Pet Insurance by State

Best Pet Insurance in California 2024:
Compare Top Companies For Dogs & Cats

Trying to find the best pet insurance in CA? We’ll analyze top providers based on your pet’s breed and lifetime costs to give you a personalized recommendation. Instantly.

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RESOURCES

Find the best pet insurance in California, remarkably fast.

With so many US pet insurance companies, how do you know which one is best for your unique pet in California? From Los Angeles, to San Diego, to Sacramento and all over "The Golden State" - Pawlicy Advisor helps thousands of pet parents like you compare and buy the best coverage at the best price.

We only work with industry-leading pet insurance companies so you can rest assured that your personalized analysis is already filtered down to proven plans with great California customer experiences.

A map of California

Find the Best Pet Insurance in California for You

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A dog in California

Our Methodology

We analyzed top pet insurance companies to provide you with an objective breakdown on how long it takes each to reimburse you, how long you have to make a claim, deductibles, reimbursement rates, coverage limits, what’s covered, and what’s not covered.

All content has been checked by a licensed insurance expert. We strongly recommend that you get a personalized recommendation based on your pet’s breed, age, and location.

Why You Can Trust Us

Unlike other platforms, Pawlicy Advisor offers personalized advice based on breed-specific attributes and total cost predictions for the lifetime of the pet. Pawlicy Advisor is recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) as the Preferred Business Provider for pet insurance.

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Recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association
Key reasons people trust Pawlicy Advisor:
  • Pawlicy Advisor is the leading independent pet insurance marketplace in the U.S.
  • Recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association
  • Served over 3 million pet owners to date
  • 100% real 5-star reviews
  • Our licensed insurance experts are not tied to any one provider
  • Personalized recommendations factor in the unique information of each pet per policy (specifically, we factor in age, breed, and location)
  • Personalized recommendations include a Lifetime Value Score calculated by comparing expected premium increases over your pet’s lifetime
  • We connect directly to our insurance partners to provide real-time quotes at the lowest rates all in one place
  • You can purchase your plan directly on Pawlicy Advisor and we’ll handle the paperwork to make sure everything is perfect
  • 100% free service, no hidden fees
  • All data is secured using 256-bit SSL encryption

Why We Don’t Have Pet Insurance Ratings or “Picks”

You may have seen ranked pet insurance recommendations on various review sites. Many companies that rank some pet insurance policies over others are being paid to do so.

FACT: There is no one-size-fits-all pet insurance. The “best pet insurance” depends entirely on your pet’s breed, age, location, and more.

Below you’ll find data-driven breakdowns comparing top providers side-by-side. To see which pet insurance is best for you, get a personalized recommendation today.

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Best Pet Insurance Companies in California 2024

Reviewed by Kari Steere, Licensed Insurance Producer

NOTE: These companies are not ranked and are in no specific order. See above for why we don’t believe in broad ratings or “picks”. Use Pawlicy Advisor to get a personalized pet insurance recommendation for your unique pet, remarkably fast.

Company
Reviews
Payback
Price
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
starstarstarstarhalf star
4.1 | 4964 Reviews
9 days after claim, on average
Get Quotes

Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstar
4.0 | 4005 Reviews
7 days after claim, on average

Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstarhalf star
4.2 | 4964 Reviews
10 days after claim, on average

Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstarhalf star
4.6 | 891 Reviews
7 days after claim, on average

MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstarhalf star
4.3 | 637 Reviews
10 days after claim, on average

Prudent Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstarhalf star
4.8 | 1016 Reviews
1-7 days after claim, on average

Figo Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstar
4.0 | 1552 Reviews
8 days after claim, on average

Hartville Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstarhalf star
4.3 | 282 Reviews
9 days after claim, on average

Fetch Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstarhalf star
4.3 | 1367 Reviews
6 days after claim, on average

Lemonade Pet Insurance Logo
starstarstarstarhalf star
4.4 | 2012 Reviews
7 days after claim, on average
View all provider reviews

Overview: California Pet Insurance Comparison Chart

Company
Deductible
Reimbursement
Limits
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance
$100, $250, or $500
70%, 80%, or 90%
$2,500, $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, or Unlimited

Figo Pet Insurance
$100, $250, $500, or $750
70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%
$5,000, $10,000, or Unlimited

Pets Best Pet Insurance
$100, $250, $500, or $1,000
70%, 80%, or 90%
$5,000, or Unlimited

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance
$100, $250, or $500
70%, 80%, or 90%
Unlimited

Embrace Pet Insurance
$200, $300, $500, $750, $1,000
70%, 80%, 90%
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, $30,000

MetLife Pet Insurance (Formerly PetFirst)
$50, $250, or $500
80%, or 90%
$5,000, or $10,000

Lemonade Pet Insurance
$250, $500, $1,000, or $2,500
60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000

Nationwide Pet Insurance
$250
50%, or 70%
$7,500

Fetch by The Dodo (Formerly Petplan)
$250, $300, or $500
70%, 80%, or 90%
$5,000, $10,000, or $15,000

Trupanion
$0 - $1,000 (in $5 increments)
90%
Unlimited

Hartville Pet Insurance
$100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
70%, 80%, or 90%
$2,500, or $5,000

Spot Pet Insurance
$100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
70%, 80%, or 90%
$2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or Unlimited

Pumpkin Pet Insurance
$100, $250, or $500
90%
Dogs: $10,000, $20,000, or Unlimited. Cats: $7,000, $15,000, or Unlimited

How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance Policy for Your Family in California

Choosing the best pet insurance policy depends on your pet’s breed, age, location, and your personal preferences. However, there are a few factors every dog or cat parent in California should consider before making a choice.

Step 1. Use Pawlicy Advisor to get a personalized recommendation and see quotes from top providers all in one place.

Step 2. Review the coverage details of your recommended plan so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.

Step 3. Review the Lifetime Value score to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

PRO TIP: Sometimes, the cheapest plan today is not the cheapest plan after five years as providers increase premiums at different rates based on your pet’s breed, age, and location. This is particularly important because you want to choose the best plan upfront — you don’t want to change providers once enrolled because any pre-existing condition will not be covered. Use Pawlicy Advisor’s Lifetime Value Score to find the best deal.

Step 4. Customize the policy to fit your needs and budget. Choose your reimbursement rate, deductible, annual limit, and routine care add-ons.

Pawlicy Advisor makes it easy to find the best pet insurance in California - and explains the coverage details of each policy in language that’s easy to understand, so you know exactly what’s covered, what’s not covered, and how lifetime value compares across providers.


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California Pet Insurance Costs

The cost of pet insurance in California varies drastically based on your zip code, how old your dog or cat is in relation to its expected lifespan, and the health risks most common with your pet’s breed(s). The table below will give you a glance at some price ranges across top providers in Los Angeles, to San Diego, to Sacramento.

Costs for California pet insurance with unlimited annual maximum coverage

Breed & AgeMonthly Insurance Cost
Chihuahua
Chihuahua
6 months old puppy
Los Angeles$30-$46
San Diego$26-$41
Sacramento$22-$31
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
6 months old puppy
Los Angeles$51-$75
San Diego$45-$67
Sacramento$38-$51
Domestic Shorthair
Domestic Shorthair
6 months old kitten
Los Angeles$23-$31
San Diego$20-$28
Sacramento$17-$19
Maine Coon
Maine Coon
6 months old kitten
Los Angeles$26-$34
San Diego$23-$31
Sacramento$20-$21
Chihuahua
Chihuahua
5 years old dog
Los Angeles$38-$56
San Diego$33-$50
Sacramento$28-$38
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
5 years old dog
Los Angeles$69-$91
San Diego$61-$82
Sacramento$52-$62
Domestic Shorthair
Domestic Shorthair
5 years old cat
Los Angeles$27-$37
San Diego$24-$33
Sacramento$21-$22
Maine Coon
Maine Coon
5 years old cat
Los Angeles$33-$40
San Diego$29-$36
Sacramento$25-$24
* The California average monthly costs listed above are based on an 80% reimbursement rate, unlimited annual reimbursment, and a $500 deductible.

Wondering how much pet health insurance will really cost in your CA zip code?

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How to Get the Best Deal on Pet Insurance Rates in California

Most CA pet owners who enroll in pet insurance do so within 6 months of adopting their new four-legged family member. Puppies and kittens in California will generally find the lowest rates, as they often have a lower risk of developing health issues - and it's important that your plan's coverage kicks in before any pre-existing conditions arise.

Pet Type
Example $ Savings
Average % Savings
Puppies
$170.46
25.12%
Kittens
$69.00
19.13%

* The California average savings listed above refer to the difference in annual premiums for a 1-year-old pet vs a 5-year-old pet, and are based on an 80% reimbursement rate, unlimited coverage, with a $500 deductible. Prices may be lower or higher for different coverage options.

Discounts & Lifetime Value Score

Several providers will offer a discount for insuring multiple pets which often adds another 10% savings for additional pets. When you use Pawlicy Advisor to shop for pet insurance, we analyze your pet to highlight any eligible discounts.

More importantly, using Pawlicy Advisor will show you hundreds of quotes from top providers customer-ranked for you unique pet - showing you each Lifetime-Pricing Score and Coverage Score.

  • Coverage Score ranks plans based on how well it will cover your pet's breed-specific health risks.
  • Lifetime-Pricing Score ranks plans based on lifetime value across the lifetime of your pet. This score takes into account expected premium increases as your pet ages and can save you 75% or more on lifetime insurance costs by helping you choose the right plan.
Diagram showing how Pawlicy Advisor compares lifetime costs to save you money
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Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost in California?

The number of insured pets is increasing nearly 20% every year - and with good reason. After surveying more than 20,000 pet owners, we found that 4 out of 5 could not afford to pay for an unexpected $5,000 veterinary bill without pet insurance.

Of more than 20,000 pet owners, Considering 40.10% of California households are pet owners, pet insurance is a great tool to hedge financial risk. Like auto-insurance, it’s something you have but hope not to use - but if an unexpected tragedy does strike you’ll be reimbursed 70% to 90% of the costs (depending on your plan). Getting pet insurance in California can help ensure that your dog or cat will get the care they need. It allows you to focus on doing the right thing, rather than costs.

Here are the metro areas across California with the most interest in pet insurance:

You can use pet insurance at any licensed veterinary clinic or animal hospital in CA

Because pet insurance reimburses you, instead of paying the vet directly, you can use your plan at any vet in California. Whether your vet’s in Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, or anywhere in between - pet insurance plans can help CA residents reduce out-of-pocket costs for unexpected accidents or illnesses.

Veterinary Costs in California

  • California has some of the highest populations of mosquitoes which can lead to heartworm infections year-round
  • Snake bites and spider bites are also common in southern states
  • Leptospirosis is a common bacterial disease in warmer climates (or anywhere there is standing water and animal droppings
  • Porcupines can be found in California, whose quills can cause infection or puncture organs
  • Antifreeze poisoning in winter (from snowblowers and cars) causes kidney failure
  • Marijuana poisoning is more prevelant in California since it's more accessible
  • CNBC reports that in any given year, 1 out of 3 pets will need emergency medical treatment.
  • EmergencyVetsUSA reports that the average cost of emergency vet care that requires hospitalization for 1-2 days is $600-$1700, while surgery in the pet ER can easily cost up to $5,000.
  • Nearly 60% of dogs are either overweight or obese
  • 80% of dogs will have some sign of dental disease by the age of two
  • The Veterinary Cancer Society estimates that almost 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer.

Vet bills in California are some of the highest in the U.S. This means the risk of having steep, unexpected vet costs is highest in this state.

Our data shows the cost of veterinary care and pet insurance for dogs is 31.89% higher for dogs in California and 20.90% lower for cats in California, vs the national average.

* The California vet cost prediction listed above refers to the difference in health coverage premiums for a 6-month-old pet in CA compared to the national average. We used premiums in this analysis becasue they’re heavily correlated to a location’s veterinary costs.

How Pet Insurance Works in California

Most pet insurance in California reimburses you after submitting a claim, and because the insurance company pays you back - instead of paying the veterinarian directly - you don’t have to worry about being “in-network”. In California, your pet insurance will work at any licensed veterinarian.

Here’s an example of how the claim process works:

  • You pay for the vet treatment your pet needs.
  • You submit a claim to your pet insurance company.
  • The pet insurance company reimburses you 70%, 80%, 90%, or even 100% of the covered costs (after your deductible is met, and usually within 10 days depending on the provider).

Save Hours Comparing Pet Insurance Quotes with a Personalized Recommendation from Pawlicy Advisor.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all pet insurance. The best plan (and pricing) will depend on your cat or dog’s breed, age, and zip code in California. However, it's important to not only look at what your pet insurance policy will cost today, but to understand what it will ultimately cost across the lifespan of your pet.

To put it simply, the policy that looks cheaper today might not be cheaper in the long run. This information is hard to find without Pawlicy Advisor.

With Pawlicy Advisor, you’ll find the best pet insurance in California for your unique pet in 5 minutes - and you have a licensed insurance expert ready to help you get the best deal.

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Rest assured that all quotes you see from Pawlicy Advisor are pulled in real-time. We connect directly with our insurance partners to make sure your get the best price.

FAQ

The average monthly cost of pet insurance in California is: $30.05 for a kitten, $35.80 for a 5-year-old cat, and $72.68 for a 10-year-old cat; $56.56 for a puppy, $70.76 for a 5-year-old dog, and $160.36 for a 10-year-old dog

Reviews

Kathleen Mangold
recommends Pawlicy Advisor
I’m so glad my vet recommended Pawlicy Advisor! I was able to compare plans without going to a multitude of sites to get the same information. I chose the insurance plan that I could afford and my rates are exactly the same as if I had bought it from their website. I’m very happy that Abby Rose has insurance. She’s a 7 year old rescue in good health but we never know what the future holds. Whatever the future brings I’m thankful that she will have the best care!
Neha Dillon
recommends Pawlicy Advisor
We recently got a puppy and wanted insurance for the new member of our family. Pawlicy was so quick and easy to use and told us exactly what insurance plans we should consider for the specific breed of our pup. The app gave us summarized information so that we could make a quick and informed decision. We've loved our insurance plan so far. Would definitely recommend
Jewel Harvell Kindred
recommends Pawlicy Advisor
I was searching for pet insurance for weeks. Pawlicy was recommended by a vet. The website was so easy to use. I even found the prices to be cheaper than the actual insurance site. THANK YOU, Pawlicy for helping to me ensure my fur baby is covered!
Victoria Silvestri Milonovich
recommends Pawlicy Advisor
Pawlicy Advisor found the best pet insurance coverage for our Labradoodle at the best price. Totally recommend Pawlicy Advisor to anyone looking to purchase pet insurance.
Wendy Johnson
recommends Pawlicy Advisor
This was a very easy process and I found a great policy $20 less a month than other quotes I was seeing for better coverage. Thank you Pawlicy Advisor!!
Jill Nicholson
recommends Pawlicy Advisor
Super easy to research different pet insurance options and find the best one for me. I compared prices through Pawlicy Advisor or the insurance provider, and Pawlicy Advisor offered a much better deal for the same exact policy. We’re all covered now.

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Our pet insurance partners
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Logo
Pets Best Pet Insurance Logo
Embrace Pet Insurance Logo
Pumpkin Pet Insurance Logo
MetLife Pet Insurance Logo
Prudent Pet Insurance Logo