What’s the Best Pet Insurance in California?
Our extensive research shows that Lemonade is the best choice for pet insurance in the Golden State, as it offers customizable plans for cats and dogs. However, we recommend pet owners choose a plan from a provider that best suits their pet’s needs and their budget.
To help you choose the coverage that works best for you and your pet, we researched, analyzed and compared other pet insurance companies in addition to Lemonade. Here is our list of the best pet insurance options in California:
How We Ranked California Pet Insurance Providers
We ranked pet insurance providers in California based on plan availability and our research into the main factors impacting policyholders in the state. To inform our review, we analyzed the average age of pets in California, state veterinary costs, average monthly premiums for cats and dogs, and the most reported pet accidents.
Our rankings for the best pet insurance companies in California reflect our ratings for each provider, which we based on a pet insurance methodology that considers cost and discounts, coverage options, additional benefits and company reputation. We also considered responses to our nationwide survey of 1,000 pet owners with pet insurance filtered by California residents. Finally, we took into account the experiences of our team members —we purchased pet insurance plans from 10 nationwide providers, including several featured in this article, as part of our research.
How We Collected Pet Insurance Costs
We collected two quotes per pet, one with a lower annual limit of $5,000 and one for a plan with unlimited annual coverage. We collected and averaged 339 total quotes for the state of California for 22 pet insurance providers.
Our team determined dog cost data by averaging sample quotes we obtained from each provider for a 3-month-old mixed-breed puppy, a 1-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog, a 2-year-old golden retriever, a 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog and an 8-year-old small mixed-breed dog in Santa Clarita, Calif.
We determined cost data for cats by averaging sample quotes for a 3-month-old kitten, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat, a 2-year-old Siamese cat, a 5-year-old mixed-breed cat and an 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat in the same city.
Compare The Best Pet Insurance Plans in California
By choosing the right pet insurance plan, you can ensure your pet has adequate coverage in the event of an emergency. Cost and coverage vary by plan and provider, and we suggest you compare your options to make an informed decision suiting your needs.
To help you choose the coverage that works best for you and your pet, we researched, analyzed and compared various pet insurance companies. Here are our rankings for 2024:
Interested in learning about other companies that operate in California? Use the dropdown below to access our full reviews of pet insurance providers:
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in California?
According to our research, the average monthly cost to insure a pet in California is $56. This is almost a 22% increase from the national average of $46. These averages are based on quotes we obtained from 12 different pet insurance companies for 10 sample pets:
- A 3-month-old mixed-breed kitten
- A 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat
- A 2-year-old Siamese cat
- A 5-year-old mixed-breed cat
- An 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat
- A 3-month-old mixed-breed puppy
- A 1-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog
- A 2-year-old golden retriever
- A 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed dog
- An 8-year-old small, mixed-breed dog
The price of your pet’s plan may differ from our average since pet insurance companies determine cost based on your pet’s breed, age and location. Price will also vary depending on the coverage and customization options you choose. Here is a breakdown of costs by our top picks for pet insurance companies and other options in California.
| Provider | Dog Insurance | Cat Insurance | Overall Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $65 | $38 | $52 |
| MetLife | $49 | $30 | $41 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $54 | $28 | $43 |
| Spot | $66 | $33 | $52 |
| Embrace | $64 | $36 | $48 |
| Pets Best | $71 | $43 | $58 |
| Fetch | $75 | $39 | $63 |
| Figo | $44 | $27 | $36 |
| Healthy Paws | $65 | $38 | $52 |
Note: Our team collected the above cost data in April 2024.
Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs
According to our research, the most popular dog breeds in California are the French bulldog, Chihuahua and Labrador retriever.
Although a wide range of dog breeds are popular in California, the cost of insurance can vary. For example, a Yorkshire terrier costs an average of $35 per month to insure, while a French bulldog costs $92. The addition of wellness coverage can further increase these average costs.
The table below provides more information on the average pet insurance costs associated with the most popular breeds in California.
| Breed | Average Cost | Cost With Wellness Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador retriever | $62 | $79 |
| French bulldog | $92 | $109 |
| Chihuahua | $29 | $47 |
| American pit bull terrier | $58 | $77 |
| Shih Tzu | $35 | $54 |
| Golden retriever | $61 | $78 |
| German shepherd | $57 | $77 |
| Goldendoodle | $44 | $61 |
| Yorkshire terrier | $35 | $51 |
| Pit bull | $59 | $79 |
Dog Insurance Cost in California Cities
Based on data collected by our research team, we found that San Francisco is the most expensive city in California to insure a pet, and Anaheim is the cheapest, at $46 and $32 per month, respectively. Note that the average costs in many cities differ by just a dollar or two, and the difference between the most and least expensive cities is only $14.
| City | Average Dog Insurance Cost | Cost With Wellness Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $41 | $48 |
| San Diego | $42 | $51 |
| San Jose | $37 | $46 |
| San Francisco | $46 | $56 |
| Fresno | $38 | $45 |
| Sacramento | $39 | $46 |
| Long Beach | $43 | $46 |
| Oakland | $42 | $51 |
| Bakersfield | $38 | $46 |
| Anaheim | $32 | $42 |
Note: We based our data on the average cost of an accident and illness plan for a 1-year-old medium, mixed-breed male dog. Cost data was collected from petinsurer.com.
Cat Insurance Cost
The cost to insure a cat varies less based on the animal’s breed than with dogs. The average cost of cat insurance in California is $41 per month, based on a range of $19 to $43 across our top-rated providers.
| Provider | Cat Insurance Cost |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | $38 |
| MetLife | $30 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $28 |
| Embrace | $36 |
| Pets Best | $43 |
| Figo | $27 |
| Spot | $33 |
| Fetch | $39 |
| Healthy Paws | $19 |
Cost of Owning a Pet in California
Common costs associated with owning a dog include vet office visits, vaccines, dental cleanings, neutering and spay procedures, and more. The map below shows the costs of routine care in different California cities:
Common Pet Issues California Pet Owners Face
According to Amber Batteiger, a public relations and communications manager for Embrace, some of the most common pet issues California owners face include allergies, diarrhea, vomiting and more. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of many of these health issues and injuries. See a list of the top 10 pet-related diagnoses in the Golden State below:
- Allergic dermatitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Diarrhea
- Inflamed ear canal
- Vomiting
- Skin mass
- Anxiety
- Lameness
- Lymphoma
- Urinary tract infection
How Much Pet Insurance Saves California Pet Owners
Pet insurance provides a financial safety net that can help pet owners save on a variety of routine and emergency veterinary costs. Based on the average annual cost of pet ownership and pet insurance, California policyholders can expect to save an average of $229 to $693 per year on veterinary expenses.
To help you estimate the potential savings associated with a pet insurance policy, we’ve provided examples of care scenarios and treatment costs for three dogs below.
Lily, the Labrador Retriever, needs preventative puppy care
Finnley, the French Bulldog, got bit by a rattlesnake
Gus the Golden Retriever needs hip dysplasia surgery
Lily, the 8-week-old Lab
Lily had a brief stomach problem and needs preventative puppy care. The tables below break down the treatment costs with and without pet insurance.
Cost Without Pet Insurance
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Office visit x3 | $255 |
| Vaccines/Shots | $239 |
| Neuter package (under 6 months) | $468 |
| Upset stomach issues vet visit | $203 |
| Prescription pet food | $99 |
| Total | $1,264 |
Source: Banfield Pet Hospital
Cost With Pet Insurance
| Pet Insurance | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual pet insurance premium | $759 |
| $250 deductible | $250 |
| 20% of $1,165 (co-insurance) | $233 |
| Total | $1,242 |
Costs Collected in Clifton City, New Jersey
Finnley, the 1-year-old Frenchie
Finnley got bit by a rattlesnake while on a hike with his owners. The tables below break down the treatment cost with and without pet insurance.
Cost Without Pet Insurance
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| ER Exam | $150 |
| 2 doses of antivenom | $1,200 |
| Blood work | $150 |
| Wound treatment | $1,000 |
| Oral pain medication | $50 |
| IV fluids | $75 |
| 24 hours hospitalization | $1,000 |
| Total | $3,625 |
Source: CareCredit
Cost With Pet Insurance
| Pet Insurance | Cost |
|---|---|
| Avg. cost of annual pet insurance | $759 |
| $250 deductible | $250 |
| 20% of $3,625 (co-insurance) | $725 |
| Total | $1,734 |
Gus, the 10-year-old Golden
Gus needs FHO surgery for his hip dysplasia. The tables below break down the treatment cost with and without pet insurance.
Cost Without Pet Insurance
| Treatment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-op visit | $85 |
| Hip Dysplasia surgery | $3,000 |
| 3-day Hospitalization | $2,000 |
| Pain medication | $50 |
| Hydrotherapy (10 visits) | $500 |
| total | $5,635 |
Source: CareCredit
Cost With Pet Insurance
| Pet Insurance | Cost |
|---|---|
| Avg. cost of annual pet insurance | $759 |
| $250 deductible | $250 |
| 20% of $5,635 (co-insurance) | $1,127 |
| Total | $2,136 |
What’s the Cheapest Pet Insurance in California?
Based on the sample quotes we gathered, ManyPets offers the cheapest pet insurance in California at an average of $31 per month. ManyPets is a good option because it offers affordable yet reliable coverage. Since pet costs run high in the Golden State, a cheaper plan can benefit pet owners on a budget. Although ManyPets is the most affordable insurance based on the quotes we gathered, the exact price of your pet’s plan will vary depending on age, breed and location.
Our team collected quotes for 22 pet insurance companies in California. We ranked California’s five most affordable companies overall, for dogs and cats in the table below. Note that the cheapest providers may not have appeared in our top-ranked options in the state due to a lack of adequate coverage and availability, high deductibles or low annual limits.
| Affordable Ranking | Company | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ManyPets | $31 |
| 2 | Healthy Paws | $34 |
| 3 | Figo | $36 |
| 4 | ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $43 |
| 5 | Embrace | $48 |
Other Top Pet Insurance Companies in California
Which Companies Didn’t Make the Cut
Our research and ranking process for California pet insurance providers considered state veterinary costs, the average age of pets, average monthly premiums and more. We also considered whether a provider offers plans in the Golden State.
After extensive analysis and comparison, the following providers did not make our list of the best pet insurance companies in California. However, these providers may still offer a good fit based on your pet’s unique needs. Read our in-depth reviews to learn more.
How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance in California
There are a few factors you can consider when shopping for pet insurance in California to help you choose the best coverage for your pet and your budget.
Examine California’s Climate and Geography
Nearly 25% of respondents in our 2024 pet insurance survey who took their pets to a vet reported doing so because of an emergency. Dr. Dani Rabwin, an emergency veterinarian in California and the CEO of Ready, Vet, Go, spoke to our team about emergency care and the state’s climate.
“In my 20 years of practicing in California, a lot of the high-cost emergency care I have provided to pets is directly related to our climate and geography,” she said. “Heat stroke, foxtails, Valley fever, rattlesnake bites and mushroom ingestion are just some of the things I have treated.”
Rabwin also stressed the cost associated with heat-related pet injuries: “These [ailments] are urgent issues associated with a significant cost. Pet insurance is hugely beneficial in these situations.”
Based on her insights, higher annual limits of $10,000 could help prevent owners from incurring out-of-pocket expenses if their pet requires expensive, lifesaving treatment.
Shop Around to Save Money
Pet insurance is an investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. When shopping for a pet insurance plan, most providers allow you to adjust your annual coverage limit, deductible and reimbursement rate to lower your monthly premium. Some companies also offer add-ons, such as wellness care or dental coverage, to further customize your plan. When you adjust these amounts, your policy cost will change.
Shopping around while keeping your budget in mind can help you save money on a pet insurance policy to fit your needs. Based on best practices, we encourage you to gather quotes from at least three different providers in your search for a plan.
Based on our research, we recommend requesting multiple quotes for pet insurance policies with an 80% reimbursement rate, $10,000 in annual coverage and a $250 deductible. Regardless of your selections, it’s helpful if you choose similar customization options across providers when requesting quotes. This lets you easily see which option is the cheapest when comparing rates.
Fully Understand Coverage Terms
All pet insurance policies have exclusions, which are situations, ailments or illnesses not covered under a plan. If you don’t read the fine print of your policy, you may feel surprised when you submit a claim and your provider denies it under policy terms.
Pay particular attention to covered conditions, situations and exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions. For example, if you purchase an accident-only plan, understand that you won’t have coverage if your pet gets sick with diarrhea, vomiting or an ear infection — some of the top ailments pets deal with in the Golden State. If you need clarification about any of the coverage terms in a policy, you can contact a pet insurer’s customer service team to speak with a representative.
Ask Questions and Read Online Customer Reviews
Don’t shy away from asking questions about pet insurance. Rabwin recommends pet owners ask questions before choosing an insurance plan.
“Talk to your friends and coworkers, and don’t forget veterinary staff,” she said. “Client service representatives or veterinary receptionists are a wealth of information.”
Some questions to consider may include:
- Does my pet need a veterinarian exam to enroll in coverage?
- Will my pet insurance premium increase at the time of renewal if I filed a claim?
- Will my premium increase as my pet ages?
- Does my plan cover illnesses my pet is predisposed to because of its breed?
In addition, recent customer reviews from reputable third-party review sites can offer insights into the service a pet insurance provider offers its policyholders. We consider a provider’s reputation through sites such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as part of our comprehensive pet insurance rating methodology.
California Pet Laws
California passed several animal welfare laws in 2022 to protect the health and safety of pets, including the first state law prohibiting certain toxicology testing on dogs and cats. California municipalities have regulations in addition to state pet laws, including:
Los Angeles Pet Laws
- Dogs older than 4 months must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. License fees are reduced if a dog has been spayed or neutered.
- Dogs must be restrained by a leash no longer than six feet and in the control of a competent person when off their owner’s property.
- Dogs may not be transported in the bed of a truck or other open vehicle unless secured with a cross tether or if the side of the open vehicle is over 46 inches tall.
San Diego Pet Laws
- Dogs older than 4 months must have a valid license and wear it at all times. Owners must show proof of rabies vaccination to receive a license.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than eight feet, except when at a designated off-leash area or confined to a residence or backyard.
- San Diego residents can have up to six dogs before they are considered a kennel.
San Jose Pet Laws
- A dog on private property must be confined to the premises or behind a fence high enough to safely contain the animal.
- San Jose residents may have no more than three dogs or a total of five licensed pets.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet in public places. In public parks and open spaces, the leash may be up to 20 feet long as long as the dog is under its owner’s control and can be prevented from making physical contact with other people.
San Francisco Pet Laws
- Dogs older than four months must be licensed. The license is valid for as long as the dog’s rabies vaccine is valid.
- Dogs on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) must be in a dog crate. Dogs riding the San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) must be leashed and muzzled or in a carrier.
- When off its owner’s personal property, a dog must be on a leash no longer than eight feet.
California Consumer Protection Laws for Pet Insurance
In 2014, California became the first state to impose basic disclosure requirements for pet insurance providers to ensure potential customers can make informed decisions. The law requires insurance providers to disclose basic policy information, including:
- Reimbursement benefits
- Pre-existing condition restrictions
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Waiting periods
The law also requires insurance providers to offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on policies.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It in California?
Purchasing pet insurance is a personal decision, but it can help cover unexpected veterinary bills or prevent you from having to compromise on your pet’s care in the event of an emergency. We surveyed 1,000 pet owners with insurance and found that:
- 85% think the coverage is worth it
- 84% plan to re-enroll their pets in coverage
- 83% of pet owners have taken their dog or cat to the vet within the last year
Based on our research and survey results, we encourage you to consider your pet’s unique needs — including its age, medical history, breed and more — when deciding whether a pet insurance policy is worth it.
We asked veterinary professionals whether they think pet insurance is worth purchasing. Here’s what they had to say:
ASK THE EXPERTS: Is Pet Insurance Worth It in California?
Sarah Pruss, DVM
Ksenia Banes, CVT, VTS
Sophie Wakefield, DVM
“Pet care costs are skyrocketing. …
I recommend pet parents purchase insurance when their pet is young, or before health conditions develop. However, pet owners [may] also have a backup credit card or savings account to help them pay for veterinary bills while they wait for insurance reimbursements.“
Sarah Pruss, DVM
Wheaton Animal Hospital
“Pet health costs can add up quickly and unexpectedly, …
making pet insurance worth it. In our practice, pet owners with insurance can choose the option that provides the best care for their pet, not just the option they can afford.“
Ksenia Banes, CVT, VTS
Eye Care for Animals
“I recommend pet insurance to my clients…
so they can afford pet care without worry. Whether or not a pet parent has insurance, I always discuss the financial and non-financial implications of diagnostics or treatments. When they know costs are covered, clients can focus on determining which option is truly the best for their family.“
Sophie Wakefield, DVM
Wheaton Animal Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in California
How does pet insurance work in California?
You can use pet insurance plans at any veterinary clinic in California. When your pet receives treatment for a covered condition, most pet insurance providers require you to pay the vet bill upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement afterward. Some pet insurance companies offer vet direct pay, which will pay your veterinarian directly for eligible expenses.
Is pet insurance more expensive in California?
Based on the data collected by our team, the average annual cost of pet insurance for dogs in California is approximately 20% higher than the national average, and the average annual cost of pet insurance for cats is approximately 28% higher.
At what age should California pet owners insure their pets?
The best time for California pet owners to buy pet insurance is when their pet is young. Younger pets are generally healthier, which results in lower rates than older pets that are more likely to develop medical conditions. Most pet insurance companies cover pets as young as 8 weeks old.
Our System for Ranking the Best Pet Insurance Companies
Additional Pet Insurance Resources
Use the following resources to learn more about pet insurance and pet care in California:
