How Much Pet Insurance Costs in 2025: Average Rates, Discounts, and More
Dog owners pay an average of $43 per month for pet insurance, while the average cat owner pays $23.
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Written byLindsay Frankel
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Lindsay Frankel is a personal finance and insurance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Investopedia, LendingTree, The Balance, SFGate, Bankrate, and FinanceBuzz.
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Edited byMatthew Gross
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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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In This Article
A lot of factors come into play when it comes to how much you pay for pet insurance. Generally, your monthly cost depends on your pet’s age and breed, your location, and the coverage options you choose.[1]
Our data shows that, on average, pet insurance costs $43 per month for dogs and $23 per month for cats. But some pet insurance companies offer lower-than-average rates.
Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find the best price to insure your furry friend. To help you pick the right company for your pet, we’ll cover average pet insurance prices by species, breed, age, state, and insurer. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to lower your pet insurance premiums.
Key Takeaways
Dogs usually cost more to insure than cats, and companies tend to charge the most for large purebred dogs.
It’s best to buy a pet insurance policy when your pet is young, before it develops any health conditions.
You can reduce your pet insurance premium by choosing a higher deductible or lowering your reimbursement rate.
Average Pet Insurance Costs in the U.S.
Pet insurance costs vary by many different factors. As we already mentioned, dogs cost more to insure than cats, and insurers charge more for breeds prone to health issues. Pet insurance premiums also increase with your pet’s age, and your local veterinary costs also affect how much you pay.
To give you a better idea of how costs differ, the table below shows the average costs to insure different dog and cat breeds, according to Compare.com data.
Breed  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| All dog breeds | $43 |
| Purebred dogs | $62 |
| Mixed-breed dogs | $49 |
| All cat breeds | $23 |
| Purebred cats | $35 |
| Mixed-breed cats | $28 |
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Average Pet Insurance Costs for Dogs
Dog owners pay a monthly average of $43 for pet insurance, according to Compare.com data. Pet insurance companies consider your dog’s age, breed, and location when setting premiums. For example, purebred dogs are prone to more health conditions than mixed breeds, so you’ll typically pay a higher premium for a Bernese mountain dog than for a mutt.
Some breeds are particularly costly to insure, too. The table below shows the average monthly premiums for common dog breeds, based on our data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Breed | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Chihuahua | $36 |
| Shih Tzu | $36 |
| Goldendoodle | $37 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | $39 |
| Dachshund | $42 |
| Husky | $43 |
| Maltese | $43 |
| Pomeranian | $46 |
| German Shepherd | $52 |
| Golden Retriever | $53 |
| Pug | $54 |
| Labrador Retriever | $59 |
| Pit Bull | $60 |
| American Bully | $61 |
| American Pit Bull Terrier | $64 |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | $69 |
| American Bulldog | $72 |
| French Bulldog | $75 |
| Boxer | $77 |
| Rottweiler | $84 |
Pet insurance companies commonly group dog breeds together and charge the highest premiums for large purebred dogs.
Premiums can cost up to 75% more for some large dog breeds than small or mixed-breed pups, too.[2] That’s why a pet insurance policy for a German shepherd costs an average of $52 per month, while insurance for a Chihuahua averages $36.
Dog insurance costs by age
Many insurers won’t issue policies for dogs younger than 8 weeks old or older than 12 years old because they have a higher risk of health problems. Pet insurance companies also set premiums based on your dog’s age, because older dogs are more likely to need veterinary care.
You should buy a policy when your dog is young because:
You’ll pay less. Premiums for older dogs cost more than premiums for younger dogs.
You’ll get more coverage. Most pet insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions, so they won’t cover your pet if you wait until it’s sick to buy a policy.
The table below shows the average yearly cost for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Average Annual Premium: Puppies | Average Annual Premium: Adult Dogs | Average Monthly Premium: Senior Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| $472 | $547 | $1,239 |
Dog insurance costs by company
Dog insurance rates vary from company to company, too. Some policies cost more because of coverage differences, like accident-only vs. comprehensive coverage. But you may also find insurers offering the same coverage at different prices.
The table below shows the average monthly premiums for dog insurance from some of the top pet insurers, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pets Best | $22 |
| Lemonade | $26 |
| Spot | $27 |
| ASPCA | $32 |
| Healthy Paws | $43 |
| Prudent Pet | $54 |
| Figo | $57 |
| Fetch Pet | $66 |
| Pumpkin | $67 |
Pets Best tends to offer the cheapest dog insurance, with an average monthly premium of $22.
But keep in mind that pet insurance companies consider your dog’s information differently. For example, some insurers offer cheaper rates for senior dogs.
Dog insurance costs by state
Pet insurance rates also vary by state, and even by ZIP code. That’s because veterinary care costs more in some areas than others. For example, you’ll typically pay a higher premium if you live in an urban area with a higher cost of living.
Check out the map below to find your state’s average monthly cost for dog insurance.
Dog Insurance Rates by State
State | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32 |
| Alaska | $56 |
| Arizona | $46 |
| Arkansas | $29 |
| California | $47 |
| Colorado | $49 |
| Connecticut | $51 |
| Delaware | $46 |
| Florida | $42 |
| Georgia | $36 |
| Hawaii | $47 |
| Idaho | $51 |
| Illinois | $46 |
| Indiana | $42 |
| Iowa | $33 |
| Kansas | $43 |
| Kentucky | $37 |
| Louisiana | $35 |
| Maine | $52 |
| Maryland | $47 |
| Massachusetts | $53 |
| Michigan | $44 |
| Minnesota | $42 |
| Mississippi | $35 |
| Missouri | $37 |
| Montana | $45 |
| Nebraska | $41 |
| Nevada | $41 |
| New Hampshire | $51 |
| New Jersey | $47 |
| New Mexico | $40 |
| New York | $57 |
| North Carolina | $36 |
| North Dakota | $45 |
| Ohio | $38 |
| Oklahoma | $38 |
| Oregon | $50 |
| Pennsylvania | $39 |
| Rhode Island | $39 |
| South Carolina | $37 |
| South Dakota | $48 |
| Tennessee | $42 |
| Texas | $34 |
| Utah | $41 |
| Vermont | $44 |
| Virginia | $42 |
| Washington | $43 |
| West Virginia | $40 |
| Wisconsin | $42 |
| Wyoming | $44 |
Average Pet Insurance Costs for Cats
Cat owners pay an average of $23 per month for pet insurance. But your premium depends on your cat’s age and breed, the coverage you choose, and vet costs in your area.
Still, you may find more affordable coverage with the right company. The table below shows the average cost to insure common cat breeds, according to our data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Breed | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Bombay | $23 |
| Ragdoll | $23 |
| Russian Blue | $23 |
| American Shorthair | $25 |
| Siamese | $25 |
| Bengal | $28 |
| Sphynx | $28 |
| British Shorthair | $31 |
| Maine Coon | $33 |
| Persian | $36 |
Cat insurance costs by age
Many pet insurers won’t insure kittens younger than 8 weeks, and some also won’t insure senior cats. Pet insurance costs less for younger cats — that means it’s generally wise to buy a policy as soon as your cat is old enough. Cat insurance costs can double, or even quadruple, for senior cats.
The table below lists the average yearly premium for kittens, adult cats, and senior felines, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Average Annual Premium: Kittens | Average Annual Premium: Adult Cats | Average Annual Premium: Senior Cats |
|---|---|---|
| $241 | $267 | $721 |
Cat insurance costs by company
When comparing cat insurance quotes, you’ll notice that some companies charge more than others. These cost differences can be due to coverage differences, how the company factors in your cat’s age and breed, and its general pricing relative to other insurers.
To give you a better idea of how rates vary among insurers, the table below shows the average cost of cat insurance from some of the best pet insurance companies, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Pets Best | $13 |
| Spot | $13 |
| Lemonade | $15 |
| ASPCA | $16 |
| Healthy Paws | $21 |
| Fetch Pet | $23 |
| Figo | $25 |
| Pumpkin | $29 |
| Prudent Pet | $31 |
Pets Best offers the cheapest pet insurance for cats, with an average monthly premium of $13. But keep in mind that these prices are averages, and your costs depend on factors like your ZIP code and your cat’s age and breed.
Cat insurance costs by state
Since the price of veterinary care in your area affects your insurer’s costs, pet insurance companies tend to charge pet owners in urban areas more. Premiums can even vary by ZIP code, so you should always compare quotes when shopping for cat insurance.
Check out the map below to find the average price in your state.
Cat Insurance Rates by State
State | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $20 |
| Alaska | $31 |
| Arizona | $24 |
| Arkansas | $13 |
| California | $23 |
| Colorado | $30 |
| Connecticut | $28 |
| Delaware | $24 |
| Florida | $21 |
| Georgia | $20 |
| Hawaii | $28 |
| Idaho | $25 |
| Illinois | $25 |
| Indiana | $22 |
| Iowa | $17 |
| Kansas | $21 |
| Kentucky | $17 |
| Louisiana | $17 |
| Maine | $26 |
| Maryland | $27 |
| Massachusetts | $28 |
| Michigan | $23 |
| Minnesota | $21 |
| Mississippi | $18 |
| Missouri | $21 |
| Montana | $20 |
| Nebraska | $26 |
| Nevada | $25 |
| New Hampshire | $32 |
| New Jersey | $28 |
| New Mexico | $23 |
| New York | $31 |
| North Carolina | $20 |
| North Dakota | $24 |
| Ohio | $21 |
| Oklahoma | $19 |
| Oregon | $27 |
| Pennsylvania | $23 |
| Rhode Island | $22 |
| South Carolina | $21 |
| South Dakota | $22 |
| Tennessee | $22 |
| Texas | $17 |
| Utah | $23 |
| Vermont | $24 |
| Virginia | $23 |
| Washington | $23 |
| West Virginia | $18 |
| Wisconsin | $27 |
| Wyoming | $18 |
How to Get Cheaper Pet Insurance
When shopping for pet insurance, the coverage you choose has a substantial effect on the cost of your policy. For example, you can opt for a basic accident and illness policy or go with a company that offers more comprehensive coverage.
Most insurers allow you to choose your deductible, reimbursement level, and annual limit, all of which affect your premium. Let’s review a few tips for finding a budget-friendly policy for your pet.
Adjust your reimbursement rate
Your policy’s reimbursement rate is the share of your vet bills your insurer pays after you meet your deductible. Reimbursement rates typically range from 50% to 100%, and you pay any remaining amount in co-insurance.[3]
For example, if you choose an 80% reimbursement rate, your insurer will pay for 80% of covered treatments after you meet your deductible, and you’ll pay the remaining 20%. A lower reimbursement percentage means a lower premium but higher out-of-pocket costs if your pet needs care.
Increase your deductible
Many companies allow you to choose your deductible — the amount you need to pay each policy term before your insurer reimburses your vet bills. Some insurers use lifetime, per-condition deductibles instead.
Pet insurance deductibles can range from $100 to $1,000, and choosing a high deductible will lower your monthly premium. But remember that a higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket if your pet needs treatment.
Consider a lower payout limit
Many pet insurance companies let you choose your annual limit — the maximum your insurer will pay for covered treatments each year. Some companies use lifetime limits instead, and others offer unlimited coverage.
You can choose a lower limit to reduce your premium, but be careful of going too low. An emergency surgery or chronic illness could cost thousands of dollars to treat, and a lower limit could leave you with expensive out-of-pocket costs.
Buy only the coverage you need
Consider whether your pet is prone to certain health issues, and consider your pet’s pre-existing conditions when buying a policy.
For example, if your dog shows signs of periodontal disease, you probably don’t need a policy that covers dental illness because it won’t apply to your dog’s pre-existing condition. On the other hand, if you have a purebred puppy, you may want a policy that covers congenital and hereditary conditions.
You might want an accident-only policy or a pet insurance alternative — like a veterinary discount plan — if you have an older pet or one with chronic health conditions.
Shop around and compare quotes
Collect personalized quotes from different pet insurance companies to find the coverage you want at the best price. You can get quotes from each insurer’s website or use an insurance-comparison site to save time. For an apples-to-apples comparison, choose the same deductible, reimbursement rate, and limits for each quote.
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Pet Insurance Costs FAQs
Budgeting for pet insurance can be tough. And after all, your pet probably doesn’t contribute much to your household income. To help you out, we answered some common questions from pet parents below.
How much is pet insurance for a dog?
Dog owners pay an average of $43 per month for pet insurance, according to Compare.com data. But your costs will depend on factors like your pet’s age and location, as well as the company and coverage options you choose.
How much is pet insurance for a cat?
Cat insurance costs an average of $23 per month, according to our data. But your cat’s age, breed, and location will affect your premium. You could also find cheaper coverage if you shop around.
Does pet insurance cover vaccinations?
No. Pet insurance typically excludes coverage for preventive care like vaccines. But many companies offer wellness plans that cover routine vaccinations for an extra cost.
Does pet insurance cover dental work?
It depends. Pet insurance may cover dental work, depending on the type of pet insurance plan you have and the reason for the treatment. Wellness plans may cover routine dental cleaning, accident-only policies may cover accidental dental fractures, and accident and illness policies may cover dental diseases.
Does pet insurance cover spaying or neutering?
No. Most standard pet insurance policies don’t cover spaying or neutering. But some wellness plans for puppies and kittens offer reimbursement for these procedures.
Is pet insurance worth it?
It depends. Pet insurance is a personal decision, but a comprehensive policy provides peace of mind by ensuring you can afford vet treatment. Because emergency vet visits and chronic conditions can be expensive, pet insurance could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Can you use pet insurance with any vet?
Yes. Unlike human health insurance, pet insurance doesn’t use veterinary networks. Instead, pet insurance companies typically reimburse you after you pay your vet. You can usually use any licensed vet in the U.S., but some insurers offer direct vet pay, which you can use only at vet offices that accept it.
Sources
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. "A Regulator’s Guide to Pet Insurance."
- American Animal Hospital Association. "How Do I Choose the Right Pet Insurance?."
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Lindsay FrankelInsurance Writer
Lindsay Frankel is a personal finance and insurance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Investopedia, LendingTree, The Balance, SFGate, Bankrate, and FinanceBuzz.
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
