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.
