Years ago, household pets were just animals. In general, they could be disposed of or replaced with little more thought than you would give to a cow or goat. If a pet took ill, its owner would often "put it down" (euthanize it). If you accidentally killed or injured someone else's pet, you would be liable only for the cost of buying another.

Not anymore.

Today, dogs and cats are considered to have a sentimental value worthy of keeping them alive and well with costly medical care. More and more of them are classified as "comfort animals" having a tangible role in maintaining the well-being of their "partners" (owners). More and more of them are expressly provided for in their owners' wills.

This seminar will address several implications of the re-evaluation of pets over the past few decades, including:

• The growth of veterinary medical insurance as a standard offering to households with pets;
• Developments in the determination of damages for liability for injuries to pets; and
• Continued insurer efforts to manage liability for injuries to others by insureds' pets.