Kimberly Alt
Kimberly is a writer and content strategist for Canine Journal, specializing in pet insurance consulting. She has written and edited professionally since 2010.
In 2014, Kimberly began researching dogs and discovered her passion for pet insurance. She strongly advocates for insuring pets and knows insurance is a complex subject for most. Kimberly has read hundreds of pet insurance policies (including the fine print), ran more than 3,000 pet insurance quotes, engages in frequent discussions with pet insurer representatives, and conducts mystery shopping to gain an unbiased perspective and explain how companies differ and their strengths. Her passion is teaching others about the pet insurance industry and helping them make informed decisions for their pet insurance needs.
Kimberly has a B.A. in Multimedia Journalism from Simpson College. She is a Dog Writers Association of America member, and her work has appeared in many brands, including The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Reader’s Digest, Forbes, People, Woman’s World, and Huffington Post. Kimberly is the parent of a rescue Coonhound mix, Sally.
Best Dental Chews For Dogs: Teeth Cleaning Treats For Bad Breath & Are Greenies Good For Dogs?
Wellness
2 weeks ago
Best Dental Chews For Dogs: Teeth Cleaning Treats For Bad Breath & Are Greenies Good For Dogs?
The moment I walk in the door, my dog jumps on me and gives me all the puppy kisses in…
The Pet Emergency Kit Every Owner Needs Before It’s Too Late
Household
2 weeks ago
The Pet Emergency Kit Every Owner Needs Before It’s Too Late
If a disaster or pandemic strikes, you need to worry about your pets in addition to yourself. Remember that if…
Best Dog Ramp For SUVs & Cars: Foldable, Steps, Non-Slip & More
Travel
4 weeks ago
Best Dog Ramp For SUVs & Cars: Foldable, Steps, Non-Slip & More
Are you pregnant, elderly, or suffering from back pain? Do you have a dog that can't (or won't) jump into…
The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral
Behavior
August 11, 2025
The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral
You let your dog outside to do its business, and before you know it, they are cleaning up after themselves,…
Best Wireless Dog Fences: PetSafe vs SportDog vs Halo vs SpotOn
Household
August 7, 2025
Best Wireless Dog Fences: PetSafe vs SportDog vs Halo vs SpotOn
My dog is an escape artist. I have to be very intentional with confining her to keep her safe. She…
Which Dog Vaccinations Are Necessary?
Wellness
August 5, 2025
Which Dog Vaccinations Are Necessary?
Vaccines are an important component of a dog's health and wellness. Although dog vaccines are developed in different ways and…
Hartville Pet Insurance Reviews
Pet Insurance
August 5, 2025
Hartville Pet Insurance Reviews
Crum & Forster (C&F) Insurance Agency administers Hartville Pet Insurance, similar to ASPCA Pet Insurance. Hartville's waiting periods are a little…
2025 Pet Insurance Comparison Charts: See Side-By-Side Coverage & Costs
Pet Insurance
August 1, 2025
2025 Pet Insurance Comparison Charts: See Side-By-Side Coverage & Costs
This guide cuts through the confusion, comparing coverage, costs, and hidden exclusions so you can choose the best plan with…
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Reviews: Customer Service, Coverage, Waiting Period, Quote, Cancel Policy & More
Pet Insurance
August 1, 2025
Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Reviews: Customer Service, Coverage, Waiting Period, Quote, Cancel Policy & More
Healthy Paws stands out with no lifetime cap on any of its policies, ensuring you’ll never have to worry about…
Best Pet Insurance Companies In September 2025: Reviews, Pros, Cons & Personal Experience
Pet Insurance
August 1, 2025
Best Pet Insurance Companies In September 2025: Reviews, Pros, Cons & Personal Experience
Unexpected vet bills can be a pet owner's worst nightmare. With the rising costs of pet healthcare, choosing the right…
Is Your Great Dane At Risk? 8 Common Health Issues That Could Threaten Your Great Dane’s Life
Conditions
July 30, 2025
Is Your Great Dane At Risk? 8 Common Health Issues That Could Threaten Your Great Dane’s Life
Great Danes may be a giant breed, but they're gentle giants. These clumsy, playful dogs can fill a place in…
English Bulldog Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament, & More
Breeds
July 22, 2025
English Bulldog Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament, & More
The English Bulldog is one of the most easily recognizable breeds in the world. With their squat, sturdy frame and…
Best Pet Insurance for Large Breed Dogs: Avoid the $40K Vet Bill Mistake
Pet Insurance
July 22, 2025
Best Pet Insurance for Large Breed Dogs: Avoid the $40K Vet Bill Mistake
One emergency vet bill could wreck your finances. Cancer in dogs can run over $40,000, and it’s not the only…
Toto Pet Insurance Reviews
Pet Insurance
July 16, 2025
Toto Pet Insurance Reviews
Toto was founded in 2018 and offers accident and illness coverage for your furry family members. Plans are customizable with…
Maev Dog Food Review: Raw Subscription, Bone Broth & Supplements (Personal Experience)
Food
July 15, 2025
Maev Dog Food Review: Raw Subscription, Bone Broth & Supplements (Personal Experience)
Dog food aisles are chaos. Kibble bags scream with claims. Cans clink like they know something you don’t. But lately,…
BarkBox’s Super Chewer Review: Can It Increase Your Dog’s Playtime?
Toys
July 15, 2025
BarkBox’s Super Chewer Review: Can It Increase Your Dog’s Playtime?
Are you tired of spending money on new toys for your dog only to have her tear them apart within…
Nationwide Pet Insurance Reviews: Claims, Coverage, Customer Service, Plans, Coverage, Cancellation, And More
Pet Insurance
July 9, 2025
Nationwide Pet Insurance Reviews: Claims, Coverage, Customer Service, Plans, Coverage, Cancellation, And More
Nationwide pet insurance can be a little overwhelming to understand. It offers a more traditional type of pet insurance plan…
8 Best Personalized ID Dog Tags: Help Your Lost Pet Find Their Way Home
Gear
July 2, 2025
8 Best Personalized ID Dog Tags: Help Your Lost Pet Find Their Way Home
You're walking your pup when suddenly they spot a squirrel and pull hard enough to break free from your grasp.…
Your Dog Just Got Skunked—Here’s How To Fix It
Household
June 30, 2025
Your Dog Just Got Skunked—Here’s How To Fix It
Skunk odor stinks! Plus, it can last 2-3 weeks if left untreated. The longer you wait to wash it off,…
Why Do Dogs Lick? Answers To Why They Lick People, Paws, Themselves, Wounds & More
Behavior
June 26, 2025
Why Do Dogs Lick? Answers To Why They Lick People, Paws, Themselves, Wounds & More
Is your dog constantly licking, and you have no idea why? Licking is a very natural way for dogs to…
How to Clean Dogs’ Ears Without a Meltdown (Yours or Theirs)
Wellness
June 25, 2025
How to Clean Dogs’ Ears Without a Meltdown (Yours or Theirs)
Let’s talk dirty…ears. Yep, your pup’s adorable, floppy, furry ears might just be hiding a gross secret: wax, gunk, bacteria,…
Best Pet Insurance For Basset Hounds
Pet Insurance
June 18, 2025
Best Pet Insurance For Basset Hounds
From ear infections and obesity to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and joint problems, Bassets can rack up some pricey vet…
Best Pet Insurance For Shih Tzus
Pet Insurance
June 17, 2025
Best Pet Insurance For Shih Tzus
Many considerations go into finding the best pet insurance for your Shih Tzu. Our comprehensive guide explores common health concerns…
From Chaos To Calm: Tackling 7 Common Puppy Behavior Problems
Puppies
June 10, 2025
From Chaos To Calm: Tackling 7 Common Puppy Behavior Problems
So, you brought home a fluffy bundle of chaos, congrats! Your shoes are now chew toys, your sleep schedule is…
I Thought My Dog Was Just Being Weird. Then I Learned Why Dogs Eat Dirt
Behavior
June 5, 2025
I Thought My Dog Was Just Being Weird. Then I Learned Why Dogs Eat Dirt
Of all the things your dog could eat, shoes, couch cushions, mysterious sidewalk snacks, they go for dirt. Plain, flavorless,…
Lemonade Pet Insurance Review: Pros, Cons & Our Experience
Pet Insurance
June 3, 2025
Lemonade Pet Insurance Review: Pros, Cons & Our Experience
Lemonade hit the pet insurance market in July 2020 with a unique artificial intelligence (AI)-driven claims process and four solid…
Fetch Pet Insurance Reviews: Coverage, Wellness Rewards, Plans, Reimbursement, Coupon, Complaints, And More
Pet Insurance
June 3, 2025
Fetch Pet Insurance Reviews: Coverage, Wellness Rewards, Plans, Reimbursement, Coupon, Complaints, And More
Founded in 2003, Fetch licensed the Petplan name from Petplan UK until it became Fetch Pet Insurance in early 2022.…
Conjunctivitis In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
Conditions
June 2, 2025
Conjunctivitis In Dogs: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
Conjunctivitis can be a real pain in the eye for dogs. What seems like a simple diagnosis can prove to…
Doberman Pinscher Health Issues: Know What To Look For
Conditions
May 30, 2025
Doberman Pinscher Health Issues: Know What To Look For
The average lifespan of a Doberman Pinscher is 10 to 13 years. While we'd like to see every Doberman Pinscher…
What Is Kennel Cough? Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Conditions
May 27, 2025
What Is Kennel Cough? Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Is your dog coughing more than usual? Is he making a hacking sound (like he has a hairball stuck in…
Best Pet Insurance For Cane Corso Dogs
Pet Insurance
May 27, 2025
Best Pet Insurance For Cane Corso Dogs
Many considerations go into finding the best pet insurance for your loyal Cane Corso. Our comprehensive guide explores common Cane…
Fetch vs Pets Best: Who’s Best In Class?
Pet Insurance
May 22, 2025
Fetch vs Pets Best: Who’s Best In Class?
Fetch and Pets Best are two of the best pet insurance companies, offering excellent coverage, competitive prices, and easy claim…
Fetch vs Nationwide Pet Insurance: Is One Better & More Affordable?
Pet Insurance
May 22, 2025
Fetch vs Nationwide Pet Insurance: Is One Better & More Affordable?
Fetch by The Dodo and Nationwide are two powerhouse pet insurance providers. While they each offer unique pet insurance plans,…
Healthy Paws vs Fetch Pet Insurance Comparison
Pet Insurance
May 22, 2025
Healthy Paws vs Fetch Pet Insurance Comparison
Just three companies have made it onto our list of the best pet insurance companies for the last ten years—Healthy…
Fetch vs Figo: Choose The Best Pet Insurance For Your Dog
Pet Insurance
May 22, 2025
Fetch vs Figo: Choose The Best Pet Insurance For Your Dog
Fetch and Figo offer some of the most extensive coverage in the pet insurance industry. Fetch offers unique coverage for…
Trupanion vs Fetch Pet Insurance: Compare Price, Coverage And More
Pet Insurance
May 22, 2025
Trupanion vs Fetch Pet Insurance: Compare Price, Coverage And More
You may've seen a Trupanion poster in your vet's office but heard about Fetch from your neighbor. Both insurers are…
Embrace vs Fetch: Which Pet Insurance Offers The Best Coverage?
Pet Insurance
May 22, 2025
Embrace vs Fetch: Which Pet Insurance Offers The Best Coverage?
If you're looking for broad coverage with fewer exclusions, both providers are solid choices—but the differences in waiting periods, reimbursement…
STOP Confusing These Dogs! Service Dog vs. Therapy Dog vs. ESA Explained
Care
May 22, 2025
STOP Confusing These Dogs! Service Dog vs. Therapy Dog vs. ESA Explained
Unfortunately, confusion about these roles leads to misunderstandings, misplaced expectations, and even legal trouble. So, what sets a service dog…
Does Pet Insurance Cover Shots & Vaccines?
Pet Insurance
May 22, 2025
Does Pet Insurance Cover Shots & Vaccines?
One of the most important things you can do for your dog is ensuring that she has an annual vet…
How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Real Numbers, Hidden Fees & How to Prepare
Veterinary
May 22, 2025
How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Real Numbers, Hidden Fees & How to Prepare
Think vet visits just mean a quick checkup and a small bill? Not anymore. Vet bills are ballooning. A simple…
From Our Adoption Story To Your First Steps: A Real Guide To Bringing Home A Dog
Adoption
May 21, 2025
From Our Adoption Story To Your First Steps: A Real Guide To Bringing Home A Dog
So you’re thinking about adopting a dog? That’s amazing! You're about to make one of the most rewarding decisions of…
What Do Dogs Dream About? The Adorable Truth Will Melt Your Heart
Behavior
May 20, 2025
What Do Dogs Dream About? The Adorable Truth Will Melt Your Heart
So, what exactly is your dog dreaming about? And how can you make sure they have the sweetest dreams possible?…
The Ruff Reality: Are You Ready For A Dog Or Just In Love With The Idea?
Household
May 17, 2025
The Ruff Reality: Are You Ready For A Dog Or Just In Love With The Idea?
If you didn't grow up with a dog or take part much in its upbringing, you might not know how…
Is Pet Insurance Worth It In 2025? How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet Insurance
May 16, 2025
Is Pet Insurance Worth It In 2025? How Does Pet Insurance Work?
You never expect a medical emergency—until it happens. Yet, less than half of pet owners feel financially prepared to handle…
Best Pet Insurance For Pomeranians
Pet Insurance
May 12, 2025
Best Pet Insurance For Pomeranians
Many considerations go into finding the best pet insurance for your Pomeranian. Our comprehensive guide explores common health concerns for…
Your Dog Ate Your Edible. Now What?
Wellness
May 11, 2025
Your Dog Ate Your Edible. Now What?
As the use of medical and recreational marijuana continues to grow — as well as the legalization of weed in…
Best Pet-Safe Weed Killer (Tested By Pet Owners): Dog-Friendly, Natural & Homemade Options
Household
May 9, 2025
Best Pet-Safe Weed Killer (Tested By Pet Owners): Dog-Friendly, Natural & Homemade Options
Weeds are relentless. They pop up where they don’t belong, thrive in the heat, and can take over your yard…
Why Is Your Dog Marking Territory? Unraveling the Mystery
Behavior
May 8, 2025
Why Is Your Dog Marking Territory? Unraveling the Mystery
Are you tired of cleaning up after your dog’s constant marking? It can feel like a never-ending battle, especially in…
This Exercise Chart Ended My Puppy’s Reign Of Terror In Just 3 Days
Puppies
May 6, 2025
This Exercise Chart Ended My Puppy’s Reign Of Terror In Just 3 Days
Like humans, puppies need exercise to feel better (mentally and physically) and maintain their overall health. The amount of recommended…
List Of American Pet Insurance Companies (2025) With Ratings, Locations, Reviews, And More
Pet Insurance
May 2, 2025
List Of American Pet Insurance Companies (2025) With Ratings, Locations, Reviews, And More
Here you’ll find the most comprehensive list of national pet insurance companies in the U.S. Canine Journal’s experts have spent…