"We are delighted that one of our first major public appearances should be at such a well loved event that is undeniably one of the nation's most prestigious dog shows", said Natasha Ashton, Chief Marketing Officer.

This year the show is being held at its new doghouse at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on Saturday November 18th and Sunday November 19th. Saturday's show will host the National Dog Show Presented By Purina, which will again be broadcast nationwide on Thanksgiving Day on NBC-TV.

The show's unique benched format provides pet lovers with the opportunity to get up close and personal with over 150 different breeds of dog. Though most visitors who attend the show will leave with a better understanding of the different breeds and their temperaments, what is often overlooked are the health aspects of owning certain breeds.

Many dog diseases are genetic in origin, inherited through breeding. These genetic diseases can affect conformation, health, and temperament. So far, over five hundred genetic diseases have been identified in purebred dogs, including diseases such as:

• Canine Hip Dysplasia - a degenerative joint disease often found in larger breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds that can require surgery.
• Medial patellar luxation - dislocation of the kneecap that affects many of the smaller breeds including Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs and Dachshunds.
• Von Willebrand's Disease - a blood disorder also found in humans, common in Dobermans and Scottish Terriers.
• Portosystemic shunt - abnormal blood flow to the liver affecting both large and small breeds most commonly Irish Wolfhounds & Yorkshire Terriers.
• Mitral valve disease - a heart disorder affecting many breeds of dog over the age of 10 but especially prevalent in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

"I have had a passion for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels ever since I was a child and I can't remember a time when I have not had one by my side. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Cavaliers will suffer from heart disease at some point in their life. I have always insured my dogs so I can give them the best care necessary, whatever happens" said Ms. Ashton. "This is the main reason we decided to launch the Petplan brand in the USA. It is currently the only brand of pet insurance in the US to cover genetic issues without capping the dollar amount a pet owner can be reimbursed for a specific condition. This kind of coverage gives owners of purebred dogs like me complete peace of mind".

By exhibiting at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show Petplan hopes to educate pet owners about the various conditions that can affect their breed of dog, and demonstrate how pet insurance is an essential part of their pet's healthcare. "With the holiday season fast approaching we want pet owners to consider giving their pets a different gift this year, one that may ensure a long and healthy life" said Dr Nina Mantione, Petplan's Staff Veterinarian who will be at the Petplan booth on Saturday November 18th to answer any breed-specific health questions visitors may have.

About Petplan
Petplan is the world's leading pet insurance provider, recommended by more pet owners, veterinarians and pedigree breeders than any other. In the US the Petplan brand is operated under license by Fetch Inc, a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Petplan policies, in the US are administered by Fetch Insurance Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Fetch Inc, and underwritten by American National Property And Casualty Company (www.anpac.com), rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best. Petplan is the registered trade mark of Petplan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz Cornhill Insurance PLC, a company registered and incorporated in the United Kingdom.