A guide to understanding assistance dogs
Pet complementary treatments
We include a range of complementary treatments with your pet insurance
What are complementary treatments?
Complementary treatments are extra ways to help your pet get better. You use them alongside traditional vet care.
They can help to:
- reduce pain
- improve movement
- support your pet’s wellbeing and recover
How do you claim for complementary treatments?
To claim for complimentary treatments on your insurance:
- a vet must recommend the treatment
- the treatment must be carried out by a suitably qualified practitioner
- you must pay the excess shown in your policy
Complimentary treatments may be excluded if connected to certain treatments. You should check your policy documents for more details.
Which complementary treatments do we cover?
Co-op Pet Insurance provides cover for these complementary treatments:
- acupuncture
- chiropractic manipulation
- physiotherapy
- hydrotherapy
- osteopathy
Complementary treatments explained
What is hydrotherapy for pets?
Hydrotherapy uses exercise in water to improve mobility, muscle strength, and circulation. It can also help reduce joint pain. It can be used to treat arthritis, surgery recovery, and neurological conditions. It is mainly used for dogs, but is available to cats if suitable.
Hydrotherapy needs to be provided by members of the CHA (Canine Hydrotherapy Association), ICH (Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists) or NARCH (National Association of Registered Canine Hydro-therapists).
What is acupuncture for pets?
Acupuncture uses very thin needles placed at specific points on a pet’s body. It helps relieve pain, relax muscles, and improve blood flow. It’s often used to treat arthritis, long‑term pain, mobility problems, and support recovery after injury. Acupuncture is safe for dogs and cats when carried out by a qualified veterinary acupuncturist.
What is osteopathy for pets?
Osteopathy uses massage and joint manipulation to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support function in muscles, joints, and soft tissues. It is suitable for dogs and cats, though more commonly used for dogs.
What is physiotherapy for pets?
Physiotherapy uses targeted exercises, heat therapy, and mobility work to help pets recover from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. It improves strength, flexibility, and overall movement. It is suitable for both dogs and cats.
What is chiropractic manipulation for pets?
Chiropractic manipulation uses joint adjustments to improve alignment, relieve tension, and support mobility in the spine and musculoskeletal system. It is used for chronic pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. It is suitable for dogs and cats, though more commonly used for dogs.
Pet insurance member offers
5% off pet insurance
Members get 5% off Co-op Pet Insurance in the first year.
Minimum yearly costs apply to receive 5% discount: £51.59 for dogs, £50.68 for cats. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
10% in-store discount
Members with Co-op Pet Insurance get 10% off pet products in our food stores, including pet food, treats and accessories. Just use your membership card every time you shop.
In-store discount added up to 14 days after policy starts and ends 21 September 2027. Terms and conditions apply.
Co-op Membership
Become a Co-op Member and get:
If you're not yet a Co-op Member, you can sign up when you buy Co-op Pet Insurance. Membership costs £1 and is taken from your first insurance payment.
Awards and ratings
Independent financial ratings experts Defaqto have given their 5 Star Rating to our Lifetime £5,000, £7,500, £10,000 and £16,000 pet insurance.
Co-op Insurance won the Customer Experience Award at the 2025 British Insurance Awards. This event celebrates excellence in the insurance industry.
Co-op Insurance is rated on Trustpilot, one of the world’s largest independent customer review sites. This rating reflects feedback across Co-op Insurance.
Pet insurance is offered through Co‑op Insurance Services and administered by Insurance Factory Limited.
Co-op Insurance policies are administered by Insurance Factory Limited. Insurance Factory Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under Financial Services Register number 306164, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 02982445 with registered office: 45 Westerham Road, Bessels Green, Sevenoaks, TN13 2QB. Insurance Factory Limited is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies. Co-op Insurance and the Co-op logo are registered trademarks of Co-operative Group Limited or its affiliates and are used under licence by Insurance Factory Limited.
Calls are charged at local rates from landline and mobiles. If your phone has inclusive minutes these calls are normally included.