Boise, Idaho- July 16, 2012- The following veterinarians have been named as the six finalists in the My Vet’s the Best Contest after being nominated by their respective clients for providing exceptional veterinary care and for going above and beyond for pets and their owners:

Dr. Holly Brophy, Bel Aire Pet Clinic, Mt. Zion, Illinois

Dr. Richard Chu, Pets Unlimited, San Francisco, California

Dr. Kathy Joseph, Vandalia Animal Clinic, Vandalia, Ohio

Dr. Tony Poutous, Pet Care Veterinary Hospital, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Dr. Luminita Sarbu, Veterinary Oncology Center, Renton, Washington

In the contest, pet owners nominate their veterinarians and explain why they think they are the best through a form on the Pets Best Insurance Facebook page. Each quarter, an internal panel at the pet insurance agency selects six finalists from all received nominations. The six veterinarians and their client-submitted stories are then posted to Facebook for one month of public voting. Stories are currently available on the Pets Best Insurance Facebook page at https://forms.petsbest.com/vote and online voting is now open.

Each quarter, the pet owner with the story receiving the most votes will receive a $200 cash prize and the winning veterinarian will receive $1,000 for the treatment of animals in need, or for those pet owners who cannot afford the care their pet needs. A single grand prize winner will also be selected by Pets Best Insurance at the end of the year. The annual grand prize winner receives airfare, hotel accommodations and registration for two to the 2013 Western Veterinary Conference—a leading continuing education conference for veterinarians. The 2012 My Vet’s the Best contest will recognize a total of four winning pet owners and their veterinarians throughout the year.

The first quarter winner of the 2012 My Vet’s the Best contest, Dr. Tom Greek, of Greek and Associates Veterinary Hospital in Yorba Linda, CA, was able to provide care to a female tortoise named Roxy with the $1,000 he was awarded. Dr. Greek was nominated by client Liddy Kammer and won the online vote.

Roxy was diagnosed with a three-inch urinary bladder stone which required surgery involving cutting a window through the bottom of her shell to access the bladder. Unfortunately, Roxy’s owner wasn’t able to provide the surgery to Roxy and ended up relinquishing the tortoise to Greek and Associates Veterinary Hospital.

“Through the prize money from Pets Best Insurance, GAVH performed the life-saving cystotomy to remove the bladder stone,” Dr. Greek, said. “[Roxy] shows that even a tortoise can go through tough times and with a little help from others, can persevere.”

More information about the contest, nomination process and rules can be found at: www.petsbest.com/vetpromo.

About Pets Best Insurance

With the goal of reducing economic euthanasia and his commitment to the health and well-being of all pets, Pets Best Insurance president Dr. Jack Stephens founded pet insurance in the United States in 1981. A true industry visionary, Dr. Stephens presented the first pet insurance policy to famous television dog Lassie. Dr. Stephens leads the Pets Best Insurance team with his passion for quality pet health care and his expert veterinary knowledge. The Pets Best Insurance team is comprised of pet lovers who strive to deliver quality customer service and value.

Pet insurance plans offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware Insurance company. Independence American Insurance Company is a member of The IHC Group, an insurance organization composed of Independence Holding Company, a public company traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and its operating subsidiaries. The IHC Group has been providing life, health and stop loss insurance solutions for nearly 30 years. For information on The IHC Group, visit www.ihcgroup.com. In states in which Independence American Insurance Company’s new policy form has not yet received regulatory approval, Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut will underwrite policies. Each insurer has sole responsibility for its own products. To determine the applicable underwriter in your state visit

For more information, visit Pets Best Insurance at www.petsbest.com or phone 877-PetsBest (738-7237). You may also follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/petsbestinsurance.

Dr. Jack Stephens is available for interviews.

Media Contact:

Hadley Rush Mayes

Pets Best Insurance

2323 S. Vista Ave #100

Boise, Idaho 83705

877-738-7237 x255

www.petsbets.com