Petplan Launches PIA Award Nominations

Petplan, the UK’s favourite pet insurance provider, is calling for nominations for this year’s ‘Petplan Pet Insurance Advisor Award’. This award recognises the hard work and dedication that Pet Insurance Advisors (PIAs) do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners so that they are protected financially. You can nominate a PIA at your practice today by visiting www.petplan.co.uk/pia Petplan PIA 2009 (L-R) Zoologist & Wildlife photographer Mark Carwardine, Petplan Business Developer Howard Brown, PIA Winner Fiona Andrew and (Former) Senior Vice President of BNVA, Bonny Millar Pet owners often look to vet nurses to help understand veterinary procedures and for advice about treatment and medication but increasingly they also look for advice about insurance, and that is why it is important that a formally trained member of staff is available to answer customer queries when it comes to pet insurance. Petplan works with over 4,000 veterinary practices throughout the UK to promote pet insurance. These are Appointed Representative (AR) practices who receive training and certification to speak about specific insurance policies. The PIA scheme is an extension of this - AR practice staff can train to become a dedicated Pet Insurance Advisor by registering on www.petplan.co.uk/pia. Becoming a PIA allows you to earn valuable CPD points whilst developing transferable skills such as confidently promoting products and handling client objections. Fiona Andrew, a Vet Nurse at Tay Valley Veterinary Centre in Perth who won the ‘Petplan Pet Insurance Advisor Award 2009’, highlights the benefits of the scheme. Fiona says, “When pet owners are thinking about their pet’s future, they need to consider pet insurance. An insured pet owner can explore the full range of veterinary diagnostics and treatment should their pet fall ill or be injured. Encouraging owners to invest in pet insurance early on in their pet’s life can ensure a stress-free future. The PIA scheme offers good advice about the basics of insurance which are easy to understand for vet nurses. This information can then be simply conveyed to clients.” Petplan Marketing Manager Alison Andrew says, “At Petplan we are proud to recognise the dedication and hard work that Pet Insurance Advisors put in to give their customers informed and up-to-date advice. So please get your nominations in!” To nominate your dedicated PIA for Petplan’s PIA of the Year Awards, please visit petplan.co.uk/pia. The PIA of the Year will receive a new laptop and their practice will receive £100 in vouchers! Nominations close on 3rd September and the nominees will be judged by industry professionals. The winner will be announced at the annual BVNA Congress on 9th October. For more information about the PIA scheme please visit www.petplan.co.uk/pia.

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