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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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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.
Updated
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
In This Article
Washington pet owners face unique challenges protecting their furry companions. Emergency surgeries can cost thousands, and even common health issues may require multiple vet visits and ongoing treatment costs that add up quickly.[1] Pet insurance can help you avoid making difficult financial decisions about your pet’s care.[2]
Our top picks for the best pet insurance in the state include Lemonade, Spot, and Pets Best. With average statewide monthly premiums of $42 for dogs and $23 for cats, you won’t have to choose between your pet’s health and your budget.
We’ve evaluated the best options to help you find the right protection for your pet and budget.
What You Need to Know About Pet Insurance in Washington
Pet insurance in Washington state costs $504 per year for dogs and $276 for cats.
Spot offers the lowest average rates for dogs, while Spot leads for cats.
Washington’s 2024 pet insurance law strengthens consumer protections with clearer policy terms and more consumer-friendly pre-existing condition rules.[3]
Compare Pet Insurance Companies in Washington
We’ve analyzed Washington’s top pet insurers across key metrics like average rates, coverage options, and claim processing speed. The table below shows how the top companies compare for Washington pet owners, according to our research.
Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $21/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $12/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 $16/mo* | Avg. quote, cats Prices based on average across all available cat breeds and locations $16/mo* |
Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $30/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $24/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $53/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $32/mo* | Avg. quote, dogs Prices based on average across all available dog breeds and locations $26/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% |
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. $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. $100–$500 | Deductibles The amount you must pay towards a covered event before your coverage kicks in. $50–$1,000 |
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. |
Our Picks for the Best Pet Insurance Companies in Washington
No single pet insurance company works perfectly for every pet owner’s situation. Your best choice depends on factors like your pet’s age, breed, health history, and your budget priorities.
Here are our top picks for pet insurance in Washington:
Lemonade: Best for budgets
Bundling discount available
Can file claims through app
Two-day waiting period for accidents
Behavioral coverage available only with add-on
No coverage for dental illnesses
Limited policy customization
Lemonade earns our top spot for overall affordability in Washington, combining competitive average premiums with solid features. The company’s tech-forward approach makes filing claims simple through its mobile app, and its short accident waiting period gets you covered faster than most competitors.
We chose Lemonade because it delivers strong value without sacrificing essential coverage benefits.
Spot: Best for flexible coverage
Unlimited annual and lifetime payouts
Quick claims processing
Covers alternative therapies
Won’t issue policies to older pets
Doesn’t offer wellness plans
Limited deductible options
Spot stands out for coverage flexibility. You get unlimited payouts that never cap your benefits. Its competitive pricing comes with alternative therapy coverage that covers acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and stem cell therapy.
That means Washington pet owners who want comprehensive protection can tailor coverage to their pet’s specific needs.
Healthy Paws: Best for claims processing
Fastest claims reimbursement
Unlimited lifetime benefits
High customer satisfaction
No accident-only plans
Limited policy customization
Higher premium costs
Healthy Paws excels at rapid claims processing, typically reimbursing approved claims within days rather than weeks, according to its website. Its unlimited coverage and strong reputation for customer service make it a solid choice.
We picked Healthy Paws because its proven track record for quick, hassle-free claims gives pet owners peace of mind when they need it most.
ASPCA: Best for multiple pets
10% multi-pet discount
Covers alternative therapies
Wide range of coverage options
No coverage for prescription food
Must call vet helpline for advice
Limited dental coverage
ASPCA offers a 10% multi-pet discount for each additional pet you insure. Its midtier pricing comes with extensive coverage for alternative treatments that many Washington pet owners value. Alternative therapies include acupuncture, chiropractic care, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy.
We chose ASPCA because its discounts and alternative care coverage deliver solid value for families with multiple pets.
Pets Best: Best for senior pets
No upper age limit for enrollment
Covers acupuncture and chiropractic care
24/7 pet helpline
No 100% reimbursement option
Doesn’t cover behavioral therapy
Lengthy waiting periods for certain conditions
Pets Best removes the age barriers that block many senior pets from coverage elsewhere. Its affordable rates for older dogs and cats work well for pet owners in Washington. The company also has no upper age limit on accident and illness coverage.
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 Washington
Pet insurance costs vary significantly between companies based on what each covers and how it handles claims. Your pet’s breed, age, and where you live in Washington also affect your monthly payment.
The table below shows companies offering the lowest average monthly premiums for dogs and cats in Washington, according to our data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Dogs | Average Monthly Premium: Cats |
---|---|---|
Spot | $24 | $12 |
Pets Best | $26 | $16 |
Lemonade | $30 | $21 |
ASPCA | $32 | $16 |
Prudent Pet | $41 | $22 |
Figo | $66 | $39 |
Pumpkin | $75 | $31 |
Washington Pet Insurance Laws and Requirements
Washington strengthened pet insurance regulations in 2024 with Senate Bill 5319, which provides better consumer protections, including:
Pre-existing condition standards: Insurance companies can deny coverage only if a condition is “directly related” to the new ailment. This reduces unfair claim denials for pre-existing conditions.
Waiting period limits: Accident coverage can’t have waiting periods, while illness waiting periods are capped at 30 days.
Required disclosures: Companies must clearly explain exclusions, limitations, and how premiums may increase based on age, claims, or location changes.
15-day free-look period: You can cancel your policy within 15 days and receive a full refund if you haven’t filed any claims.
Licensing requirements: All pet insurance sellers must complete training and obtain state licensing.
Additional pet-related laws in Washington
Rabies vaccinations: All dogs, cats, and ferrets must maintain current rabies vaccinations.[4]
Spay/neuter requirements: Some counties, like King County, require spaying/neutering for pets older than 6 months unless you have an unaltered license.[5]
Leash laws: Most municipalities require you to leash or confine dogs, though specific rules vary by jurisdiction.
Animal liability: Washington has strict liability laws for dog bites, making pet owners responsible for injuries their dogs cause.
How to Pick the Right Washington Pet Insurance Company for You
Finding the best pet insurance requires evaluating your specific situation and priorities. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Calculate your budget. Determine the monthly premium that fits comfortably within your budget, keeping in mind that Washington rates can vary by location within the state.[6]
Understand your pet’s risk factors. Consider your pet’s breed, age, and health history, plus Washington-specific risks like outdoor activities and wildlife encounters.[7]
Compare coverages. Look beyond price to evaluate what’s actually covered, including pre-existing conditions, hereditary issues, and alternative treatments.
Get multiple quotes. Request personalized quotes from at least three or four companies, as rates can vary significantly even for similar pets.
Review Washington-specific benefits. Take advantage of the state’s consumer protections and understand how local laws affect your coverage.
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Pet Insurance Terms: A Full Glossary of Everything You Should Know
Washington Pet Insurance FAQs
Finding the best pet insurance for you and your family can feel overwhelming. Washington pet owners often have questions about costs and what’s covered.
What’s the best pet insurance in Washington?
No single “best” company exists. The right choice depends on your pet’s needs and your budget. Our top three picks for the best pet insurance companies in Washington are Lemonade, Spot, and Pets Best.
What is the average cost of pet insurance in Washington?
Pet insurance in Washington averages $42 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats, according to Compare.com data.
Is pet insurance expensive in Washington?
Washington pet insurance rates are competitive with nearby states, accorrding to Compare.com data. Oregon has similar average rates, at $49 per month for dogs and $25 for cats. Idaho has average rates around $49 per month for dogs and $27 per month for dogs and cats, respectively.
Is pet insurance worth it in Washington?
Yes. Pet insurance is worth it in Washington — especially given the wildlife risks that can affect pets. A single emergency surgery can cost thousands, while routine procedures like dental cleanings can run several hundred dollars in major cities.
Pet insurance helps manage these expenses while Washington’s new consumer protection laws provide additional peace of mind.
What does pet insurance cover in Washington?
Washington pet insurance typically covers accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and diagnostic tests. Many plans also include alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care. Under Washington’s new law, pre-existing conditions can be excluded only if directly related to new ailments.
This provides broader coverage than many other states. Wellness plans for routine care are separate add-ons rather than insurance coverage.
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
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide."
- The ASPCA. "The Real Benefits of Pet Insurance: What You Get and Why It Matters."
- Office of the Insurance Commissioner. "What Washington’s new pet insurance bill means for you."
- Washington State Department of Health. "Rabies Vaccination Requirements for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets."
- WA - King County - IV. Mandatory Spay and Neuter Program. "Animal Legal & Historical Center."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "A Regulator’s Guide to Pet Insurance."
- Conservation Northwest. "Recreation and Wildlife in Washington: Considerations for Conservation."