Best Pet Insurance in California in 2024
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Key Takeaways
- Lemonade, ASPCA, and Pets Best have the best and cheapest plans on our list.
- California pet insurance plans cost an average of $20– $60 for dogs and $10–$30 for cats. The deductible, reimbursement rate, and coverage limit you choose greatly impact the price.
- Cities such as Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Diego have pet laws and requirements for pet owners to be aware of.
The Golden State’s sunny weather and many parks make it an ideal home for a pet. If an accident or illness spoils the fun, having a pet insurance policy can help get your pet back in good health without putting a big dent in your wallet.
We recently reviewed the top insurance companies and wellness plans across the country to see how they compare on price, coverage, customer service, and more. We found the following companies to be the best pet insurance options in California, with pet insurer Lemonade being our top pick.
How Do The Top California Pet Insurance Companies Compare?
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B- | Get Quote | ||
| Get Quote | |||
| A+ | Get Quote | ||
| Get Quote | |||
 | Read Our Review | |||
 | Read Our Review | |||
 | Get Quote | |||
 | Read Our Review |
*Costs are based on quotes for 4-year-old, mixed-breed, male pets.
Who Offers the Best Pet Insurance in California?
Lemonade offers the best pet insurance in California, according to our rating scale. Its coverage options are hard to beat for the price. Plus, Lemonade has an AI-powered claim-filing process, so you can handle your pets’ medical bills quickly and easily. Even more convenient is that it’s not just a pet insurance company—you can also get home, renter’s, and auto insurance through Lemonade and bundle your policies at a discounted rate.
Its many coverage and add-on options make it easy to customize your pet’s policy. Lemonade has one of the cheapest wellness add-ons in the industry, as well as five other add-ons to help you save money on your pet’s care.
- Lemonade: Best Overall
- Spot: Most Customizable Plans
- ASPCA: Best For New Pet Owners
- Healthy Paws: Best Coverage Limit
- Fetch Pet Insurance: BEST HOLISTIC COVERAGE
- Figo: Best Extra Coverage Add-On
- Pets Best: Most Affordable Pricing
- Prudent Pet: Most Comprehensive Plan
- Wagmo: Best For Wellness
Pros and Cons of Lemonade
Pros
- Has a charitable giveback program
- Has a short two-day waiting period for accidents
- Offers a 10% discount for bundling your pet insurance policy with Lemonade home insurance
Cons
- Doesn’t cover behavioral issues
- Customer service can be difficult to reach
- Has a lower BBB rating than many competitors
Why We Chose Lemonadee
Scoring a 4.8 out of 5, Lemonade is our top choice for pet owners looking for the best overall coverage, plan customization, and affordability. It also has a unique mobile app with AI technology, providing one of the fastest claims-filing processes in the industry. The company offers up to $100,000 of accident-and-illness coverage per year, plus add-ons for routine care and wellness, exam fees, and physical therapy.
- Deductibles: $100, $250, or $500
- Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
Lemonade Plans and Coverage
Lemonade offers one pet insurance plan for accidents and illnesses, along with three add-ons for extra coverage.
Standard Plan: The standard policy covers procedures, treatments, and vet visits related to accidents and illnesses, such as diagnostics, hospitalization, emergency care, surgery, prescription medications, and injections.
Eligible incidents include infections, cancer, broken bones, hip dysplasia, heart disease, or general illnesses, but preexisting conditions, elective procedures, and behavioral treatments are excluded from coverage.
Add-on Coverage: Pet parents interested in being reimbursed for routine veterinary care can add the preventive care add-on for an extra $16–$25 per month for dogs and $10–$20 per month for cats. This covers services such as annual exams, vaccinations, and annual blood work.
Lemonade offers an additional five add-on options for behavioral conditions, dental illness, end-of-life and remembrance, physical therapy, and vet visit fees.
Pros and Cons of Spot
Pros
- Includes microchip procedures in standard plans
- Has a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Doesn’t have an age limit for older animals
Cons
- Doesn’t have an online chat for customer service
- Has a 14-day waiting period for accidents and illnesses
- Doesn’t have any add-ons beyond wellness coverage
Why We Chose Spot
Spot received a score of 91 out of 100 for its customizable and flexible plans, ensuring that pet owners only pay for what their pet needs. In addition to offering five deductibles and three reimbursement percentages, Spot provides six annual limit options of $2,500, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, and unlimited.
We recommend this provider to anyone looking for affordable pet insurance plans, as customers can lower their premium by selecting the lowest annual limit, a 70% reimbursement rate, and the highest annual deductible option.
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
- Annual coverage limits: $2,500, $3,000, $4,000, $5,000, $7,000, $10,000, or unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
Spot Plans and Coverage
Spot offers two plans for coverage on accidents only and both accidents and illnesses.
The Accident-Only Plan covers vet bills related to injuries, swallowed objects, or toxic ingestions.
The Accident-and-Illness Plan covers everything under the accident-only plan, plus hip dysplasia, heart disease, behavioral issues, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Like all other pet insurance providers, Spot excludes preexisting conditions that arise before enrollment or during the 14-day waiting period.
Spot also offers the Gold Preventative Care Plan at $9.95 per month. This covers up to $250 of basic wellness services per year, including annual exams, vaccinations, and fecal tests.
The Platinum Preventative Care Plan costs $24.95 per month. This package increases per-item limits and expands coverage to heartworm prevention and urinalysis. It raises the total annual benefit to $450.
Pros and Cons of ASPCA
Pros
- Offers an accident-only plan for affordable coverage on injuries and accidents
- Provides five annual coverage options
- Doesn’t require medical records from a recent exam
Cons
- Imposes a waiting period of 14 days for accidents, which is longer than some insurers
- Has per-item limits for each wellness benefit
- Provides only three deductible options
Why We Chose ASPCA
Scoring an 89 out of 100, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers comprehensive pet insurance policies ideal for new pet owners. The company covers microchip implantation to help return your pet safely if it’s lost. It also offers a vet finder tool that connects you with local vets in your area, extensive resources about various breeds and their health issues, and a pet insurance comparison tool to ensure you get the most out of your policy.
ASPCA Plans and Coverage
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers two plans: the Accident-Only Plan and the Complete Coverage Plan.
The Accident-Only Plan only covers accidents, while the Complete Coverage Plan covers accidents and illnesses.
Both plans pay for treatments, procedures, exam fees, and other costs related to covered conditions up to $10,000 per year. The company doesn’t cover preexisting conditions that occur before or during the policy’s 14-day waiting period.
ASPCA offers two preventive care add-ons at a basic and premium level. The Basic Preventative Plan costs $9.95 per month and includes $250 of annual coverage for routine care costs. The Prime Preventative Plan costs $24.95 per month and covers the items in the Basic Preventative Plan but increases the annual limit to $450 per year. It also covers an additional vaccine, blood work, a health certificate, spay or neutering surgery, flea or heartworm prevention, and urinalysis.
Pros and Cons of Healthy Paws
Pros
- Has a fast claims process
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Includes a helpful online quote tool and customer portal for policy management
Cons
- Doesn’t cover exam fees or behavioral therapy
- Doesn’t offer any discount options
- Has a short, 60-day window to file claims
Why We Chose Healthy Paws
Though Healthy Paws doesn’t offer wellness coverage or many customization options, we scored it a 93.5 out of 100 for its affordable unlimited coverage caps. Its policies don’t have any lifetime, annual, or per-incident payout limits, meaning you’ll never run out of coverage. We recommend this provider to pet parents who don’t want to worry about maxing out their coverage or overpaying for a coverage plan.
- Deductibles: $250 or $500
- Annual coverage limits: Unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70% or 80%
Healthy Paws Plans and Coverage
Healthy Paws has one plan covering accidents and illnesses, such as chronic conditions, congenital conditions, hereditary conditions, broken bones, and cancer. It covers unlimited payouts for vet bills from treatments and procedures, such as diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, emergency care, specialty care, and alternative treatments.
Healthy Paws excludes preexisting conditions that arise before enrollment or during the 15-day waiting period. It also doesn’t cover hip dysplasia until after the first 12 months of your policy. Finally, coverage excludes wellness and routine care, elective procedures, spaying, and neutering.
Pros and Cons of Fetch
Pros
- Offers a website chat for customer service
- Covers vacation cancellation fees related to your pet’s accident or illness
- Doesn’t deny coverage for older pets
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a multi-pet discount
- Doesn’t provide a wellness plan or preventive care add-on
- Has a 15-day waiting period for both accidents and illnesses
Why We Chose Fetch
Fetch scored a 91.5 out of 100 in our review. We recommend it to pet owners who want extensive coverage on holistic therapies recommended by a licensed veterinarian. Its standard policy covers stem cell therapy, acupuncture, homeotherapy, hydrotherapy, chiropractic care, and up to $1,000 for behavioral therapies for your dog or cat.
- Deductibles: $250, $300, or $500
- Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $15,000, or unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
Fetch Pet Insurance Plans and Coverage
Fetch offers one plan for accident-and-illness coverage at $5,000, $15,000, or unlimited maximum payouts per year. It covers cancer treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, emergency care, hospitalization, and virtual vet visits related to accidents, illnesses, and other conditions such as cancer, hip dysplasia, and chronic conditions.
It doesn’t cover conditions your pet had before or during the 15-day waiting period after you sign up for a policy.
Fetch also includes some extra reimbursements that most providers don’t cover, such as vacation cancellation fees if your plans change due to your pet’s covered condition, boarding fees if you’re in the hospital for more than four days, and advertising and reward money if your pet gets lost.
Pros and Cons of Figo
Pros
- Provides 24/7 access to a live vet
- Has no upper age limit for coverage
- Offers a 100% reimbursement option
Cons
- Adjusts deductible options based on your pet’s age
- Excludes pets younger than 8 weeks from coverage
- Charges extra for exam fees
Why We Chose Figo
Figo earned a score of 90 out of 100, impressing us with its Extra Care powerup. This add-on covers the costs of unique circumstances such as third-party liability coverage if your pet damages or destroys something outside of your own property, such as chewing or scratching your neighbor’s fence. It also reimburses advertising and reward money for a missing pet, cremation and burial costs, and vacation cancellation fees for a pet emergency.
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, $750
- Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
Figo Plans and Coverage
Figo offers three accident-and-illness plans that only vary in annual limits. The Essential Plan has a $5,000 limit, the Preferred Plan has $10,000, and the Ultimate Plan has unlimited coverage. Figo offers multiple deductible and reimbursement rates, including a 100% option. However, these options vary depending on your pet’s age and breed.
Figo’s accident-and-illness plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of any eligible injury, illness, or condition, including cancer, chronic conditions, hereditary conditions, and emergencies. Figo doesn’t cover preexisting conditions.
The company offers three optional powerups (or add-ons) for additional coverage. Along with the Extra Care powerup mentioned above, it has a wellness powerup for routine care coverage such as bloodwork, vaccinations, and heartworm prevention. It also has a vet exam powerup for vet visits related to diagnosing or treating a covered condition.
Pros and Cons of Pets Best
Pros
- Offers an unlimited coverage option
- Allows vet direct pay, so you can skip paying out-of-pocket
- Doesn’t have an upper age limit
Cons
- Charges processing fees
- Has a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions
- Only includes exam fees and certain therapies at an upcharge
Why We Chose Pets Best
We scored Pets Best a high score of 4.8 out of 5 for a few reasons. First, we like how much customization there is. You can choose between accident-and-illness and accident-only coverage, then add wellness coverage if you want. Even with the accident-and-illness plan, you have three coverage options. We also like the 24/7 helpline and the lack of an upper age limit for pets.
What we don’t like is the long waiting period for certain conditions, as well as the processing charge. While it is only $2, we haven’t seen this charge with other companies.
- Deductibles: $50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000
- Annual coverage limits: 5,000, unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, 90%
Pets Best Plans and Coverage
Pets Best is one of the few providers on our list that offers an accident-only plan. You can also choose to add wellness coverage.
Accident-and-Illness Plan: The accident-and-illness plan covers much of the same conditions as other providers, such as broken bones, lacerations, swallowed objects or toxins, emergency care, cancer, surgery, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, and more. You can choose from three tiers for this plan: Essential, Plus, or Elite. The Plus and Elite plans cover exam fees, and Elite covers rehabilitative, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
Accident-Only Plan: The accident-only plan covers accidental injuries or issues, not illnesses. Per month, it’s $9 for dogs and $6 for cats.
Add-On Coverage: You can choose to add coverage for routine wellness care, such as vaccinations, wellness exams, or parasite prevention. Pets Best has two tiers you can choose from, one starting at $14 per month and the other at $26.
Pros and Cons of Prudent Pet Insurance
Pros
- Includes a 24/7 vet chat with each plan
- Has a 10% discount for each additional pet on your policy
- Offers three price options for additional coverage on preventative care
Cons
- Doesn’t have a mobile app
- Doesn’t allow for customization on coverage caps
- Has higher pricing than many competitors
Why We Chose Prudent Pet Insurance
Prudent Pet scored 95 out of 100 for its impressive Ultimate Plan, which is the most comprehensive plan we reviewed. This accident-and-illness pet insurance plan includes an unlimited annual coverage cap and extra coverage for behavioral disorders, mortality costs, stolen or lost pet replacement fees, advertising and reward money for missing pets, boarding kennel fees, and vacation cancellation fees.
However, the Ultimate Plan can be expensive depending on your pet’s details, so it might not be the best choice for pet owners looking for the lowest prices.
- Deductibles: $100, $250, $500, or $1,000
- Annual coverage limits: $5,000, $10,000, or unlimited
- Reimbursement rates: 70%, 80%, or 90%
Prudent Pet Insurance Plans and Coverage
Prudent Pet’s Accident-Only Plan is its cheapest option, featuring a $10,000 annual benefit and coverage for accidents such as bite wounds, broken bones, and swallowed objects.
The Essential Plan includes a $10,000 annual limit and covers the accidents under the Accident-Only Plan, plus cancer, congenital conditions, dental disease, digestive illnesses, eye, ear, or skin conditions, hereditary conditions, and hip dysplasia.
The Ultimate Plan covers everything in the Essential Plan plus extra costs related to lost pet advertising or vacation cancellation fees if your pet is sick or injured. This plan doesn’t have an annual coverage limit.
Note: None of Prudent Pet’s plans cover preexisting conditions.
Prudent Pet also offers two add-ons. Its Veterinary Exam Fee add-on covers veterinary exam fees related to an eligible accident or illness. Its Wellness Coverage add-on covers routine care, such as vaccinations and wellness exams, at $7.95, $13.95, or $19.95 extra per month.
Pros and Cons of Wagmo
Pros
- Has no waiting period for wellness plans
- Offers some of the highest reimbursement rates at 90% and 100%
- Processes wellness claims within 24 hours
Cons
- Has limited customization options
- Covers a maximum of $20,000 annually
Why We Chose Wagmo
We scored Wagmo 90 out of 100. This provider stands out as the only company on our list that offers three stand-alone wellness plans. These reimburse you for routine care services such as vaccinations, grooming, blood work, and vet visits. The wellness plan has no deductible or waiting period; coverage begins the day you enroll.
- Deductibles: $250, $500, $1,000
- Annual coverage limits: $20,000
- Reimbursement rates: 90%, 100%
Wagmo Plans and Coverage
Wagmo provides one accident-and-illness plan and three wellness plans. Its accident-and-illness coverage reimburses diagnostics, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medications, emergency vet visits, cancer treatments, end-of-life care, and more.
Wagmo will reimburse up to $10,000 per incident, $20,000 annually, and up to $100,000 over your pet’s lifetime. There’s a 15-day waiting period for injuries and illnesses, and a 30-day waiting period for cancer treatments.
Wagmo’s wellness plan is available at three levels: Value ($20 per month), Classic ($36 per month), and Deluxe ($59 per month). Each plan covers vaccinations, blood work, and routine exam fees. However, the Classic adds coverage for urinalysis and parasite prevention, and the Deluxe adds virtual vet visits.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in California?
The pricing for pet insurance in California varies depending on you and your pet’s details. Based on our research, a standard accident-and-illness plan costs an average of $20–$60 per month for dog insurance and $10–$30 for cat insurance.
Here are some factors that could affect the cost of your premium:
Breed
Your pet’s breed can significantly change the cost of your premium. Some breeds are more expensive to insure than others due to their predisposition to certain illnesses. For example, purebred dogs such as golden retrievers and poodles are more susceptible to infections.
Age
Your premium may be lower or higher depending on your pet’s age. Older animals typically cost more to insure since they’re more likely to have health issues. We recommend insuring your pet at an early age to get a lower premium.
Location
Plan prices are typically determined based on the estimated vet costs in your area. For example, vets in Los Angeles or San Francisco will likely charge more than vets in smaller towns, such as Eureka or Bakersfield.
Discounts
Look for discounts from providers to lower your plan costs. Embrace and Spot offer a 10% discount for adding multiple pets to a policy, and Lemonade offers a 10% discount for bundling your pet insurance with homeowners insurance. Lemonade also offers a discount to customers who pay for their annual policy in full.
Customization
Many companies offer ways to customize your premium based on your choice of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates. Choose a low coverage cap and high annual deductible for the lowest monthly cost. However, keep in mind that your out-of-pocket expenses will be higher if you file a claim.
Cost of Pet Insurance by Breed
| Species/Breed | Average Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|
|
French bulldog |
$76 |
|
German shepherd |
$51 |
|
Golden retriever |
$45 |
|
Mixed-breed dog |
$32 |
|
American shorthair cat |
$19 |
|
Maine coon |
$23 |
|
Mixed-breed cat |
$19 |
*Sample quotes are based on Lemonade accident-and-illness plans for 4-year-old male pets in Sacramento, California.
Breeds With the Highest Medical Costs
| Breed | Average Vet Bill Cost* |
|---|---|
|
American bulldog |
$376 |
|
Cane corso |
$386 |
|
Dogue de Bordeaux |
$395 |
|
Greater Swiss mountain dog |
$425 |
|
Rottweiler |
$401 |
*Costs are based on the average pet insurance claim amount for each breed.
| Breed | Average Vet Bill Cost* |
|---|---|
|
Bengal |
$404 |
|
Mixed-breed long hair |
$397 |
|
Mixed-breed medium-hair |
$403 |
|
Ragdoll |
$381 |
|
Siberian forest cat |
$457 |
*Costs are based on the average pet insurance claim amount for each breed.
How Much Are Pet Owners Spending?
| City | Monthly Premium for Dogs* | Monthly Premium for Cats* |
|---|---|---|
|
Fresno |
$31 |
$18 |
|
Los Angeles |
$41 |
$24 |
|
Sacramento |
$29 |
$19 |
|
San Diego |
$36 |
$21 |
|
San Francisco |
$41 |
$25 |
|
San Jose |
$29 |
$17 |
*These quotes are for 4-year-old, mixed-breed, male pets.
How to Pick the Best Pet Insurance in California
Having any pet insurance plan can be beneficial, but you want to pick the right provider and plan for you and your pet’s needs to get the most value. Here are some tips for choosing the best policy:
- Determine a plan type: Do you want both accident and illness coverage for your pet? Do you want accident-only? Is preventive care a priority? Be familiar with the different types of pet insurance plans and how much coverage you want for your pet.
- Read coverage details: Read through a provider’s site and sample policy carefully to understand what it does and doesn’t cover. Look at exclusions, fine print, and whether coverage for certain conditions has specific requirements.
- Look at customer reviews: We recommend looking at sources such as the BBB, Trustpilot, Google, Yelp, and even Reddit to learn about customers’ experiences.
- Get sample quotes: Always get a sample quote to get a sense of how much you’ll pay. Each provider offers this on their site.
- Speak to a representative: If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call a provider’s customer service line to get clarity before moving forward.
What Is Pet Insurance?
Before requesting quotes from our top-recommended pet insurers in California, take some time to ensure you understand pet insurance. We explained the basics below and created a helpful video.
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Most pet insurance companies require you to pay your vet bill out of pocket before leaving the vet office. You then submit a claim with your provider for the bill. Once approved, you’ll receive reimbursement via direct deposit or a mailed check, usually within a of couple weeks. You’ll only receive reimbursement if the vet bill is related to vet treatments your policy covers, so be sure to read the terms carefully before enrolling.
There are a few variables to understand regarding how much you’ll pay, how much you’ll be reimbursed, and when your policy will and won’t help you cover pet insurance costs. Your location, as well as your pet’s breed and age, will determine your monthly premium. You’ll also need to be familiar with these coverage factors to understand how pet insurance works:
- Annual Limit: This is the total amount your pet insurance provider will reimburse per year. For instance, if your annual coverage limit is $5,000 and your pet needs treatment that totals $6,000 for the year, your insurance will only cover the first $5,000 worth of claims. You’ll be responsible for the remaining $1,000 once you’ve hit your limit.
- Deductible: This is the amount you have to spend out of pocket before you can file a claim. If you choose a low deductible, such as $250, that’s how much you’ll have to pay before you can begin filing claims for reimbursement. The lower your pet insurance deductible, the higher your monthly premium will be and vice versa.
- Reimbursement Rate: This refers to the percentage of each claim your provider will reimburse you for. Most providers have reimbursement rates ranging from 70%–100%. If you file a claim for a $1,000 vet bill, you’ll only be reimbursed $700 if you have a 70% reimbursement rate. The higher the reimbursement rate, the higher your premium will be.
Types of Pet Insurance Plans
There are three main types of pet insurance plans:
- Accident-and-illness: Accident-and-illness policies are the most common. These plans cover vet bills related to both accidents and illnesses your pet faces.
- Accident-only: An accident-only plan is a way to save money on your premium, but you won’t be covered for any illness-related vet treatments. Not all providers offer an accident-only policy.
- Wellness: Many companies offer wellness plans for preventive care. You can add this to your base plan for an additional monthly fee. Wellness plans cover routine vet care such as checkups, grooming, dental cleanings, vaccinations, and spaying and neutering.
What Does Pet Insurance Cover?
The coverage included with each plan varies by provider, but there are some standard items across companies.
Accident Coverage
Accident coverage usually applies to accident-related vet care, such as the following:
- CT scans
- Diagnostic tests
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Labwork
- MRIs
- Prescription medications
- Surgery
- Ultrasounds
- X-rays
Illness Coverage
Illness coverage commonly includes vet-recommended care for the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Ear infections
- Eye infections
- Growths
- Heart conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin issues
- Stomach conditions
- UTIs
Wellness Coverage
Wellness plans often cover the following routine and preventive care:
- Annual checkups
- Dental cleanings
- Grooming
- Microchipping
- Spaying and neutering
- Vaccinations
What Is Excluded From California Pet Insurance Coverage?
There are also common coverage exclusions across providers, such as the following:
- Issues related to owner negligence: Pet insurance doesn’t cover injuries or illnesses caused by negligence, such as physical violence or organized animal fighting.
- Preexisting conditions: Providers won’t cover issues your pet shows symptoms of or receives vet care prior to your policy start date. Some companies will make exceptions if your pet hasn’t shown symptoms or received care for the condition for a certain period of time prior to enrollment, often 12–18 months.
- Routine wellness care: Accident-and-illness policies are intended to help cover the cost of urgent, unexpected medical issues, not optional routine care you can plan for. You’ll have to purchase a wellness plan if you want preventive care covered by your provider.
What You Should Know
- In California, 57.2% of households own at least one pet. California is home to 19.2% of all insured pets in the country. What furry friend wouldn’t want to walk parks such as Yosemite and Joshua Tree or lounge with an ocean view in Malibu or Santa Monica?
What Are Consumer Protection Law for Pet Insurance Buyers in California?
California state laws offer protections for pet insurance buyers. If you take a closer look, you can see that California law requires pet insurance companies to disclose several things to potential customers.
Those disclosures include whether or not the policy excludes any coverages, including, but not limited to:
- Preexisting conditions
- Hereditary disorders
- Congenital anomalies or disorders
- Chronic conditions
- Any “other” exclusions
The laws also regulate policy provisions that limit coverage through any of the following:
- Waiting or affiliation period
- Deductible
- Coinsurance
- Policy limits
- Claim history changes
What You Should Know
- While we’ve researched the coverages and exclusions of each provider in this review thoroughly, we recommend looking over all coverages, limitations, and exclusions before signing up for a pet insurance policy.
What Are Common Pet Laws in California?
California pet laws are some of the most strict in the United States. Take note of your local pet laws whether you live in San Diego, Sacramento, or somewhere else in the state—especially if you’re planning to adopt or have recently adopted a dog or cat.
Here are some of the most important pet laws California pet parents should be aware of.
- Los Angeles: Dog owners in Los Angeles must keep their dogs on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, except when they’re on their own property. Additionally, all dogs older than 4 months must be licensed through the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control. Licenses are valid for one year, and owners are subjected to a $20 penalty if they’re not promptly renewed. (Cat licensing is optional but recommended).
- Oakland: Pets in Oakland must be microchipped to be licensed, and the microchip must be registered with Oakland Animal Services. If your pet is deemed dangerous or vicious, it will be required to wear a special tag as well as the standard license tag. Licenses are good for one year and expire one year after your pet receives the rabies vaccine. Additionally, all dogs must be securely leashed no further than six feet from their guardian.
- Sacramento: Pet owners in the city of Sacramento must purchase a license for their dog or cat by the time it’s 4 months old. Dogs and cats will not be licensed without proof of rabies vaccination. You can apply for a pet license by mail, over the phone, in person at Front Street Animal Shelter, or online. Any household within the city limits of Sacramento is limited to having no more than three dogs and seven cats in their care.
- San Diego: The city of San Diego (as well as the entire state of California) takes dog bites seriously. If your dog bites someone, you must immediately notify the County Department of Animal Services and quarantine your dog at home for 10 days. If you do not keep your dog isolated during this time or if it continues to pose a threat to others, your dog could be impounded or euthanized.
California also has some statewide pet laws. For example, pet owners must give their pets the proper care and attention, providing them with appropriate food, water, shelter, and routine care and keeping their homes clean and safe.
It’s illegal in California to leave your dog unattended in a motor vehicle in conditions that could endanger its health or well-being (such as heat, cold, or without proper ventilation, food, or water).
FAQs About California Pet Insurance
What does pet insurance in CA cover?
Pet insurance in CA covers vet bills related to unexpected accidents and illnesses that occur to your dog or cat. It typically includes procedures, treatments, diagnostics, exams, prescribed medications, hospitalizations, emergency care, and specialist care. It doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions or symptoms that manifest before enrollment or during the waiting periods for accidents and illnesses.
Is pet insurance in California worth the money?
Pet insurance is a great way to ensure your four-legged friend will get treatment as quickly as possible after an incident without you having to worry about the affordability of the vet bill. Since veterinarians in California can be expensive, purchasing a pet insurance policy can help mediate any excessive out-of-pocket spending.
Who has the cheapest pet insurance in California?
We found that Lemonade consistently offers the cheapest pet insurance plans with higher annual coverage limits, however, pricing for pet insurance is specific to the age and breed of your pet, as well as your location within the state. Spot also sells an inexpensive accident-only plan with highly customizable premiums for the lowest price with minimal coverage.
How much is dog insurance per month in California?
Dog insurance in California is $20-$60 per month based on the average monthly premiums for standard accident and illness plans.
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Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Team is committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. We aim to be transparent about our review standards and research process. We’ve broken down our rating methodology for pet insurance providers below.
Factors Evaluated to Compare Pet Insurance
The This Old House Team is dedicated to thorough, in-depth reviews of each product or service that we detail in our content. Determined to build trust with our readers through transparency, accuracy, and accountability, we’ve built a detailed rating system to score pet insurance brands. Our rating system is a weighted, 100-point scale based on the following factors:
Coverage (25)
Does the pet insurance provider offer standard accident-and-illness and accident-only coverage? How limiting is its preexisting condition policy?
Plan Options (20)
Does the pet insurance provider offer premium and deductible customizations? What about wellness plan add-ons?
Company Reputation (15)
Does the pet insurance provider have high customer satisfaction on websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews? Do they reimburse claims quickly and communicate policies clearly?
Customer Service (10)
Does the pet insurance provider have easily reachable, helpful customer service? Is there an app that makes filing claims and receiving support easier?
Species Eligibility (10)
Does the pet insurance provider offer coverage for older pets or exotic animals?
Our researchers keep all data in each company’s score up to date, making any changes to our content when necessary to provide our readers with the most accurate information on relevant metrics, such as plan options, customer service, reputation, and monthly cost.
About the This Old House Team
The This Old House Team is an independent editorial team of subject matter experts who champion the categories and home services we recommend. From the beginning stages of research to the published review articles, our team works diligently to center the reader’s interests by identifying common pain points, connecting with people with first-hand knowledge and experience, and crafting content that meets the needs of our audience. We aim to help first-time pet owners, potential pet owners, and budget-conscious pet owners streamline their decision-making process for selecting their home services.
Find the Best Pet Insurance in Your State
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