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Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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John Leach is a licensed insurance agent who reviews and fact-checks articles for Compare.com. John has several years of experience reviewing and editing various insurance topics, and he also holds a valid personal lines producer license from the California Department of Insurance (NPN #20461358).
He’s also an alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in linguistics.
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In This Article
When your furry family member faces an unexpected health scare, you don’t want to worry about potential vet costs. That’s where the best pet insurance companies in Virginia step in. They offer peace of mind and financial protection when accidents or illnesses strike.
Pet insurance in Virginia averages $40 per month for dogs and $22 for cats, according to our data. But your costs can vary significantly based on your pet’s breed, its age, and the coverage you choose.
Overall, we found that some of the best insurers across the commonwealth include Healthy Paws, Lemonade, ASPCA, and Spot.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about finding the best pet insurance in Virginia.
What You Need to Know About Pet Insurance in Virginia
Pet insurance in Virginia costs an average of $480 annually for dogs and $264 for cats.
Lemonade is our top pet insurer for dogs, while Spot is the best for cats.
Virginia doesn’t regulate pet insurance directly, but it has specific animal-related laws that may affect your coverage.
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Virginia
Virginia pet parents can choose from many different insurance companies, each offering its own coverage, pricing, and benefits. The table below shows how some of Virginia’s top pet insurers compare by average monthly premiums and available coverages, according to Compare.com data.
Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $16/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $11/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $0/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $15/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $13/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $20/mo* |
Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $29/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $21/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $43/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $42/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $25/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $60/mo* |
Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 60%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 50%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–90% | Reimbursement % The percentage of costs your provider will pay for a covered event, after you’ve paid your deductible. 70%–100% |
Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–$100,000 | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $2,500–Unlimited | Payout limits The maximum amount your provider will pay for covered events. $5,000–Unlimited |
Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $250–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$1,000 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$500 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $100–$750 |
Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions Not coveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. | Curable pre-existing conditions CoveredPre-existing conditions refer to conditions your pet has shown documented symptoms of before your policy’s waiting period is over. Some companies still cover these conditions if they’re deemed “curable” and haven’t shown symptoms for a specified period of time that varies by insurer. |
Our Picks for the Best Pet Insurance Companies in Virginia
Choosing the right pet insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every pet has unique needs, and what works for your neighbor’s golden retriever might not be the best choice for your Maine coon cat.
We picked the following companies based on factors that matter most to Virginia pet owners. Each of our picks offers something different, whether it’s unlimited payouts, multi-pet discounts, or coverage for older animals.
Here are our top picks for pet insurance in Virginia:
Lemonade: Best for dogs
Bundling discount available
File claims through its mobile app
Fast reimbursement times
Behavioral coverage only with add-on
Doesn’t cover dental cleanings
No 24/7 customer support
Lemonade stands out for its tech-forward approach and affordable pricing/ Plans average $29 per month for dogs and $29 for cats, according to our data.
Plus, the company’s AI-powered claims processing can approve simple claims in minutes, getting your money to you quickly.
Lemonade’s bundling discount offers 10% savings when you combine pet insurance with its renters, homeowners, or auto policies. That makes it an excellent choice for Virginia pet owners who also want home or auto coverage.
Spot: Best for cats
No age restrictions
Optional wellness plans
Covers exam fees for accidents and illnesses
No 100% reimbursement option
14-day waiting period for illnesses
Higher senior premiums than some competitors
Unlike many competitors, Spot doesn’t have upper age limits for enrollment, so even older pets can get coverage. Its accident and illness plans include coverage for exam fees, and you can add optional wellness plans to help with routine care like annual checkups and vaccinations.
Healthy Paws: Best for young pets
Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts
Quick claims processing
High customer satisfaction
Won’t issue policies to older pets
Doesn’t offer wellness or preventive care
No coverage for exam fees
Healthy Paws keeps things simple with one comprehensive plan that covers accidents and illnesses without payout limits. The company processes most claims within two days and has earned good customer satisfaction scores on Trustpilot.[1]
Healthy Paws specializes in covering younger pets, offering straightforward, unlimited coverage for Virginia pet owners with dogs and cats younger than 14 years old. Focusing on young pets allows Healthy Paws to provide competitive rates and comprehensive benefits.
ASPCA: Best for multi-pet discounts
Discount for additional pets
Covers alternative therapies
Flexible annual coverage options
No coverage for prescription food
Must call to cancel policy
Limited policy options compared to some competitors
ASPCA offers a 10% discount for each additional pet you insure, making it budget-friendly for Virginia households with multiple furry family members. It also offers a comprehensive coverage plan that includes alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care. Most insurers don’t have that.
While its policies lack customization options, ASPCA offers solid coverage with the reliability of a well-established name in pet insurance.
Figo: Best for unlimited payouts
No upper age limit for new policies
Multiple deductible options
Covers hereditary and chronic conditions
Mixed customer reviews about claims
No coverage for routine or preventive care
Exam fee coverage costs extra
Figo offers highly customizable policies with an option for unlimited annual coverage and no age restrictions. Virginia pet owners can choose from several deductibles and reimbursement levels to create a plan that fits their budget.
Every policy includes 24/7 virtual vet visits, which can be valuable for quick consultations. But some customers have reported challenges with claims processing, so it might be worth checking current customer reviews.
Our editorial team selected the companies you see here based on a combination of average premiums, available coverages, policy features, and more.
These factors include:
State-level average premiums by species, age, and breed
Available reimbursement rates, payout levels, and deductibles
Waiting periods for common conditions
Coverage for curable pre-existing conditions
Plan flexibility and policy management features
We prioritized each factor differently depending on the category to provide the best possible recommendations to pet owners throughout the state.
The Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies in Virginia
Pet insurance rates can vary dramatically between companies due to different coverages and pricing methods. Some insurers focus on basic accident coverage at lower prices, while others offer comprehensive plans that cost more.
The table below shows the most affordable pet insurance options in Virginia, according to our data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Dogs | Average Monthly Premium: Cats |
---|---|---|
Spot | $21 | $11 |
ASPCA | $25 | $13 |
Lemonade | $29 | $16 |
Pets Best | $42 | $15 |
Prudent Pet | $52 | $29 |
Figo | $60 | $20 |
Pumpkin | $64 | $24 |
Virginia Pet Insurance Laws and Requirements
Virginia doesn’t regulate pet insurance directly, but the state has specific animal-related laws that may affect coverage, including:
Dangerous dog requirements: Virginia law requires owners of dogs classified as dangerous to maintain $100,000 in liability insurance that covers animal bites. You’ll typically get this through your homeowners or renters insurance policy. You must maintain this coverage as long as you own your dog and submit proof every year to animal control officers.[2]
Spay and neuter programs: If you adopt from a Virginia shelter, you must spay or neuter your pet within 30 days if it’s sexually mature, or within 30 days after it reaches 6 months of age (if not mature at adoption).[3]
Vaccination requirements: Virginia law requires all dogs and cats 4 months of age and older to get the rabies vaccine from a licensed veterinarian. Each locality must hold rabies clinics at least once every two years.[4]
How to Pick the Right Virginia Pet Insurance Company for You
To find the best pet insurance in Virginia, you need to carefully compare your options. Follow these steps to make the best choice for your pet:
Assess your pet’s needs. Consider your pet’s age, breed, current health, and any hereditary conditions that might require future treatment.
Set your budget. Determine how much you can afford monthly and what deductible amount works for you.
Compare coverage options. Look beyond price for what each policy covers, including hereditary conditions, chronic illnesses, and emergency care.
Read the fine print. Understanding waiting periods, exclusions, and pre-existing conditions before enrolling can prevent surprises later.
Get multiple quotes. Request quotes from at least three Virginia pet insurance companies to compare rates and coverage for your pet side by side.
Virginia Pet Insurance FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions Virginia pet owners have about insurance coverage.
What’s the best pet insurance in Virginia?
It depends. Our top picks include Lemonade, Spot, and Healthy Paws. But the best pet insurance for you depends on your pet’s specific needs, age, and breed.
What is the average cost of pet insurance in Virginia?
Pet insurance in Virginia averages $40 monthly for dogs and $22 for cats, according to Compare.com data. Nationally, pet insurance averages $42 per month for dogs and $23 for cats.
Is pet insurance expensive in Virginia?
It depends. Virginia’s average pet insurance costs are comparable to those in neighboring states, according to Compare.com data. Maryland and North Carolina have similar average rates, while Washington, D.C., residents typically pay slightly more due to higher veterinary costs.
Is pet insurance worth it in Virginia?
Yes. Pet insurance can give you valuable financial protection in Virginia. The average cost of a vet visit in Virginia is approximately $87, but emergency veterinary visits can easily exceed $1,000.[5] [6] With many pet parents unable to afford large veterinary bills, insurance helps ensure your pet receives necessary care.
What does pet insurance cover in Virginia?
Most pet insurance policies in Virginia cover accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications. Optional add-ons can cover routine care like annual exams, vaccinations, and preventive treatments.
Our editorial team created this article with the help of highly trained generative AI tools. That said, multiple insurance experts — including at least one licensed agent — have rigorously reviewed, fact-checked, and edited every word and data point you see here.
We write, edit, and review all of the content on Compare.com according to our strict editorial standards, regardless of how we created it. Learn more about our editorial process.
Methodology
Compare.com data scientists analyzed more than 250,000 pet insurance quotes from our proprietary database — sourced by Fletch Insurance Services LLC (“Fletch”) — to determine the premium prices displayed on this page. These quotes come directly from Compare.com’s 10+ partner insurance companies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reflecting monthly pet insurance costs for both dogs and cats.
Unless otherwise specified, premium prices represent one-year rolling medians to account for market volatility driven by factors such as rising veterinary care costs and increased pet ownership.
Breed-level prices incorporate both mixed and purebred pets. To ensure reliability, a minimum of 8 quotes is required for dogs and 4 quotes for cats. Breeds with significant price deviations from the average are noted explicitly; other breeds are estimated based on average costs for all purebred pets.
Pets are grouped into three age brackets:
- Young: under 12 months
- Adult: 12 months to 7 years
- Senior: over 7 years
Coverage Limits
Dog premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
Cat premium averages reflect policies with annual coverage limits of $2,500, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited.
For both dogs and cats, monthly premiums are segmented by:
- Deductible options: $250, $500, $1,000
- Reimbursement options: 70%, 80%, 90%
Sources
- Trustpilot. "Healthy Paws Reviews."
- Virginia Law Library. "§ 3.2-6540.01. Obligations of officer and owner following dangerous dog finding.."
- Virginia Law Library. "§ 3.2-6574. Sterilization of adopted dogs and cats; enforcement; civil penalty.."
- Virginia Law Library. "Article 5. Rabies Control and Licensing of Dogs and Cats.."
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs."
- National Library of Medicine. "The Impact of Pet Health Insurance on Dog Owners’ Spending for Veterinary Services."