Trupanion and American Humane Society Partner to Protect Adopted Pets from Day One
New Strategic Alliance Aims to Decrease Shelter Returns by Raising Awareness of the Costs of Pet Ownership Early in the Pet Adoption Journey
SEATTLE, WA — April 15, 2026 — American Humane Society, the country’s first national humane organization, and Trupanion, the leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs in North America, have joined forces to protect adopted pets from day one. This partnership helps lower the barriers to veterinary care by encouraging more shelters to embed financial education and information about high-quality pet insurance options into the start of the adoption journey—empowering adopters and keeping pets out of shelters and in their forever homes.
Research shows that nearly one in five adopted pets are returned to shelters within just six months, often due to families facing unexpected veterinary bills they cannot afford. This collaboration aims to close that financial gap, so families can stay intact and much-needed animal welfare resources can be allocated to dogs and cats still waiting for a loving home.
“Adoption is more than a milestone; it is a lifelong promise, and through this alliance, we’re helping ensure families have the foundation to keep it,” said MJ Hewitt, SVP, US Market and North American Growth Operations at Trupanion. “With this partnership, we have the opportunity not only to help provide immediate care to pets without homes, but also to stand side-by-side with pet parents who are preparing to bring a pet home for the first time. Together, we aim to normalize conversations about the cost of pet care, the importance of preparation, and the peace of mind that comes with protection from the unexpected.”
To kick off the partnership, Trupanion is funding six Second Chance® Grants—an American Humane Society program that provides a vital financial lifeline to local shelters and rescue groups, often overwhelmed by the high costs of saving and rehabilitating animals in desperate need.
The first grant has already helped facilitate the recovery of Thaniel, a 2-year-old terrier mix taken in by Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue in Wisconsin.
Photo taken from Instagram – Thaniel
After being hit by a car and left in subzero temperatures, Thaniel suffered from frostbite and severe skeletal damage. Thanks to American Humane Society’s Second Chance Grant, Thaniel received the critical veterinary care he needed, and he has since been adopted by his foster family, marking a full circle of recovery.
“This meaningful partnership with Trupanion strengthens American Humane Society’s work to help animals in crisis, supports the shelters and rescues caring for them, and helps pets across the country receive the second chance they deserve,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane Society. “Together, we are helping vulnerable pets heal and find the brighter futures waiting for them, while ensuring new adopters have the resources to keep those pets healthy for life.”
Through Trupanion’s commitment, five more adoptable pets will soon follow in Thaniel’s footsteps—receiving the lifesaving care they need to get well and find their forever homes.
Erica Mahmood-Nelson, Marketing and Community Outreach Manager for Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue, expressed the rescue's gratitude for the program: “Coco’s Heart is beyond grateful for Trupanion and the impactful difference American Humane Society’s Second Chance Grant program has made for Thaniel. We cannot thank you enough for advocating for animals like him and helping fund the lifesaving care they need. From the sweet boy Thaniel himself, and the entire Coco's Heart team, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Learn more about Second Chance Grants here.
About American Humane Society
American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
About Trupanion
Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, and certain countries in Continental Europe with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet's recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol "TRUP". The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly-owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. For more information, please visit Trupanion.com.
