and presenteeism.

“Nationwide is committed to protecting our members’ pets through our direct relationships with pet owners and through our veterinary partners. That is why we are so proud to support human-animal bond research,” said Dr. Jules Benson, Nationwide’s associate vice president of Veterinary Relations. “Understanding and sharing the science of the human-animal bond helps all of us as individuals, families and communities.”

To learn more about the Human-Animal Bond Certification and to find out how you or your clinic can become certified, please visit NAVC.com/HAB.

About NAVC

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, with offices in Orlando, Florida, the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is a non-profit organization providing world-class professional development to the global veterinary healthcare community. Its largest event, VMX, hosts thousands of veterinary professionals each year. Other offerings include VetFolio, an online CE platform in conjunction with LifeLearn; the NAVC Institute; the Veterinary Innovation Council; an Industry Services Division; and its Media Division, consisting of: Today’s Veterinary Business, Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Today’s Veterinary Practice, Veterinary Advantage and an online news and lifestyle channel, Spark! In 2018, the NAVC launched its Certifications division including the Human-Animal Bond Certification and added the Veterinary Business Leader Certification and the Pet Nutrition Coach Certification in 2019. Visit NAVC.com for more details.

About HABRI

HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that maintains the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; funds innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; and informs the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit www.habri.org.

About Nationwide pet insurance 

With more than 800,000 insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2018); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2018). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

In her new role, Heidi will have accountability for all aspects of Nationwide pet operations, overseeing the business’ profit and loss (P&L) statement, including strategy, product, pricing claims, service, marketing and underwriting.

Columbus, OH - Nationwide’s pet health plans provide wellness benefits and insurance coverage for accidents, illnesses, and injuries for dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets. More than 7,000 companies and associations, including nearly half of all Fortune® 500 companies in the U.S., offer Nationwide pet insurance as a voluntary benefit to employees. Consumers can also enroll their pets directly at petinsurance.com

“Nationwide recognizes the increasing role of pets as family members and their need for protection. However, many pet owners aren’t aware that pet health benefits exist. With her past success in helping Americans access health coverage for themselves, I know Heidi is well suited to expand accessibility to pet health insurance, too,” said Mike Mahaffey, Nationwide’s chief strategy and corporate development officer. “Her shared values and people-first perspective to drive purposeful results position her well to take on this new role. I’m thrilled to have her leading our Pet team!”

Heidi is a passionate rescue pet parent and advocate, and that translates into passion for the role and pet health. She is energized about the fast-growing pet wellness industry and to continue Nationwide’s leadership in and commitment to equipping pet owners for the important responsibility of keeping their pets healthy.

Heidi joined Nationwide in 2018 as VP of Retirement Plans Marketing with significant direct-to-consumer and business-to-business experience in workplace benefits, health care, financial services, and non-profits. Before Nationwide, Heidi worked as a marketing executive in the human health care field at both Aetna and Optum. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University.

About Nationwide pet insurance

With more than 750,000 insured pets, pet insurance from Nationwide is the first and largest pet health insurance provider in the United States. Since 1982, Nationwide has helped provide pet owners with peace of mind and is committed to being the trusted choice of America’s pet lovers.

Nationwide plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Insurance plans are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2016); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2016). Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.