Elective Procedures

by Pawlicy Advisor
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Elective Procedures

What are Elective Procedures?

Elective procedures are non-necessary procedures often performed for cosmetic purposes. For pets, this could include ear cropping, tail docking, devocalization, and declawing. Many of these procedures are widely considered impractical and inhumane - as many do not provide practical benefits to the animal and are performed for cosmetic reasons or to prevent unwanted behaviors like barking, meowing, or scratching.

How Elective Procedures Work

Elective procedures are scheduled at the request of the pet owner. A procedure or surgery is considered “elective” if it lacks health benefits and should be avoided as it puts the animal in unnecessary risk during the operation and recovery afterward.


Key Takeaways

  • Elective procedures are procedures that are usually performed for cosmetic reasons rather than medical benefits.
  • Pet insurance will not cover elective procedures as they are not classified as an accident or illness.
  • Elective procedures can include procedures like ear cropping, declawing, or tail docking.

Continue Reading

Emergency Medical Conditions
In pet care, an emergency medical condition refers to a critical injury or illness that could lead to death or cause serious harm to an animal if not treated right away.
Read More.
Emergency Services
In veterinary medicine, emergency services refer to medical treatments, diagnostic tests, and palliative care provided to patients (pet and other animals) in urgent, critical, or life-threatening medical situations.
Read More.
Emergency Vet
An emergency vet is a veterinary practitioner who provides care to pets in animal hospitals and emergency veterinary clinics.
Read More.

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