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12 Best Pet Stain Removers That Erase Every Trace Of Messy Fur Babies

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Carbona Oxy Powered Pet Stain & Odor Remover

Many pet stain removers have strong scents. If you prefer mild fragrances or fragrance-free cleaning products, consider Carbona's 2-in-1 Oxy Powered Pet Stain & Odor Remover. Intended for carpet and upholstery, it uses the power of Oxy to quickly and effectively remove heavy soiling, stains and odors. The built-in brush head makes for easier cleanup.

"I tried regular carpet cleaner and the dark stains seemed unliftable. I found Carbona and the reviews on here seemed so great and it was affordable so I gave it a shot," writes a Walmart reviewer. "When I tell you this almost immediately COMPLETELY lifts stains, dark or not, I mean it. Seriously such a lifesaver."

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Do baking soda and vinegar remove pet stains?

Yes, you can technically use baking soda and vinegar as a natural pet stain remover. When combined, these two ingredients help lift stains and neutralize odors. Combine one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water and two teaspoons of baking powder in a clean spray bottle, then douse the stained area.

Let it set for a few minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth. You may need to repeat or use a scrub brush if the stain is heavy or old. To truly have your home smelling fresh after a pet accident, snag one of these top-rated air purifiers for pets.

 Next, learn how to stop your cat from peeing on the carpet altogether. 

Craving more paw-some content? Get hilarious videos, heartwarming stories and editor-vetted product recommendations for every type of pet delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for The Scoop.

3 Pet Insurance Moves To Make Before 2024

For owners to get the most from a pet insurance policy it's generally beneficial to apply when their pets are still young and healthy. Getty Images/iStockphoto

Pet insurance can provide valuable financial protection and peace of mind for owners of dogs, cats and some exotic animals, regardless of their age or health status. And it's easy to use. Owners will pay for veterinarian visits, treatments and medications at the time of service and then go home to submit a claim for reimbursement. 

While pet insurance can cost less than $50 per month, depending on the personal factors of the pet in question, it can potentially save owners thousands of dollars over the life of their pet. That's a valuable protection to have in any economic climate, but particularly now, with inflation still persistent and interest rates meant to combat it still high. 

Like all financial products and services, however, there are some better ways to approach pet insurance than others. And with the weeks in 2023 winding down, there are some smart pet insurance moves owners should consider making right now.

Start by getting a free pet insurance quote here to see what it could cost you.

3 pet insurance moves to make before 2024

Considering an insurance plan for your furry friend? Then get started by making these three smart moves now.

Shop around for a provider

Pet insurance is like most other products in that you should shop around to find the best deal. With so many providers now on the market, it makes sense to get quotes from at least three different ones to see what they're offering. Just make sure to request identical quotes. 

For example, if you want an accident-only policy for a 2-year-old female Labrador, make sure to get quotes from all three providers for the same animal type, age, sex and breed. This will ensure an easier, apples-to-apples comparison so you can determine which is truly best.

Get a free pet insurance quote in 30 seconds here now.

Speak to your veterinarian

Your veterinarian is already well-versed in your pet's medical history, so why not ask them for help in picking a pet insurance plan? By doing so, you can better tailor a prospective policy to what you need now and may need in the future. This way you won't get stuck paying for protections you don't need and can't use. And don't be afraid to speak to other sources for their feedback, like other pet parents and friends who have pet insurance currently.

Apply quickly

Once you've adequately completed the above two items, you'll want to apply with the provider that you like best. But don't wait too long. For starters, every pet insurance provider institutes a mandatory waiting period before coverage kicks in. So, if you wait until your pet gets sick to get started you may not be able to submit a claim until the waiting period has concluded.

But that's not the only reason why you should apply before the year is out. Pet insurance is almost always cheaper for younger pets than it is for older ones. So, if you wait for another calendar year and your dog or cat has another birthday in the interim, you'll almost assuredly pay a higher premium than if you had acted sooner. Plus, pet insurance is generally more robust for younger applicants than older ones, which are considered less healthy and riskier to insure.

So, for all of these reasons — a waiting period, cheaper costs and more expansive coverage — it makes sense to apply for pet insurance soon. Learn more about your pet insurance options here today.

The bottom line

Pet insurance can provide cost-effective and comprehensive protection but, to get it, owners will need to make a few timely moves. This includes shopping around for providers and speaking to their vet for their input. But it also involves applying quickly in order to more easily complete the mandatory waiting period and to improve chances of locking in cheaper, but still comprehensive, care. By doing so, pet owners can breathe easier knowing that their pet's health (and their wallet) are protected in 2024 and far beyond.

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Is There A $0 Deductible For Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance can be a useful tool for pet owners, but it may be tough to find a policy without a deductible. Westend61/Getty Images

If you've ever owned a dog, a cat or even a parakeet, chances are that you know exactly how pet ownership brings immeasurable joy and companionship to our lives. After all, what could be better than having a furry best friend — one that sticks by your side through thick and thin (and is immeasurably happy to see you when you walk through the door)?

But while having a pet in your household is incredibly rewarding, it also comes with responsibilities and expenses. Just like humans, pets can face health issues and accidents that require medical attention — and those types of expenses can add up quickly, especially if you're paying out of pocket. 

To help manage these unexpected costs, many pet owners turn to pet insurance. And, one common question that comes up during the search for a policy is whether there is a $0 deductible option for pet insurance. So are there pet insurance policies with zero-deductible options? Here's what you should know.

Find out your top pet insurance options here.

Understanding deductibles in pet insurance

A deductible in pet insurance is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. It works similarly to deductibles in human health insurance plans. Once you've met your deductible, the insurance company will reimburse you for a portion or all of the eligible veterinary expenses that follow, depending on the terms of your policy.

Deductibles can vary widely among pet insurance providers and can be as high as several hundred dollars for some policies. That said, you typically have your choice in terms of your deductible — and the lower the deductible, the less you'll have to pay before your insurance starts covering costs. However, policies with lower deductibles also often come with higher monthly premiums in return.

Start exploring your pet insurance policy options here.

Are there $0 pet insurance deductibles?

While there are pet insurance providers that offer low deductibles, the concept of a $0 deductible for pet insurance is relatively rare. Most insurance companies require some level of cost-sharing from the pet owner to keep premiums reasonable and to prevent abuse of the insurance system.

However, there may be exceptions. Some pet insurance insurance providers may offer plans with a $0 deductible, but these are typically part of comprehensive and expensive policies. You'll need to carefully evaluate whether such a plan makes financial sense for you and your pet. Remember that the premiums for a $0 deductible policy can be significantly higher than those for plans with higher deductibles, so you'll need to make sure it fits your budget — and makes sense financially — if you have the option to take this route.

Factors to consider when choosing a pet insurance deductible

There are a few factors you may want to consider as part of the process for choosing a pet insurance deductible, including: 

Budget: Consider your monthly budget and how much you can comfortably afford to pay for pet insurance. While lower deductibles reduce your initial out-of-pocket expenses, they often result in higher monthly premiums.That said, you'll need to be able to afford to pay the deductible if something happens with your pet, so make sure that both the cost of the policy and the deductible align with your overall financial situation.

Pet's health: Assess your pet's overall health and potential medical needs. If your pet is young and healthy, you might be able to opt for a higher deductible plan, as you're less likely to have frequent veterinary bills. If your pet's breed tends to have a lot of health issues, it may be worth considering a policy with a lower deductible — even at a higher cost.

Risk tolerance: Evaluate your tolerance for financial risk. A lower deductible provides greater financial certainty in case of an emergency, but it comes at a cost in the form of higher premiums.You should also make sure that the benefits outweigh the costs if you're purchasing a policy with a low deductible, even if you can afford it. Look at the coverage, exclusions and terms closely to determine whether a $0 pet insurance deductible (or a low deductible) is worth the extra costs. In some cases, you may be better off with a higher deductible.

Age of pet: Older pets may have more medical needs, so you might want to consider a lower deductible if you have a senior pet. However, pet insurance for older dogs or pets typically costs more due to the higher risk of insuring an aging pet, so factor that in, too. That's one of the reasons why it makes sense to purchase a policy when your pet is young and healthy in most cases.

Coverage needs: Determine the level of coverage you require. Some pet owners prefer a basic plan that covers only major accidents and illnesses, while others opt for more comprehensive coverage, which may come with a lower deductible.

The bottom line

While the concept of a $0 deductible for pet insurance is rare, it's essential to understand that there are a variety of deductible options available to pet owners. The right deductible for you will typically depend on your budget, your pet's health and your comfort level with risk. Carefully assess your needs, compare policies from different providers and consult with your veterinarian to determine the best pet insurance plan for your furry companion. Ultimately, the goal of pet insurance is to provide financial peace of mind and ensure that your pet receives the care they need when it matters most.

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