Best Pet Insurance In California 2024

Company	Company - Logo	Forbes Advisor Rating for California	Forbes Advisor Rating	Reimbursement Choices	Deductible Choices	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text	View More
Embrace		5.0		70%, 80%, 90%	$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000	Compare Plans	Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website
Paw Protect		5.0		70%, 80%, 90%	$100, $250, $500	Compare Plans	Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website
ManyPets		4.5		70%, 80%	$500, $750	Compare Plans	Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website
Pets Best		4.5		70%, 80%, 90%	$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000	Compare Plans	Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website
Spot		4.5		70%, 80%, 90%	$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000	Compare Plans	Via PetInsurer.com's Secure Website

Reimbursement and deductible choices may vary by state.

California pet insurance costs an average of $50 a month, according to our analysis. That’s for a policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level. The cost for a policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level is $71 per month.

Your own California pet insurance cost will depend on factors such as:

• Annual limit, deductible and reimbursement level.
• Breed and gender.
• Where you live.
• The pet’s age.

The Cost of Pet Insurance for Dogs in California

The average cost of pet insurance for a medium-sized mixed breed dog in California is $50 per month for a policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level. The cost for a policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level is $71 per month.

Cost of Pet Insurance in California by Dog Breed

Here’s a look at how cost varies by common dog breeds.

Breed	Average monthly cost for a policy with $5,000 annual coverage	Average monthly cost for a policy with unlimited annual coverage
Beagle	$55	$75
Bulldog	$86	$121
Dachshund	$45	$62
French bulldog	$94	$128
German shepherd	$61	$83
Golden retriever	$61	$84
Labrador retriever	$64	$87
Mixed breed (large)	$51	$70
Mixed breed (medium)	$42	$57
Mixed breed (small)	$34	$47
Poodle	$60	$82
Rottweiler	$100	$138

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Costs are based on a plan with $5,000 of annual coverage ($10,000 for Pumpkin), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $500 for ManyPets) and 80% reimbursement level for mixed breed dogs in California, and unlimited annual coverage ($15,000 for Fetch and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $500 for ManyPets) and 80% reimbursement level for mixed breed dogs in California. Source: PetInsurer.com

The Cost of Pet Insurance for Cats in California

The average cost of pet insurance for cats in California is $32 per month, according to a Forbes Advisor analysis of pet insurance costs in the state. That’s for a policy with $5,000 of annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level. A policy with unlimited annual coverage, a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement level is $38 per month.

Cost of Pet Insurance in California by Cat Breed

Breed	Average monthly cost for a policy with $5,000 annual coverage	Average monthly cost for a policy with unlimited annual coverage
Abyssinian	$29	$41
Bengal	$31	$43
Bombay	$28	$40
British shorthair	$31	$44
Exotic shorthair	$31	$44
Maine coon	$32	$47
Mixed breed	$23	$33
Persian	$32	$46
Ragdoll	$28	$39
Siamese	$28	$39

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Costs are based on a plan with $5,000 of annual coverage ($10,000 for Pumpkin), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $500 for ManyPets) and 80% reimbursement level for mixed breed cats in California, and unlimited annual coverage ($15,000 for Fetch and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $500 for ManyPets) and 80% reimbursement level for mixed breed cats in California. Source: PetInsurer.com

Costs for California Pet Insurance With $5,000 Annual Maximum Coverage

Company	Average monthly cost in California
Fetch	$31
Paw Protect	$38
Embrace	$42
Spot	$44
Lemonade	$49
Figo	$55
Pets Best	$60
Pumpkin	$77
Average	$50

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Costs are based on a plan with $5,000 of annual coverage ($10,000 for Pumpkin), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $500 for ManyPets) and 80% reimbursement level for mixed breed dogs in California. Source: PetInsurer.com

Costs for California Pet Insurance With Unlimited Annual Maximum Coverage

Company	Average monthly cost in California
ManyPets	$33
Fetch	$43
Healthy Paws	$57
Paw Protect	$68
Pets Best	$68
Embrace	$71
Figo	$72
Spot	$92
Lemonade	$103
Pumpkin	$103
Average	$71

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Costs are based on a plan with unlimited annual coverage ($15,000 for Fetch and $100,000 for Lemonade), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $500 for ManyPets) and 80% reimbursement level for mixed breed dogs in California. Source: PetInsurer.com

The best pet insurance companies sell policies that cover a wide range of problems, such as common illnesses (like allergies), serious illnesses (like cancer), minor injuries (like a cut on a paw) and serious injuries (like a broken bone). Here are the main types of pet insurance plans.

Accident and Illness Plans

This plan covers accidents, such as broken bones, hospitalizations, diagnostics and illnesses like urinary tract infections or more severe illnesses like cancer. Almost all pet insurance plans (98%) fall into the accident and illness plan category, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Accident-Only Plans

As the name suggests, accident-only plans cover costs related to accidents. For instance, this plan may help if a rattlesnake bites your dog and he needs to be hospitalized and or take prescribed medication. Accident-only plans are less expensive than a more comprehensive policy.

Wellness and Routine Care Plans

This type of coverage helps reimburse you for preventive care costs, such as flea and tick medication, routine-check ups and vaccinations. Many pet insurance companies let you add this coverage to a pet insurance plan for an additional cost.

California offers protections for pet insurance buyers, but it’s still critical to dig into any policy to make sure you understand what it covers, what it doesn’t and any exclusions.

California pet insurance law requires that pet insurance companies disclose:

• Policy exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions, hereditary disorders, congenital anomalies or disorders, chronic conditions, and list if other exclusions may apply
• Waiting periods until coverage kicks in
• Deductibles, coinsurance and annual and lifetime policy limits
• Whether claim history affects pet insurance premiums

From rattlesnakes lurking in the bushes to earthquakes causing falling objects, living in California can pose some health risks to your pet. When comparing your options, here are some tips for finding the best pet insurance in California.

Choose a Plan With a 24/7 Vet Helpline

Many pet insurance companies offer complimentary access to a 24/7 vet helpline to assist you with pet health-related questions. So if your pup gets sick in the middle of the night, you can reach out to the vet helpline for guidance.

Find Out if There Are Direct Vet Payments

Some pet insurance companies, like Pets Best and Trupanion, can pay your vet directly, which can minimize your initial out-of-pocket cost.

Look for a Multi-Pet Discount

If you have more than one four-legged companion, some pet insurance companies give you a discount for insuring multiple pets, known as the multi-pet discount. Insurers may also offer other ways to save. Embrace pet insurance, for example, lowers your deductible by $50 every year you go without filing a claim for your pet.

Add Wellness or Routine Care Coverage

Regular checkups at the vet can decrease your chances of larger vet bills later. If you want help paying for preventive care costs, look for a pet insurance plan that offers wellness plans or routine care add-on.

Find Out the Waiting Periods

Every pet insurance company applies a waiting period. That’s the amount of time you must wait after purchase until your pet coverage starts. Some insurers have shorter waiting periods than others. For example, Lemonade’s pet insurance has a two-day waiting period for accidents, while ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has a 14-day accident waiting period.

Selecting a plan with shorter waiting periods is beneficial since you never know when your pet will get sick or injured.

Also, check if the pet insurer has an extended waiting period for particular conditions. If your pet is prone to these issues, such as hip dysplasia, you may want to look at a different pet insurance plan.

Look at Whether Vet Exam Fees Are Covered

While it may seem counterintuitive, not every pet insurance company pays for vet fees for a visit for an accident or illness. If you don’t want to get hit with an exam bill, look for companies that will cover this cost.

Beyond statewide pet-related laws, municipalities often have their own regulations. Here’s a sampling of pet laws in California cities.

Los Angeles Pet Laws

• Los Angeles County requires dog owners to license all dogs that are age four months and older. Licenses not renewed by June 30 each year are subject to a $20 fine. Dogs are required to be vaccinated for rabies for the entire license period. Cats are not required to be licensed, but a voluntary cat license includes a tag that connects to the County’s 24-hour lost pet hotline.
• The county also requires dog and cat owners to spay or neuter their pets if they are age four months or older. If you cannot spay or neuter your pet, you must get written confirmation from a licensed veterinarian.
• LA County has a leash law. A dog must be restrained with a leash not exceeding six feet and must be in control of a “competent person” when off your property.
• You cannot transport your dog in the bed of an open truck or other open vehicle, unless your dog is secured with a cross tether or the side of the open vehicle is over 46 inches tall.
• The county forbids pet owners from allowing their dogs to defecate on public property or private property that’s not the owner’s. Los Angeles regulations also prohibit animal noises like incessant barking that disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of residential neighborhoods.

San Diego Pet Laws

• The city of San Diego requires that owners license all dogs age four months and older and they must wear their license at all times. You must provide proof your dog is vaccinated for rabies in order to get a license.
• You  can have up to six dogs in San Diego before your residence is considered a kennel.
• You must keep your dog on a leash less than eight feet long except when in your residence, backyard or in designated off-leash areas. San Diego has 16 off-leash dog parks. By entering a dog park, you are accepting your own risk, full responsibility and liability for your dog’s actions, according to the city.
• Your dog cannot defecate or urinate on private property that is not owned by you, a custodian or person in control of your dog. You or the person in control of your dog must immediately remove any feces to a proper receptacle.
• San Diego may declare your dog a public nuisance animal or a dangerous dog if it bites someone. A public nuisance animal is declared after repeated violations to state and local laws that obstruct, damage or inconvenience the community, or injures or kills another animal. A dangerous dog classification comes after a dog has attacked or bitten two people within a 48-month period, or attacked or bitten a person causing substantial injury or death.
• County Animal Services may impound a dog after a major biting incident or repeated biting incidents, attacks, or other violations. The county may refer your case to the Dangerous Dog Task Force. You can request a hearing to contest an animal declared a dangerous dog or public nuisance animal.
• If your dog is considered problematic, County Animal Service may require you to buy liability insurance, build fencing, muzzle the dog, alter the pet, microchip the dog and get a photo identification. The county may seek a dog’s destruction in “certain difficult cases,” and may want certain restrictions on the dog and its owners in other cases.

San Francisco Pet Laws

• San Francisco residents must register their dogs age four months and older. The city offers licenses for one, two or three years, depending on your dog’s rabies vaccination. The vaccination certificate must be valid through the entire license period. You have 30 days from moving to San Francisco to register your dog or you could face a late fee.
• You are responsible for controlling your dog. San Francisco does not allow for dogs to run at large in the city or county, except in areas designated as an animal exercise area. You must promptly pick up after your dog. The city and county requires owners to transport dogs in a fully enclosed motor vehicle. The pet must be protected by a belt, tether, cage, container or other device that prevents the dog from falling, jumping or being thrown from the vehicle.
• Pets are allowed on Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), but they must be in secure, enclosed carriers.
• The Department of Public Health may fine you $25 if your dog bites a person or animal. There may be additional penalties, including imprisonment, if the dog is involved in a second biting incident within 12 months.
• If the bite causes severe injuries, the public health director may recommend that the city declare the dog a menace to public health and safety, and notify the district attorney. The district attorney then contacts the municipal court, which reviews the case. If the court agrees that the animal is a menace, animal control may impound, hold and humanely destroy the dog.

San Jose Pet Laws

• The city of San Jose limits owners to three dogs or five licensed animals, including cats.
• You must have your dog vaccinated for rabies to get a dog license. Dogs that are spayed or neutered cost less to license. Your pet’s license will expire on your pet’s rabies vaccination expiration date (unless the expiration date of the current rabies vaccine extends beyond your license term).
• You should keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet long in public places. One exception is public parks and open spaces. In that case, the leash can be up to 20 feet long, but you must be able to control your dog and prevent it from making physical contact with another person.

Hot weather, wildfires and wildlife encounters can be dangerous to your pet. Here are some common pet risks in California to be aware of.

• Heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses in dogs and cats can lead to organ damage or death if not treated quickly. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, drooling, excessive thirst, increased heart rate, lethargy, stupor or collapse, and diarrhea and vomiting. If you think your pet is suffering from heat stroke, contact your vet immediately or take them to the nearest emergency vet clinic.
• Heartworm. Dogs that live in areas affected by mosquitoes (such as Orange County) are at a higher risk of heartworm disease. Your veterinarian can prescribe preventative heartworm medication.
• Plants. California is home to many toxic plants for pets. For example, common garden and household plants that are poisonous to cats and dogs include aloe vera, American holly, jade, poinsettia and tomato plants. Here’s a list of toxic and non-toxic plants from the ASPCA.
• Wildfires. Make a pet safety “go” kit for your pet in case of evacuation during wildfire season. This includes at least three days of food and water, medicine, a crate or pet carrier, medicine and a collar or harness with an ID tag.
• Wildlife. Bears, bobcats, coyotes, foxes and snakes are just a few examples of wildlife your pet could encounter in California. If you and your pet enjoy the outdoors together, you can reduce the risk of harm to your pet by staying on trails and keeping your dog on a leash while hiking.

Veterinary Costs in California

The average vet visit cost in California is $72, according to our analysis of vet visit costs. If your pet has additional health care needs like medical treatment, prescription medication or vaccines, vet costs will be higher.

Here’s a look at vet visit costs in different cities in California.

City	Average cost for a veterinary visit for one pet	Average cost for a veterinary visit with additional pet	Total cost for a veterinary visit with two pets
Bakersfield	$67	$52	$119
Sacramento	$68	$53	$121
Fontana	$70	$55	$125
Los Angeles	$72	$56	$128
Downey	$72	$56	$128
Signal Hill	$72	$56	$128
Hollygen	$72	$56	$128
San Diego	$74	$58	$132
Antioch	$74	$58	$132
San Jose	$79	$61	$140
Average	$72	$56	$128

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Source: Banfield Pet Hospital

Pet insurance costs can vary slightly depending on where you live in California. Here’s a look at the cheapest pet insurance companies by city in California.

City	Cheapest company and average monthly cost for $5,000 in annual coverage	Cheapest company and average monthly cost for unlimited annual coverage
Anaheim	Fetch, $31	ManyPets, $23
Los Angeles	Fetch, $31	ManyPets, $33
Palm Springs	Embrace, $33	ManyPets, $26
San Diego	Embrace, $37	ManyPets, $26
San Francisco	Fetch, $37	ManyPets, $32

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Costs are based on a plan with $5,000 of annual coverage ($10,000 for Pumpkin), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $500 for ManyPets) and 80% reimbursement level for mixed breed dogs in California, and unlimited annual coverage ($15,000 for Fetch), a $250 deductible ($300 for Fetch and $500 for ManyPets) and 80% reimbursement level for mixed breed dogs in California. Source: PetInsurer.com

To find the best pet insurance in California we used data provided by PetInsurer.com to score each pet insurance company based on the following:

Pet insurance rates (40% of score): We analyzed average rates for medium-sized mixed breed dogs age 3 months, 2 years, 5 years and 7 years for policies with unlimited coverage, a $250 deductible and a 80% reimbursement level, or the closest options available.

Special waiting period (10% of score): Many pet insurance companies have a special waiting period for problems such as cruciate ligament issues and hip dysplasia. Plans that had no waiting period, a waiting period of fewer than six months or the ability to have the waiting period waived scored higher.

Direct payment to vet (10% of score): Pet insurance companies that have the ability to pay a vet directly earned points.

24/7 vet health line (10% of score): Insurers that provide access to a 24/7 vet health line scored in this category.

Routine wellness plans (10% of score): Insurers that offer optional wellness plans earned points.

Pays veterinary exam fees (10% of score): Plans that cover the vet exam fee for illness and accident visits scored in this category.

Euthanasia or end of life expenses (5% of score): Insurers that cover end of life expenses, such as euthanasia, cremation or burial fees, scored in this category.

Multipet discount (5% of score): Insurers that offer a multipet discount earned points.

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