Isabel Klee to Deliver Inspiring Keynote at NAPHIA Engage 2026

The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) recently announced that Isabel Klee, the creative mind behind the beloved platform Simon Sits, will be the opening keynote speaker for the much-anticipated NAPHIA Engage 2026. This biannual conference, focused on the future of pet health insurance, will delve into the essential theme of the human-animal bond, examining the deep connections between pets and their owners, particularly during times of vulnerability.

Isabel Klee's opening address promises to set an emotional and ethical backdrop for the conference discussions. Attendees can expect a keynote that highlights the responsibilities of caring for animals, especially when faced with complex and costly veterinary decisions, and the crucial role pet insurance plays in supporting pet parents.

Sammi-Jo Nevin, President of NAPHIA, shared her enthusiasm about Klee's participation, stating, "Isabel’s work brings the human-animal bond to life in a way that is both honest and deeply moving. Her perspective is the perfect way to open NAPHIA Engage and ground our conversations in why this industry exists and the real impact it has on pets and the people who love them."

Known for her compassion and dedication, Klee has fostered over 30 dogs, many of whom have faced significant medical and behavioral challenges. Her personal journey of caring for animals in need, including her dog Simon who lives with epilepsy, lends a unique depth to her storytelling and advocacy. Through Simon Sits, Klee shares transformative and healing narratives about pet care, effectively illustrating how practical aspects of pet insurance impact the emotional, financial, and ethical considerations surrounding veterinary care.

Through her platform, Klee has successfully turned abstract concepts like coverage and affordability into relatable human experiences. The stories of healing and sacrifice have found resonance across diverse media platforms, including social media and animal welfare communities, prompting numerous individuals to reconsider what it means to genuinely support and nurture a pet.

In expressing her excitement for the upcoming conference, Klee said, "I'm honored to open NAPHIA Engage and speak with leaders shaping the future of pet health. Many of the pets I've fostered would not have survived without access to medical care—a reality many pet parents face. This is an essential conversation about making compassionate care accessible for our pets and families."

Klee’s keynote will kick off on Tuesday, May 26, from 4:10 PM to 5:15 PM ET. This session will mark the beginning of two full days of collaborative discussions among leaders in pet insurance, veterinary care, technology, and animal welfare.

About NAPHIA and Its Mission

NAPHIA, the trade association representing the pet health insurance sector in the U.S. and Canada, is dedicated to advancing the collective growth and acceptance of pet insurance. Through public education, resource sharing, and collaboration, NAPHIA aims to support pets, pet parents, and animal health professionals.

NAPHIA Engage serves as an essential gathering for industry leaders, promoting exploration of trends and challenges that will shape the future landscape of pet health insurance. This event allows for meaningful dialogue that not only addresses industry concerns but also emphasizes the essential connection between humans and their beloved pets.

About Simon Sits

Simon Sits is a storytelling initiative by Isabel Klee, aimed at sharing impactful narratives of rescue, foster care, and the transformative power pets hold in the lives of humans. With a focus on the intricate responsibilities of caring for vulnerable pets, Klee aims to shed light on the urgency and importance of compassionate pet care. Her memoir, Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I've Cried About, is set to be published by HarperCollins on April 28 and has already gained bestseller status on various platforms after just one day of availability.