Kimberly Alt

Kimberly Alt is a licensed insurance professional (license #21771189), writer, and content strategist for Canine Journal, where she focuses on pet insurance education and industry analysis. She has written and edited professionally since 2010 and began researching pet insurance in 2014. Kimberly has reviewed hundreds of pet insurance policies (fine print included), analyzed more than 3,000 pet insurance quotes, conducted mystery shopping with insurers, and spoken extensively with carrier representatives to better understand how companies differ and where coverage gaps commonly arise. Her work is centered on helping readers understand how pet insurance works so they can make informed decisions. Kimberly holds a B.A. in Multimedia Journalism from Simpson College and is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America. Her work has appeared in publications including The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Reader’s Digest, Forbes, People, Woman’s World, and Huffington Post. She is also the parent of a rescue coonhound mix, Sally.
Pet Insurance With No Waiting Periods & Shortest Waiting Periods: Nationwide, Pets Best, ASPCA, & More
Pet Insurance

Pet Insurance With No Waiting Periods & Shortest Waiting Periods: Nationwide, Pets Best, ASPCA, & More

All pet insurance companies have waiting periods, but some are shorter than others. Ultimately, this impacts when coverage kicks in…
Best Pet Insurance Companies In Michigan 2026
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance Companies In Michigan 2026

Your dog lives a great life with you in Michigan, exploring the lakes and open fields. Keeping them healthy is…
Best Pet Insurance Companies In Maryland 2026
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance Companies In Maryland 2026

Maryland is more than baseball teams and its famous blue crab. It’s full of pet lovers like you who want…
Best Pet Insurance In Illinois: Companies Reviewed In Chicago And More
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance In Illinois: Companies Reviewed In Chicago And More

Our dogs are vulnerable to accidents and illnesses whether they live in Chicago, Springfield, or another Illinois city or town.…
Best Pet Insurance Companies In Florida 2026
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance Companies In Florida 2026

Florida is known for its extreme weather and poisonous creatures. This brings a unique risk to Florida-specific pets because they…
Best Pet Insurance Companies In California 2026
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance Companies In California 2026

California can be one of the most challenging states to buy a homeowners insurance policy because of high construction costs…
Best Pet Insurance Companies In Texas 2026
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance Companies In Texas 2026

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but that doesn’t have to carry over into your vet bills. Pet insurance…
Best Pet Dental Insurance (What’s Covered & Hidden Exclusions)
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Dental Insurance (What’s Covered & Hidden Exclusions)

Did you know that up to 90% of dogs over age 3 develop periodontal (gum) disease—yet many pet insurance plans…
List Of American Pet Insurance Companies (2026) With Ratings, Locations, Reviews, And More
Pet Insurance

List Of American Pet Insurance Companies (2026) 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…
Best Pet Insurance For Cats In 2026: Pros, Cons & Pricing Comparison Table
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance For Cats In 2026: Pros, Cons & Pricing Comparison Table

They say cats have nine lives, but if you love your little purr-baby, it's probably not best to test that…
Is Pet Insurance Worth It In 2026? How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet Insurance

Is Pet Insurance Worth It In 2026? 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…
2026 Pet Insurance Comparison Charts: See Side-By-Side Coverage & Costs
Pet Insurance

2026 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…
4 Best Dog Treadmills: Motorized, Self-Propelled, Manual, Training Tips & More
Wellness

4 Best Dog Treadmills: Motorized, Self-Propelled, Manual, Training Tips & More

Did you know there are dog treadmills for sale that can help your pooch get in shape? A treadmill has…
What Is Canine Bloat? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Conditions

What Is Canine Bloat? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Canine bloat is a fast-acting, life-threatening illness that requires emergency veterinary treatment. Knowing the symptoms beforehand is extremely important, so…
Beagle Breed Information: Facts, Traits, Pictures & More
Breeds

Beagle Breed Information: Facts, Traits, Pictures & More

The Beagle is one of the most popular hound breeds in the U.S. and is an excellent companion. These gentle…
Is Your Doberman At Risk? 9 Common Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Conditions

Is Your Doberman At Risk? 9 Common Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

The average lifespan of a Doberman Pinscher is 10 to 13 years. While we'd like to see every Doberman Pinscher…
Jack Russell Terrier Personality: Small Dog, Big Attitude
Breeds

Jack Russell Terrier Personality: Small Dog, Big Attitude

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog with a particularly big attitude. This breed's roots are in fox hunting…
What Do Dogs Dream About? The Adorable Truth Will Melt Your Heart
Behavior

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?…
Best Wireless Dog Fences: PetSafe vs SportDog vs Halo vs SpotOn
Household

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…
Doggy Dan: The Online Dog Trainer Review
Training

Doggy Dan: The Online Dog Trainer Review

Doggy Dan may be just what you need. The Online Dog Trainer (aka Doggy Dan), is one of New Zealand's…
Rehoming An Aggressive Dog: When Is It Time To Say Goodbye?
Behavior

Rehoming An Aggressive Dog: When Is It Time To Say Goodbye?

Saying goodbye to your dog is difficult no matter what the circumstances. In my family's case, we had to bid…
How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost? Real Numbers, Hidden Fees & How to Prepare
Veterinary

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…
Is Your Dog Panting & Pacing? Discover 15 Possible Reasons Behind The Behavior
Conditions

Is Your Dog Panting & Pacing? Discover 15 Possible Reasons Behind The Behavior

Image credit: glebchik, Shutterstock and familyjuggling from Getty Images Panting is a completely normal behavior in dogs, most often associated…
Before You Bring Home A Puppy: 10 Things That Could Save Your House (And Your Sanity)
Household

Before You Bring Home A Puppy: 10 Things That Could Save Your House (And Your Sanity)

Congratulations on your new puppy! We are so excited for your growing family. And since you're going to be a…
How to Train a Dog Without Treats – Yes, Even Your Stubborn Gremlin
Training

How to Train a Dog Without Treats – Yes, Even Your Stubborn Gremlin

So your dog only listens when you’re holding a chicken nugget hostage? Same. Mine used to stare me down like…
Best Pet-Safe Pest Control Options For Your Home And Yard
Household

Best Pet-Safe Pest Control Options For Your Home And Yard

It’s challenging to keep bugs, rodents, and other pests away from your home environment while making sure your pets stay…
The Poop Buffet: Why Your Dog Treats The Backyard Like A Golden Corral
Behavior

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,…
The Pet Emergency Kit Every Owner Needs Before It’s Too Late
Household

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

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…
Which Dog Vaccinations Are Necessary?
Wellness

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

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…
English Bulldog Breed Information: Personality Traits, Temperament, & More
Breeds

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

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

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

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

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…
8 Best Personalized ID Dog Tags: Help Your Lost Pet Find Their Way Home
Gear

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

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,…
How to Clean Dogs’ Ears Without a Meltdown (Yours or Theirs)
Wellness

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,…
From Chaos To Calm: Tackling 7 Common Puppy Behavior Problems
Puppies

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

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

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…