Best Pet Insurance In California For 2025
My pick for the best pet insurance in California is Lemonade Pet Insurance.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $350 per year on their pet insurance.
California has the highest portion of insured pets across the United States. In fact, out of all insured pets in the U.S., 18.3% are in California alone. With so many pet owners taking out policies on their furry family members, it’s important to know how to find the best pet insurance company, what discounts are available, and where you can save.
Best Pet Insurance In California, 2025
Compare The Best Pet Insurance In California
| Average Annual Cost for Cats | Coverage Waiting Period | Overall Rating | Best For | Average Annual Cost for Dogs | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade Pet Insurance |
$20 |
2 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Overall Coverage |
$35.18 |
Instant Quote |
| Embrace |
$18 |
48 hours for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Cat Owners |
$48.25 |
Instant Quote |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance |
$20 |
2 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Affordable Coverage |
$35.18 |
Instant Quote |
| ASPCA |
$36 |
Immediately for preventive care and 14 days for illnesses and accidents |
|
New Pet Owners |
$83.30 |
Instant Quote |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance |
$20 |
2 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Owners of Young Pets |
$35.18 |
Instant Quote |
| Pets Best |
$26 |
3 days for accidents and 14 days for illnesses |
|
Owners of Multiple Pets |
$41.39 |
Instant Quote |
Best Pet Insurance Companies In California
Best Overall Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅The best pet insurance in any region is often judged by factors like price, service quality, and claim processing times. In California, Lemonade Pet Insurance stands out with competitive monthly rates of $18.41 for cats and $35.18 for dogs. Beyond its low prices, pet owners in Texas praised Lemonade for its excellent customer service and clear passion for pets.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Waiting period of 48 hours after an accident
- Top-ranking claims processing team
- Numerous discounts are ready for use.
- A share of the monthly dues aids nonprofit groups. ✓
- There are age limits for enrolling certain pet breeds.
- Guidelines may not be accessible in every state.
- The cost of pet insurance reflects the owner's creditworthiness and claim record. ✘
Best Affordable Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Pet owners often want to safeguard their pets, but a common belief is that pet insurance is too expensive. Lemonade Pet Insurance challenges this idea with affordable rates, averaging $18.41 for cats and $35.18 for dogs. Lemonade also offers discounts, such as bundling options that can save up to 15%, and their mobile app makes it easy to manage policies on the go.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Waiting period of 48 hours after an accident.
- Claims are processed faster than those of other major companies.
- You can enjoy several discounts.
- A portion of what you pay for insurance helps non-profits. ✓
- Insurance for certain pet varieties ends once they reach a specific age threshold.
- Where you live impacts coverage limitations.
- The cost of pet insurance can be higher based on the owner's credit and claim records. ✘
Best For Multiple Pets
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Managing multiple pets may increase your spending on essentials like food and toys, but it can save you on pet insurance. Many insurers, such as Pets Best, offer discounts for multi-pet policies. Pets Best also offers affordable premiums—$29.54 on average for cats and $41.39 for dogs. They include benefits like 24/7 vet support and coverage for animals with disabilities or special prosthetics.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Our policy includes pets that require wheelchairs or prosthetic devices.
- A 24/7 vet health hotline is available for veterinary assistance around the clock.
- After three days, accident coverage becomes effective.
- You can choose from different coverage options for accident and illness policies. ✓
- When it comes to processing claims, the speed is slower than what competitors offer.
- Policy revisions are restricted to the renewal timeframe. ✘
Best For Owners Of Young Pets
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Many families enjoy adopting young pets, but the responsibilities that come with a new puppy or kitten can feel overwhelming at first. Beyond training, it’s essential to choose a pet insurance provider that simplifies coverage. Lemonade Pet Insurance offers both affordability and convenience, with a highly-rated mobile app and excellent customer support. With rates averaging $18.14 for cats and $35.18 for dogs, Lemonade is the best choice for pet owners with young animals.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Policyholders can claim pet injury benefits after just 48 hours.
- Claims are swiftly processed.
- Policyholders can enjoy numerous discounts.
- The company dedicates a share of the premium from policyholders to support charities. ✓
- After reaching a certain age, specific pet breeds are no longer covered by insurance.
- Coverage does not extend to every state across the country.
- Insurance costs are calculated based on the pet owner's creditworthiness and previous insurance claims. ✘
Best For New Pet Owners
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅For those new to pet ownership, it’s important to select an insurance provider with a history of supporting pet health, like ASPCA. While ASPCA’s average premiums are higher—$38.67 for cats and $83.30 for dogs—their offerings justify the cost. They impose no age limits, allowing senior pets to get insured, and provide coverage for behavioral issues and alternative therapies, a bonus for specific dog breeds.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- The policy covers a broad array of items, including alternative therapies, behavioral concerns, and conditions from birth.
- A 14-day waiting period applies to cruciate injuries.
- Get veterinary advice anytime with our 24/7 telehealth vet service.
- Basic policies provide for vet clinic visit costs related to illnesses and accidents. ✓
- Only an agent can provide unlimited coverage for a full year.
- Options for deductions are minimal. ✘
Best For Cat Owners
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅If you’re a California cat owner in need of quality insurance, Embrace Pet Insurance offers cost-effective plans, averaging $20.44 per month. They also give back by donating $2 to charity with each policy sold. Furthermore, Embrace is the preferred partner for large insurers like USAA, Allstate, and GEICO.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- You can choose from budget-friendly policy alternatives.
- Many standard insurance policies cover treatable pre-existing health issues.
- If your pet needs orthopedic care, you can skip the wait with a vet's examination. ✓
- Accident-only insurance applies solely to pets aged 14 and above.
- Typical policies do not incorporate extra protection. ✘
Largest Pet Insurance Companies In The United States
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share Percentage |
| Trupanion | 30% |
| Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company | 19% |
| Embrace Pet Insurance | 9% |
| Fetch by the Dodo | 8% |
| Pets Best Insurance | 2.4% |
| Hartville Group Inc. | 1.4% |
| MetLife Pet Insurance | 1.4% |
| Petsecure | 1.3% |
| Healthy Paws Pet Insurance | .73% |
| Pumpkin Pet Insurance | .48% |
Average Pet Insurance Rates In California — By Cat Breed
| Cat Breed | Average Monthly Cost |
| Domestic Shorthair | $19 |
| Sphynx | $20 |
| Siamese | $23 |
| Maine Coon | $26 |
Average Pet Insurance Cost In California — By Dog Breed
| Dog Breed | Average Monthly Cost |
| Affenpinscher | $16 |
| Labradoodle | $33 |
| Greyhound | $64 |
Average Cost In California — Accidental-Only Coverage
| Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Lemonade | $32 |
| Pets Best | $35 |
| TrustedPals | $37 |
| Figo | $43 |
| ASPCA | $55 |
Average Pet Insurance Cost In California — Comprehensive Coverage
| Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| ManyPets | $38 |
| Pets Best | $43 |
| Lemonade | $48 |
| Trusted Pals | $55 |
| Healthy Paws | $59 |
How To Find The Best Pet Insurance Company For You
California has 20% of all gross insurance premiums in the U.S. and in 2024, passed Senate Bill 1217 requiring all pet insurance providers to delineate between pet insurance and pet wellness programs, with more transparency as to the coverage and costs included in insurance policies.
So how do you find the best pet insurance company for you?
- Compare rates from at least three companies, with the same plan
- Check what is covered and what the difference in premiums are for the same reimbursement rates/deductibles
- Decide what coverage plan is best for your pet based on age and breed
- Be sure to check on discounts and the waiting period before it goes into effect
- Finalize your coverage plan
Pet Insurance Discounts In California
California offers a wide range of discounts that can bring your pet insurance down. There are options like the following:
- Customized plans with higher deductibles, lower annual limits, or lower reimbursement rates can reduce your discount
- Multi-pet policies for more than one pet can save an average of 10% for each policy
- Veterinary Practice Employee discounts apply to anyone who is a veterinary practice employee
- Military members qualify for discounts from several providers
- University of California employees can get preferred pricing from some companies
- AARP members can get 10% their premiums
Other discounts are available for certain special groups, age-related discounts, and company-specific discounts for things like service animals.
How To Buy Pet Insurance Online In California
If you're using Insuranceopedia, getting pet insurance is easy, with steps to make the application smoother.
Gather all of the information you need ahead of time like your pet breed, age, and medical history.
Choose the coverage amount that you need and the deductible that you can afford, based on your pet’s current situation like their health and their age.
Compare quotes from different providers and check on available discounts and then complete your policy purchase.
Factors That Impact Cost Of Your Pet Insurance Policy In California
The average cost for dog insurance in California is $62 and $31 for cats. That said, in addition to the type of animal and its relative size, there are a few other factors that impact pet insurance cost.
Type of Pet
The type of pet you have is one of the biggest influencing factors. Purebred dogs and cats or those with known health risks will cost more. Dogs, because of their outdoor activities and size will also cost more than cats.
Age
Similarly, the older your pet is, the higher the premiums will be. This is because an older pet comes with higher risks and more healthcare costs.
Insurance Type
When you pick a pet insurance plan, you can typically choose one of two main plans:
- Accident-only
- Accident and Illness
Comprehensive plans will cost more but they cover things like regular wellness appointments as well as unexpected illnesses but it may not be worth the higher cost to you and you might get by with an accident only policy.
Location
There are also differences from one city to the next. Larger cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco cost more for pet insurance because the cost of veterinary care is higher.
Our Methodology
Seeking the most economical pet insurance options in California, we meticulously examined data from different providers. Our team of insurance professionals, boasting a combined experience of more than 20 years, also shared their insights. It's crucial to remember that while the rates provided are current, premiums may fluctuate daily based on factors such as your pet's age and breed.
Quotes Analyzed
Brands Reviewed
Years Of Industry Experience
Research Hours
FAQs
Do all vets take pet insurance in California?
In California, all veterinary clinics accept pet insurance, but pet owners are responsible for paying the vet bills upfront and receiving reimbursement afterward from the insurer.
Do I legally have to insure my pet in California?
It’s beneficial to have pet insurance for your pets, but in California, there is no legal obligation to insure your dog or cat.
How much is pet insurance in California?
Consistent with the national pattern, California cat owners generally pay less for insurance compared to those with dogs. The average monthly premium for cat insurance is $27.56, while dog insurance tends to be around $48.81.
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