The Best Pet Insurance in California
Our top pick for California pet owners is Lemonade Pet Insurance due to its affordable and comprehensive coverage options. To help you choose the coverage that works best for you and your pet, we researched, analyzed and compared other pet insurance companies as well; here are our rankings for 2024:
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 cost and discounts, coverage options, additional benefits and more. We also considered responses to our nationwide survey of 1,000 pet owners with pet insurance filtered by California residents.
Cost data was determined by averaging sample quotes we obtained from 22 pet insurance providers in California using ten different sample pet profiles. In total, our team collected 339 total quotes and averaged the rates together to determine pricing in the state.
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 several options to make the best choice for you and your pet.
You can use the table below to compare each insurance provider on our list based on important factors. Sample rates are the average of sample quotes we collected for ten pet types, averaging over 800 sample quotes per provider.
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 ten 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $65 | $38 | $52 |
| ASPCA Pet Health Insurance | $54 | $28 | $43 |
| Spot | $66 | $33 | $52 |
| Embrace | $64 | $36 | $48 |
| Fetch | $75 | $39 | $63 |
| Figo | $44 | $27 | $36 |
| Healthy Paws | $48 | $19 | $34 |
*Costs were collected in April 2024.
Cost of Pet Insurance For Dogs
According to California.com, the most popular breeds in the Golden State include labrador retrievers, French bulldogs, golden retrievers, German shepherds and more. 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. 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 |
*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.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Save?
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 |
Cheap 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 for cats in the tables 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.
Cheapest Overall
Cheapest for Dogs
Cheapest for Cats
The cheapest pet insurance provider for all pets is ManyPets at $31 per month on average, based on rates we obtained using our secret shopping process.
The cheapest pet insurance provider for dogs is ManyPets at $31 per month on average based on rates we obtained using our secret shopping process.
The cheapest pet insurance provider for cats is Healthy Paws at $19 per month on average based on rates we obtained using our secret shopping process.
How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance in California
There are a few factors you can consider when shopping for a California pet insurance policy to help you choose the best coverage for your pet and your budget.
- Consider California’s Weather: With parts of California experiencing temperatures over 100 F in the summer, it’s worth considering a comprehensive accident and illness pet insurance plan with higher annual coverage, as heat-related illnesses can require costly veterinary care. Dr. Dani Rabwin, an emergency veterinarian in California and CEO of Ready, Vet, Go, spoke to our team about emergency care related to 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, mushroom ingestion — these are just some of the things I have treated.”
- Compare Quotes: 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.
- Read the Find Print: All pet insurance policies have exclusions, which are situations, ailments or illnesses not covered under a plan. In alignment with best practices, read through a sample policy to ensure you understand the details of your pet’s coverage. Pay particular attention to the covered conditions and situations and any exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions.
- Ask Questions: 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, reading customer reviews on platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot can give you insights into customer experiences with various providers.
Pet Laws in California
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?
Whether pet insurance is worth it in California is a personal decision. To better understand pet insurance and care trends, the MarketWatch Guides team surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners using Pollfish in 2023.
We found that while 36% of respondents were unsure about pet insurance, 99.5% of pet owners who have insurance don’t regret purchasing coverage. More than half of pet owners stated that one reason they decided to purchase a policy was to provide the best care for their dog or cat without worrying about the cost.
In addition, we found that 83% of pet owners had taken their dog or cat to the vet within the last year, with nearly 25% of these respondents reporting an emergency visit. In comparison, only 2% stated they had never taken their pet to the vet. 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 policy is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in California
How much is dog insurance per month in California?
The average monthly cost for dog insurance in California is $72. Your exact price may vary based on your dog’s breed, age and location.
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.
Additional Pet Insurance Resources
Use the following resources to learn more about pet insurance and pet care in California:
Pet Insurance Methodology
We rate pet insurance companies based on factors most important to pet parents like you. To inform our provider reviews, we surveyed 1,000 dog and cat owners nationwide in 2024 to determine the most important elements of pet insurance coverage. Our process includes in-depth industry research about each provider, such as comparing coverage options, gathering quotes online to determine pricing and reading third-party reviews to assess customer service.
We then score each provider on a 100-point scale and divide the final score by 20 to calculate an overall rating out of 5 stars. The factors considered are cost, plans, covered treatments, customizations, customer service, reputation, waiting periods and age limits.
We use our rating system to compare each company we review and determine the best pet insurance companies in the industry. To learn more, read our full pet insurance methodology and editorial guidelines for reviewing and scoring providers.
Pet Insurance Rates Data
We collected two quotes per pet, one with a lower annual limit of $5,000 and one for a plan with unlimited annual coverage. 339 total quotes were collected and averaged for the state of California for 22 pet insurance providers.
Dog cost data was determined 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 California in Santa Clarita, California.
We determined cost data for cats by averaging sample quotes for a 3-month-old kitten, a 1-year-old shorthair cat, a 2-year-old Siamese cat, a 5-year-old mixed-breed cat, and an 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat for the same city.
