Key Takeaways
- The MarketWatch Guides team found that Lemonade is best pet insurance in California because it offers customizable and affordable coverage with a range of wellness plans and other add-on options.
- The average cost of pet insurance in California is $56 per month, but the cheapest provider is ManyPets, with an average rate of $31 per month.
- According to Embrace, the three most common injuries and illnesses among pets in California are allergic dermatitis, osteoarthritis and diarrhea. Pet insurance can help mitigate the costs associated with the treatment of these conditions.
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.
Our Top Pick for California Pet Owners
Lemonade
Our Review
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Why Lemonade Is No. 1 in California
Known for its affordable pricing, easy-to-use digital interface and customizable add-on packages, Lemonade is our top pet insurance pick in California. We like how it offers a unique wellness package for puppies and kittens that includes spay and neuter coverage, which could benefit new pet owners in California. Lemonade also uses artificial intelligence (AI) for quick customer service and claims processing via its mobile app, stating that it approves one-third of claims instantly.
According to our 2024 survey of 1,000 pet insurance policyholders nationwide, almost 80% of Lemonade customers in California think pet insurance is worth purchasing based on their experience. For further insight, one of our team members, John Morgan, purchased a pet insurance plan with Lemonade for Teddy, their 3-year-old English cream retriever. Morgan has had an overall positive experience with Lemonade thus far, receiving reimbursement for a June 2024 accident and illness claim for Teddy less than an hour after submission.
In the month of October, for every policy purchased in California through a special “adopt a shelter dog month” campaign, Lemonade will donate $25 to The Humane Society.
- Does not cover senior pets in California aged 14 and older, which is uncommon according to our research
- Standard plan doesn’t cover behavioral conditions, unlike half of the other pet insurance providers we’ve reviewed
- Requires you to purchase add-ons to access some coverages that other providers include as standard
Lemonade offers an accident and illness plan covering the cost of diagnostic tests, procedures and medications if your pet gets hurt or becomes sick. Once purchased, coverage will officially kick in for accidents in two days, illnesses in 14 days and cruciate ligament injuries in six months.
- Wellness plan options: Preventative Package, Preventative+ Package, or Puppy and Kitten Preventative Package
- Add-ons: Exam fees ($5–$8), dental illness ($13), behavioral conditions ($5), end-of-life and remembrance ($3–$4), or physical therapy ($2–$3)
Lemonade costs, on average, $52 per month. This is around 7% cheaper than the overall average cost of pet insurance in California. Based on data we collected on the cost of pet ownership in the state, including veterinary costs and general pet care expenses, Lemonade policyholders could save approximately $365 per year.
| Accident and Illness Coverage | Average Monthly Cost |
| Dogs | $65 |
| Cats | $38 |
Our Rankings of The Best Pet Insurance in California
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 in California
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.
Best for Senior Pets
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
Our Review
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Why We Picked ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
While we recommend ASPCA Pet Health Insurance for California pets of any age, plans are especially well-suited for senior dogs and cats. The provider has no upper age limits or age restrictions on senior pets, which is often standard practice across the industry. It also offers a budget-friendly accident-only plan for California pet owners seeking basic protection. If you’re a Californian with horses, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is the only provider we’ve reviewed with this unique equine coverage.
Out of our 2024 pet insurance survey respondents from California with an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Plan, 90% felt that pet insurance was worth it based on their experience with the provider. In addition, one of our team members, who has a healthy 17-year-old cat, purchased an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance policy. This team member appreciated that the insurer didn’t discriminate or deny coverage based on their cat’s age.
- Two-week accident waiting period is longer than most other companies, according to our research
- Some online customer reviews through Trustpilot mention long wait times for claims processing
- No online chat or 24/7 customer service option
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers budget accident-only plans and accident and illness policies, with annual limits ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. In addition, pet owners seeking routine care coverage can choose from two wellness plans, which add $10 per month for the Basic plan and $25 for the Prime plan.
Based on our research, the average cost of an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan in California is $43 per month, which is a 23% decrease from the state average. Data we collected about the average annual cost of pet ownership in California shows that policyholders can save significantly on veterinary expenses each year with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance — $476 on average.
| Accident and Illness Coverage | Average Monthly Cost |
| Dogs | $54 |
| Cats | $28 |
We reached out to ASPCA for comment on online reviewers mentioning long wait times for claims processing, receiving the following response from Riddhi Goradia, Director of Brand Marketing at ASPCA Pet Health Insurance:
“Our top priority remains providing high-quality customer service and we always strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. To achieve this, we have increased our claims processing and customer service capacity, shortening our average claims processing time to 3.2 days. We will continue to evolve our offerings and service to best serve our customers and their pets.”
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Embrace offers comprehensive coverage and multiple stackable discounts of up to 25%, making it our pick for savings in a state with a higher-than-average cost of pet insurance. We appreciate how the company employs veterinary professionals to review and adjust claims and covers curable pre-existing conditions once your pet is symptom-free for one year. However, our team found that Embrace is only available for pets under 5 years old in California.
Based on our research, Embrace policyholders seem satisfied with their pet’s plans overall. According to our nationwide 2024 pet insurance survey, all of the five respondents from California think pet insurance is worth it based on their experience with the provider.
- Requires a special exam to waive the orthopedic waiting period, whereas other providers such as Spot and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance have no extended waiting periods for hip dysplasia and other conditions
- May deny or cancel coverage in California if your pet doesn’t receive a general exam within 12 months before or 14 days after enrollment, which is uncommon based on our research
- California pets cannot enroll in coverage after age 5, which is a low upper age limit compared to the industry average
Embrace’s accident and illness plan is fully customizable, allowing you to choose from various deductibles, reimbursement rates and annual limits. The company also offers an accident-only plan and a wellness plan resembling a flexible spending account (FSA) for humans. Other available add-ons include exam fees or prescription drug coverage.
According to our research, an Embrace plan in California costs, on average, $48 per month. The average annual cost of owning a pet in California is around $993, which includes general pet care and veterinary expenses. Comparatively, our team found an Embrace policy could save you around $414 on pet costs annually.
| Accident and Illness Coverage | Average Monthly Cost |
| Dogs | $64 |
| Cats | $36 |
Our team member, Annie Villacis, purchased an Embrace policy for her 4-year-old large mixed-breed dog, Luna. She had the following to say about her sign-up experience:
“Signing up for pet insurance through Embrace was extremely easy,” she said. “And since Luna had already been to the vet in the past year, her accidental coverage started immediately.”
Annual Limits
$5k-Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
We chose Pets Best as a top pick for California pet owners who want the convenience of direct vet payments, which can reimburse covered claims at the time of service. We appreciate how deductibles start at only $50, which is lower than most competitors in this review. In addition, Pets Best’s accident-only plan starts at just $6 a month — the lowest cost for this type of plan of the companies we’ve reviewed. This coverage also offers an alternative choice for Californians on a budget.
Out of our 2024 pet insurance survey participants from California, 82% of policyholders with a Pets Best plan said they felt pet insurance was worth it. Our team member’s experience with Pets Best echoes this sentiment — they were pleased with how their cat’s covered wellness benefits claim was processed in about three days and over the weekend.
- Second-most expensive provider of the California plans we reviewed
- Only offers two annual limit options, which is less than its competitors and can restrict customization options
- Excludes alternative and holistic treatments, whereas many companies we’ve reviewed offer this as standard coverage or as an add-on
Pets Best offers three levels of optional wellness coverage to pair with its accident and illness and accident-only plans: BestBenefit Essentials, BestBenefit Plus or BestBenefit Elite, which can add an average of $19 to $29 to monthly premiums.
According to our research, the average cost of a Pets Best plan in California is $58 per month. This is around 3% more expensive than the state average of $56. Regardless, when we compared annual pet ownership costs to annual premiums, we found policyholders in the Golden State could save $302 annually.
| Accident and Illness Coverage | Average Monthly Cost |
| Dogs | $71 |
| Cats | $43 |
Annual Limits
$5k-Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates
70%-100%
Figo provides California policyholders with highly customizable plans and add-ons for comprehensive coverage including vet exam fees, wellness care and more. We like how Figo offers a telehealth line to pet owners in the Golden State who may have urgent questions about their pets. Plus, unlike other providers we reviewed, Figo offers a 100% reimbursement option for covered veterinary costs when you file a claim.
Based on our 2024 survey data, two out of three respondents in California with a policy from Figo felt that pet insurance was worth it based on their experience. Our own team member with a Figo policy for their dog appreciates how the company’s Pet Cloud app has everything they need, including policy documents, an AI claims bot, 24/7 help and more.
- Deductible options vary based on your pet’s age, which is an uncommon practice with other providers based on our review
- Does not offer exam fee coverage in a standard plan, while over half of the providers in this review provide this protection for California pets
- Adding exam fee coverage can significantly increase monthly premiums, based on quotes we gathered
Figo’s accident and illness policies allow you to customize coverage to fit your pet’s needs, offering a rare 100% reimbursement option. In addition, you can add coverage for vet exam fees for $16 per month for dogs or $9 for cats. You can also purchase wellness coverage for an additional $10 per month.
California is one of the most expensive states for pet ownership, but for an average of $36 per month — the second cheapest average in this review — Figo policyholders can save approximately $560 on pet costs each year.
| Accident and Illness Coverage | Average Monthly Cost |
| Dogs | $44 |
| Cats | $27 |
Annual Limits
$2.5k-Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
We picked Spot because the company offers the most customization options of our top California pet insurance picks. It provides pet owners with a choice of five deductibles and more annual coverage limit options than any other provider we’ve reviewed. Spot also offers all-inclusive plans that eliminate the need for add-ons, including coverage such as microchipping and exam fees as standard.
While there was only one California policyholder with a Spot plan in our 2024 survey, 80% of policyholders nationwide felt that pet insurance was worth it based on their experiences with the company. Our team member with a Spot policy for their dog appreciated how easy it was to sign their pet up for coverage in just a few steps, noting clear instructions and transparent pricing regarding annual and monthly costs.
- Has a 14-day waiting period for accidents, longer than some competitors offering as short as two days
- Dental injury coverage is limited to extractions, whereas other providers offer more protections
- Has long wait time for claims reimbursements according to our team’s survey results
In addition to its accident and illness policy, Spot has an accident-only plan that costs around $10 per month for cats and $14 for dogs. Deductible options range from $100 to $1,000, and the provider offers an unlimited annual coverage option. Plus, Spot offers two preventive care plans: the Gold plan for $10 extra each month or the Platinum plan for $25.
The average cost of a Spot pet insurance plan in California is $52 per month, which is 7% less than the state average. Based on data we collected about the average annual cost of pet ownership in the state, including vet visits, medication, emergency visits and vaccines, Spot could save you approximately $373 per year.
| Accident and Illness Coverage | Average Monthly Cost |
| Dogs | $66 |
| Cats | $33 |
Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Fetch Pet Insurance
Our Review
Annual Limits
$5k-Unlimited
Reimbursement Rates
70%-90%
Fetch offers an unlimited annual coverage option, which means there is no limit on how much Fetch will pay for covered vet bills throughout the year.
When we surveyed pet insurance policyholders in California, no respondents had a policy with Fetch. However, almost 80% of Fetch customers nationwide felt that pet insurance was worth it based on their experience. Our team member who purchased a Fetch policy for their dog notes that you should make sure you have your pet’s medical records on hand or easily accessible, otherwise you can’t file a claim when needed.
- Longer-than-average 15-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
- May charge expensive rates for comprehensive coverage compared to other options, based on quotes we’ve gathered
- Premiums may increase based on claims history, according to our research
Fetch offers an accident and illness plan with the option to add wellness coverage at three levels: Essentials, Advantage and Prime. Pricing for wellness plans varies depending on your selection but may add $11 to $32 per month.
The average cost of a Fetch pet insurance plan for California pet owners is $63 per month, which makes it our most expensive pick in this review and around 12% higher than the state average. However, based on our research into annual pet ownership costs, including vet visits, medication, emergency visits and vaccines, a Fetch plan in the Golden State can still save pet owners an average of $235 each year.
| Accident and Illness Coverage | Average Monthly Cost |
| Dogs | $75 |
| Cats | $39 |
Most Affordable Unlimited Coverage
Healthy Paws
Our Review
Reimbursement Rates
50%-80%
Why We Picked Healthy Paws
Healthy Paws offers the most affordable unlimited coverage of the providers we reviewed using our pet insurance methodology. With the company’s unlimited annual coverage, you won’t have limits on claims payouts per incident, per year or for the lifetime of your pet’s policy. Policies are also affordable, with the provider offering the cheapest average overall cost in California in this review.
Healthy Paws was the second-most popular provider nationwide in our 2024 pet insurance survey. Out of policyholders in the Golden State, 100% felt that pet insurance was worth it based on their experience with the provider. Our team member with a Healthy Paws plan has had coverage for their cat since 2018, noting that the claims process is straightforward and the company has covered everything it said it would under policy terms.
- Enforces extensive restrictions for hip dysplasia coverage, an uncommon practice and a potential drawback for owners of certain dog breeds
- No option to add wellness care, whereas most pet insurance providers offer an add-on for routine coverage
- Offers limited coverage options for senior pets
A Healthy Paws pet insurance plan in California pet owners will cost $34 per month, which is almost 40% less than the average cost in the state. Based on pet ownership costs in the state, you could save approximately $579 per year on out-of-pocket veterinary bills.
| Accident and Illness Coverage | Average Monthly Cost |
| Dogs | $48 |
| Cats | $19 |
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.
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 | Overall Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | $52 |
| MetLife | $41 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $43 |
| Spot | $52 |
| Embrace | $48 |
| Pets Best | $58 |
| Fetch | $63 |
| Figo | $36 |
| Healthy Paws | $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.
Pet Insurance Cost for Cats in California
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 |
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.
| Company | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| ManyPets | $31 |
| Healthy Paws | $34 |
| Figo | $36 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $43 |
| Embrace | $48 |
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.
- Consider California’s Climate and Geography: “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,” said Dani Rabwin, California veterinarian and CEO of Ready, Vet, Go. “Heat stroke, foxtails, Valley fever, rattlesnake bites and mushroom ingestion are just some of the things I have treated. 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. We encourage you to gather quotes from at least three different providers in your search for a plan.
MarketWatch Guides Tip
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.
- 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. 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.
How Much Pet Insurance Can Save 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, here’s an example of an emergency veterinary care scenario and treatment cost.
Finnley, the 1-year-old French bulldog, got bit by a rattlesnake while on a hike with his owners. Here is the treatment cost before 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
With pet insurance, the out-of-pocket costs would be $1,734 rather than $3,624 – that’s $1,791 in savings!
Here is a breakdown of the out-of-pocket costs 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 |
Pet Care In California
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:
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.
Los Angeles
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
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
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
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.
Pet Owner Resources
Use the following resources to learn more about pet insurance and pet care in California:
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.
Ask the Experts: Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
“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.“
“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.“
“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.“
“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.“
“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.“
“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.“
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.
