Read on for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Trupanion Hero Appreciation Program. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for here, please reach out to your Territory Partner, Account Manager, email us at [email protected], or call 855.727.9085. We are all here to help!

What is the Hero Appreciation Program?

The Hero Appreciation Program was launched by Trupanion on July 1, 2020. Participating Hospitals can receive money for using their Trupanion software every day.


Why did Trupanion create the Hero Appreciation Program?

We created the program as a way to give back to our heroes in the veterinary community. We have always been dedicated to making it easy for hospitals to support insured clients, and we recognize that even though we keep things simple, it still takes time and effort from hospital staff. When you provide us medical records, submit claims through the software, and allow us to pay our share of the bill directly to you, we save money and time and clients get the amazing experience our software provides. The Hero Appreciation Program allows us to share those savings with you and recognize your time and effort in submitting claims and records. This is a small way we can say thank you for the amazing and inspiring work you do every day.


What activities earn my Hospital money?

Participating hospitals can receive money for submitting claims and completing medical record requests. Simply keep doing what you’re doing, but allow us to recognize the time and effort for doing it.

  • Receive $8.00 per completed medical record request for mutual clients, where the insured client has selected your hospital as their primary care facility. This will be paid once in the life of the pet.
  • Receive $2.25 per paid claim, when the claim is submitted through the Trupanion software, is eligible for coverage, and is submitted as "Pay to Hospital"

There is no cap, no minimum, and no catch!


How does my Hospital join the Hero Appreciation Program?

It is easy to apply for the Hero Appreciation Program! These are the three steps you’ll follow:

  1. Visit the Hero Appreciation Program website to apply
  2. US Hospitals: Email your W-9 Tax Form to [email protected]. Tax forms are not required for Canadian hospitals

  3. Watch your email for confirmation of your acceptance into the program and start receiving payments!

Who do I contact about my enrollment?

If you have any questions about enrollment, please contact your Territory Partner, Account Manager, email us at [email protected], or call 855.727.9085. We are all here to help!


What information do I need to submit—and why?

All program participants will submit their information here. This provides Trupanion the details necessary for your Hospital to receive payment, and to accurately report those payments.

U.S. Hospitals will also need to submit a W9 Tax Form. This provides Trupanion the necessary tax information to validate your type of business and ensure compliance with the IRS. U.S. Hospitals must submit a W9 tax form; Canadian Hospitals do not need to submit this form.

U.S. Hospitals, please email your completed W9 form to [email protected].


Why do I have to resubmit my banking information?

While it is true that Trupanion may already have your banking information for claim payments, it is secured in our system. You may also choose to designate a different account from where you currently receive your claim payments. Thank you in advance for submitting your information.


Is income earned through this program taxable in Canada?

Yes, income earned by Canadian-based Hospitals participating in the Hero Appreciation Program is taxable. If your Hospital receives more than $500 from Trupanion during the year, you can expect to receive a CRA Form T4A reporting these earnings. These forms will be completed and sent out based on Canada’s Federal T4A filing deadline, currently January 31st.


Is income earned through this program taxable in the U.S.?

Yes, income earned by U.S.-based Hospitals participating in the Hero Appreciation Program, regardless of the federal tax classification that hospital, is taxable. If your Hospital receives more than $600 from Trupanion during the year, and you are not a corporation (including a limited liability company (LLC) that is treated as a C or S corporation), you can expect to receive an IRS Form 1099 reporting these earnings. These forms will be completed and sent out based on the U.S. Federal 1099 filing deadline, currently January 31st.


When will I start earning payments?

Once you have submitted your information, completed form(s), and received notice that you have been accepted to the Hero Appreciation Program you will begin receiving on the 1st of the following month. For example: If you complete enrollment and submit your forms on July 22nd, you will begin receiving for activity starting August 1st. If you complete enrollment on August 3rd, you will begin receiving for activity starting September 1st.


How will my Hospital receive payments?

Your earnings will be sent by ACH/EFT to the bank account you provided on the Hero Payment Form. You will receive a quarterly earnings report that shows the amount and details of your earnings.


When will my Hospital receive payments?

Payments will be made quarterly within 30 days of the end of each quarter. The quarters are defined as follows:

  • Q1: January 1 to March 31 with a payout date by April 30
  • Q2: April 1 to June 30 with a payout date by July 31
  • Q3: July 1 to September 30 with a payout date by October 31
  • Q4: October 1 to December 31 with a payout date by January 31

How can my Hospital use the payments?

You are welcome to use the funds however you’d like. Hospitals have used their earnings to drive staff morale with team parties, invested the money into training and development efforts, compensated their staff members with bonuses or raises, and others have re-invested the funds back into the Hospital. It’s your money, enjoy!


What if my question isn’t answered here?

If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please reach out to your Territory Partner, Account Manager, email us at [email protected], or call 855.727.9085. We are all here to help!