Canine Journal is pleased to present this exclusive interview with Kanguro Pet Insurance co-founders Nicholas Hanabergh and Andres Mishaan (conducted in 2024).
Kanguro was founded out of our love for our pets, Oliver (Andres’ Lab) and Toby (Nick’s Brittany Spaniel), technology, and a desire to fill a gap in the U.S. insurance market. While initially focused on serving bilingual (English and Spanish-speaking) communities with very culturally specific trends, our goal has evolved to be the most comprehensive insurtech company for all pet parents and renters, offering customizable accident, illness, and preventive coverage at a great price.
We provide not only pet insurance but also renters insurance, which includes liability coverage (pets included) and personal property damage coverage. Our near-term goals include expanding to all 50 states by 2025 and continuously improving our customer experience and community.
Kanguro aims to modernize the insurance experience, bringing a new era of insurance. With a best-in-class user experience, a real team of individuals who bring years of experience, and the most advanced technological ecosystem, we’ve found just the right balance.
2. What was the biggest obstacle to launch?
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One of our major challenges was addressing the relatively low awareness of pet insurance in the U.S., where less than 6% of pets are insured. A core focus is building a fully digital, bilingual platform that simplifies the insurance process for all pet parents—regardless of language. Ensuring we provide fast, personalized service through both our app and customer support channels was critical. Creating a brand that resonates with the new generation of people getting insurance. In essence, we are trustworthy and professional but also exciting enough to relate to anyone interacting with us on a daily basis.
3. What keeps you up at night?
Rising veterinary costs and unexpected medical emergencies for pets are concerns that all pet owners face. Veterinary inflation has surged significantly over the past few years. As of 2023, veterinary care costs have risen approximately 10% year-over-year, higher than the general inflation rate of around 6%. Medical emergencies can be well over $3,000 unbudgeted dollars. At Kanguro, our mission is to make these situations more manageable by offering affordable, flexible coverage that takes the financial burden off pet parents. Our 24/7 televet service provides on-demand care, giving owners peace of mind in emergencies.
4. What will be the most significant industry change in the next five years?
We foresee a greater adoption of digital technology, with AI playing a more prominent role in pet healthcare. Moreover, as more U.S. pet parents realize the benefits of insurance, we expect the penetration rate for pet insurance to rise significantly. Kanguro’s digital-first approach, with features like televet and AI-powered claims processing, positions us well for this shift.
5. How are you addressing the risk of price increases as claims rise over time?
We aim to keep costs down by leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline claims processing and using data analytics to better understand risk. Our app allows claims to be reimbursed in just a few days, and we offer direct pay to veterinarians for large, pre-approved claims, ensuring that financial strain doesn’t fall on our customers during stressful times.
6. What makes Kanguro stand out from competitors?
Kanguro stands out for several reasons:
- We are completely customer-centric and have technology embedded in our DNA.
- We offer a fully bilingual end-to-end experience that is culturally driven but designed to serve any pet parent or renter in the U.S., making everyone feel “at home.”
- Our app is one of the best in the industry, featuring:
- 24/7 on-demand televet services in both English and Spanish
- AI-powered claims that are reimbursed in days
- A flexible insurance offering
- An interface that is easy to understand and navigate
- We’re committed to making sure pet owners have access to the care they need without breaking the bank and also saving them time when interacting with us vs other insurance companies.
7. What excites you most about Kanguro?
What excites us most is how our technology is transforming insurance. Our app allows pet parents to manage their policies, submit claims, and get televet services seamlessly.
We’re also proud of our community engagement, particularly our ability to support diverse pet owners across the U.S. as we expand into new states.
We are also very excited about rolling out new insurance coverages and products to make Kanguro a one-stop shop for personal lines. With our extensive experience in the insurance industry, we have the ability to understand the pains and technical aspects of underwriting risk and managing claims. Paired with our experience building B2C companies in the financial industry, we are positioned to create the next generation of insurance companies that make it enjoyable for people to use.
Yes, Kanguro sees itself not just as an insurance company but also as a community advocate. The company participates in local events, pet adoption drives, and educational initiatives to support pet welfare in the communities it serves. Kanguro isn’t just about pet insurance; we also offer renters insurance with liability coverage (including pets) and personal property protection. We believe in providing all-encompassing support for our customers, ensuring their pets and homes are protected. Whether you’re a bilingual customer or not, we’re here to provide the best service for you.
Learn More About Kanguro
You can learn more about Kanguro in our review if this interview has intrigued you. In our opinion, they are offering an impressive product from the start.