Since the cost of vet visits may add up quickly, pet insurance is often a good investment.
Fortunately, there are many reputable pet insurance companies that offer dog insurance plans to offset the oftentimes high cost of dog ownership. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and honed in on this list of the best pet insurance for dogs, based on a variety of factors, including coverage terms, costs, customer service, claims process, and more.
Dog Insurance at a Glance
If you’re on a budget, Lemonade is worth exploring as it offers the cheapest premiums for dog owners.
Spot is a solid choice for senior dogs as the insurer does not impose upper age limits while Embrace makes sense if your pup has serious health issues that require unlimited annual coverage.
While Fetch plans offer many unique coverages you may not find elsewhere, Pets Best lets you easily customize your insurance to meet your budget and dog’s needs.
ASPCA Pet Health has a short 14-day waiting period for dogs with orthopedic issues and cruciate injuries whereas Figo’s 100% reimbursement option may be a good fit for accident-prone pups.
Pumpkin shines with its wellness offerings as the insurer has a specific plan for dogs as well as a membership based Wellness Club.
Comparing the best pet insurance for dogs
| Insurer | Best for | Average Premium |
|---|---|---|
Affordability | $47.01 | |
Senior dogs | $87.85 | |
Dogs with serious health conditions | $102.03 | |
Customizable plans | $85.69 | |
Dogs who are prone to orthopedic issues | $88.20 | |
Comprehensive coverage | $129.47 | |
Accident-prone dogs | $82.24 | |
Wellness coverage | $85.82 |
A Closer Look at the Best Dog Insurance
1. Lemonade – Best for plan affordability
Why we like Lemonade for dogs:
For the lowest rates on dog insurance coverage, Lemonade takes the cake. Compared to the other insures we researched, it provides the cheapest policies. You can opt for an accident and illness plan and further customize your policy with add-ons for dental illnesses, behavioral conditions, physical therapy, and end-of-life coverage.
Annual limits range from $5,000 and $100,000 while reimbursement options are 70%, 80%, and 90%. Lemonade also offers wellness plans for puppies and dogs to help pay for spay/neuter surgery, wellness exams, vaccines, and even microchipping.
Pros
Offers bundling, multi-pet and annual payment discounts
Pays claims in as little as 48 hours from receiving them
Donates a portion of unused premiums to animal-centered non-profit organizations
Cons
Base plans don’t include exam fees
5% multi-pet discount is lower than the 10% discount some insurers advertise
Only available in 38 states and Washington D.C.
Sample rates for dogs with Lemonade
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 1 | $19.66 | $34.96 | $47.76 | $34.13 |
Mix, Age 4 | $19.99 | $39.04 | $64.34 | $41.12 |
Mix, Age 10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Beagle, Age 1 | $25.29 | $50.98 | $82.26 | $52.84 |
Beagle, Age 4 | $26.80 | $53.98 | $85.50 | $41.12 |
Beagle, Age 10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
German Shepherd, Age 1 | $22.38 | $55.99 | $82.05 | $53.47 |
German Shepherd, Age 4 | $26.89 | $62.59 | $90 | $59.83 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Average | $23.50 | $49.59 | $75.32 | $47.01 |
Read our full Lemonade review.
2. Spot – Best for senior dogs
Why we like Spot for dogs:
If your furry friend is approaching their golden years or currently in them, Spot is a good option. The pet insurance company doesn’t impose upper age limits and offers comprehensive coverage to suit the needs of senior pets, including prescription food, alternative treatments, and treatments for hereditary and congenital conditions.
End-of-life coverage to cover burial expenses is also included. Plus, the pet insurer states that if your dog has been cured and symptom-free of a condition for over 180 days, they’ll no longer consider it preexisting. This is a huge plus if you’d like to insure an older dog that’s prone to pre-existing conditions.
Pros
Coverage includes extras for dogs like behavioral therapy, prescription food, and supplements
VetAccess 24/7 vet hotline to help you with emergencies related to your dog
30-day money back guarantee available
Cons
May find cheaper coverage elsewhere
Premiums increase each year based on your dog’s age
No option to pay vets directly
Sample rates for dogs with Spot
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 1 | $28.57 | $73.43 | $42.50 | $48.17 |
Mix, Age 4 | $31.65 | $83.92 | $44.37 | $53.31 |
Mix, Age 10 | $94.59 | $188.83 | $128.79 | $137.40 |
Beagle, Age 1 | $33.96 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $55.33 |
Beagle, Age 4 | $37.62 | $95.28 | $50.81 | $61.24 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $112.43 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $158.09 |
German Shepherd, Age 1 | $35.31 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $55.78 |
German Shepherd, Age 4 | $39.12 | $95.28 | $50.81 | $61.74 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $116.92 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $159.59 |
Average | $58.91 | $125.80 | $78.84 | $87.85 |
Read our full Spot review.
3. Embrace – Best for dogs with serious health conditions
Why we like Embrace for dogs:
Embrace’s pet insurance plans cover a wide array of conditions and treatments, making it a solid choice if your pup is living with a serious condition. The pet insurer will reimburse you for cancer diagnostics and treatment, chronic diseases, and genetic conditions, such as intervertebral disc disease and hip dysplasia. It will also provide up to $1,000 in annual dental coverage for extractions, root canals, gingivitis, and related conditions and treatments.
If you’d like to enhance your coverage, you may opt for an exam fee or prescription drug add-on. In addition, Embrace’s Wellness Rewards program makes it easy to save on routine care costs and take a proactive approach to your dog’s health. If you become a Wellness Rewards member, Embrace will reward you with an extra $25 for preventative care services.
Pros
Many ways to customize your dog insurance plan
Healthy Pet Discount program that will reward you for keeping your dog healthy and not filing claims within the first few years
Multi-pet and military discounts are available
Cons
Prescription food and supplement coverage requires a wellness add-on
Illness coverage is not available for dogs over 14 years old
6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions, which are common in dogs
Sample rates for dogs with Embrace
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 1 | $22.80 | $92.66 | $54.37 | $56.61 |
Mix, Age 4 | $26.23 | $87.33 | $59.63 | $57.73 |
Mix, Age 10 | $57.02 | $157.62 | N/A | $107.32 |
Beagle, Age 1 | $43.35 | $131.00 | $76.81 | $83.72 |
Beagle, Age 4 | $49.85 | $123.47 | $84.30 | $85.87 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $108.37 | $108.37 | N/A | $165.61 |
German Shepherd, Age 1 | $48.91 | $138.98 | $81.55 | $89.81 |
German Shepherd, Age 4 | $56.25 | $131.00 | $89.44 | $92.23 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $108.37 | $222.85 | N/A | $179.36 |
Average | $57.91 | $132.59 | $74.35 | $102.03 |
Read our full Embrace review.
4. Pets Best – Best for their customizable plans
Why we like Pets Best for dogs:
Pets Best knows that not all dog owners are created equal. That’s why the pet insurance company offers a variety of highly customizable plans. If you’re on a budget, the accident-only plan has you covered. For accident and illness coverage, you can choose from three tiers: Essential, Plus and Elite.
In addition, Pets Best has dog wellness plans to help you keep your pup healthy without breaking the bank. EssentialWellness covers wellness exams, vaccines, diagnostic panels, preventative medications, and microchipping. The higher-level tier plans add on coverage for items like spay/neuter procedures and teeth cleaning. Additionally, Pets Best lets you save on your dog insurance with discounts, such as the multi-pet discount and military discount.
Pros
No upper age limits so senior dogs are welcome
Flexible deductibles ranging from $50 to $1,000
Option to pay your vet directly
Cons
Base plan doesn’t cover exam fees
Limited annual coverage options of $5,000 or unlimited
No coverage for prescription food and supplements
Sample rates for dogs with Pets Best
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 1 | $21.25 | $37.42 | $42.04 | $33.57 |
Mix, Age 4 | $22.44 | $39.51 | $44.39 | $35.45 |
Mix, Age 10 | $76.19 | $115.23 | $129.46 | $106.96 |
Beagle, Age 1 | $27.26 | $58.38 | $71.02 | $52.22 |
Beagle, Age 4 | $28.78 | $61.65 | $74.99 | $55.14 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $97.73 | $179.78 | $218.69 | $165.40 |
German Shepherd, Age 1 | $32.33 | $62.21 | $75.67 | $56.74 |
German Shepherd, Age 4 | $36.07 | $69.39 | $84.41 | $63.29 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $131.20 | $214.90 | $261.41 | $202.50 |
Average | $52.58 | $93.16 | $111.34 | $85.69 |
Read our full Pets Best review.
5. ASPCA Pet Health – Best for dogs who are prone to orthopedic issues
Why we like ASPCA Pet Health for dogs:
If you own a Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Mastiff, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, or another dog that’s susceptible to orthopedic conditions, such as cruciate ligament injuries, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) ASPCA Pet Health should be on your radar. Compared to most pet insurance companies, ASPCA Pet Health has a shorter waiting period for orthopedic and cruciate ligament injuries of 14-days.
ASPCA Pet Health offers two pet insurance policies for dogs: the Accident-Only plan and the Complete Coverage plan. Its plans cover exam fees and come with a 30-day money back guarantee for your peace of mind. ASPCA Pet Health’s preventative coverage add-on includes dog-specific services, including the bordetella vaccine/titer, heartworm test, and rabies or lyme vaccine/titer.
Pros
Flexible deductibles ranging from $100 to $1,000
Base plans provide reimbursement for congenital issues and behavioral issues
Offers several discounts, including one for multiple pets, veterinary employees, and employees of certain companies
Cons
Poor reviews on the ASPCA Pet Health customer app
Can take up to 30 days to process claims
Must call to get a quote for annual coverage
Sample rates for dogs with Pets Best
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 1 | $29.08 | $73.43 | $42.50 | $48.34 |
Mix, Age 4 | $32.22 | $83.92 | $44.37 | $53.50 |
Mix, Age 10 | $96.29 | $188.83 | $128.79 | $137.97 |
Beagle, Age 1 | $34.57 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $55.54 |
Beagle, Age 4 | $38.29 | $95.28 | $50.81 | $61.46 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $114.46 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $158.77 |
German Shepherd, Age 1 | $35.95 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $56.00 |
German Shepherd, Age 4 | $39.82 | $95.28 | $50.81 | $61.97 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $119.03 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $160.29 |
Average | $59.97 | $125.80 | $79.84 | $88.20 |
Read our full ASPCA Health review.
6. Fetch – Best for comprehensive coverage
Why we like Fetch for dogs:
While Fetch only offers one pet insurance plan for dogs, it’s extremely comprehensive and includes conditions and treatments that most pet insurers exclude. For example, Fetch’s accident and illness policy helps pay for sick-visit exam fees, all of your dog’s adult teeth, alternative care, such as acupuncture and chiropractic services, and boarding fees of up to $1,000 if your dog is hospitalized.
Plus if your furry friend goes missing, Fetch will cover up to $1,000 for advertising costs and rewards. Since Fetch’s pet insurance comprehensive is so robust, you don’t have to worry about add-ons. Depending on the specifics of your policy, Fetch can repay up to 90% of your unexpected vet bills.
Pros
Welcomes dogs as young as 6 weeks old and doesn’t have an age limit
Wellness coverage helps pay for spay/neuter procedures, vaccines, dental cleanings, and more
Covers up to $1,000 in virtual vet visits
Cons
Annual limits cap out at $15,000–may be too low for dogs with serious health issues
Requires a medical exam to enroll your dog
Premiums are more expensive than many other pet insurers
Sample rates for dogs with Fetch
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 1 | $34.10 | $55.51 | $42.72 | $44.11 |
Mix, Age 4 | $47.33 | $79.14 | $62.02 | $62.83 |
Mix, Age 10 | $127.30 | $277.64 | $261.99 | $222.31 |
Beagle, Age 1 | $35.90 | $58.79 | $47.78 | $47.49 |
Beagle, Age 4 | $47.72 | $83.99 | $69.59 | $67.10 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $134.94 | $295.52 | $295.33 | $241.93 |
German Shepherd, Age 1 | $45.59 | $76.62 | $62.06 | $61.42 |
German Shepherd, Age 4 | $62.64 | $112.48 | $97.09 | $90.74 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $180.26 | $382.64 | $419.10 | $327.33 |
Average | $79.53 | $158.04 | $150.85 | $129.47 |
Read our full Fetch review.
7. Figo – Best for accident-prone dogs
Why we like Figo for dogs:
In a perfect world, your pup would never break a bone or swallow an object. The reality, however, is that accidents happen and pet insurance can help make them a bit less stressful.
If your dog is prone to accidents, you’ll appreciate Figo’s one-day waiting period for accident coverage. Since many pet insurance companies require you to wait at least 14 days before your policy kicks in, Figo’s short waiting period is ideal.
Plus, you can sign a special waiver to eliminate a waiting period for certain orthopedic conditions. Also, there’s no cap on the number of claims you can file per condition and no upper age limit for enrollment so you can buy coverage for your senior dog.
Pros
Offers unlimited coverage and a 100% reimbursement rate
Provides a personalized pet tag for your dog, which can come in handy if they go missing
Pays most claims within 3 days
Cons
Only one standard plan available
No coverage for prescription food which some dogs need to stay healthy
Must invest in an add-on to get reimbursed for exam fees
Sample rates for dogs with Figo
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 1 | $20.58 | $45.96 | $41.04 | $35.86 |
Mix, Age 4 | $25.27 | $50.60 | $45.16 | $40.34 |
Mix, Age 10 | $81.04 | $157.46 | $140.57 | $126.36 |
Beagle, Age 1 | $25.16 | $59.09 | $51.75 | $45.33 |
Beagle, Age 4 | $30.91 | $65.02 | $56.92 | $50.95 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $99.08 | $202.38 | $177.20 | $159.55 |
German Shepherd, Age 1 | $27.35 | $64.22 | $58.25 | $49.94 |
German Shepherd, Age 4 | $33.58 | $70.68 | $64.09 | $56.12 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $107.69 | $219.99 | $199.51 | $175.73 |
Average | $38.12 | $103.93 | $92.72 | $82.24 |
Read our full Figo review.
8. Pumpkin – Best for wellness coverage options
Why we like Pumpkin for dogs:
Through routine care services, you can help your dog live a long, healthy life. Pumpkin shines with its wellness options that make it more affordable to pay for vaccinations, wellness exams, and related services for your dog. Preventive Essentials, the dog wellness plan covers 1 annual wellness exams, 2 vaccines, 1 fecal test, and 1 blood test for heartworm and tick conditions.
While Preventive Essentials must be purchased as an add-on to its accident and illness plan, Pumpkin also offers a Wellness Club. The Wellness Club is a standalone membership program that doesn’t require accident and illness coverage. It offers cash for yearly wellness exams, dental cleanings and more as well as extra perks like a 24/7 pet health helpline and discounts on products and services from the leading pet brands.
Pros
No upper age limits or breed exclusions
May cover exam fees, prescription food, and end-of-life benefits
Offers unlimited annual coverage
Cons
Can find cheaper accident and illness rates for dogs elsewhere
No option for accident-only coverage
Doesn’t cover herbal supplements
Sample rates for dogs with Pumpkin
| Houston | New York | San Francisco | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mix, Age 1 | $25.62 | $73.43 | $42.50 | $47.18 |
Mix, Age 4 | $28.39 | $83.92 | $44.37 | $52.23 |
Mix, Age 10 | $84.84 | $188.83 | $128.79 | $134.15 |
Beagle, Age 1 | $30.45 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $54.16 |
Beagle, Age 4 | $33.74 | $95.28 | $50.81 | $59.94 |
Beagle, Age 10 | $100.84 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $154.23 |
German Shepherd, Age 1 | $31.67 | $83.37 | $48.67 | $54.57 |
German Shepherd, Age 4 | $35.09 | $95.28 | $50.81 | $60.39 |
German Shepherd, Age 10 | $104.87 | $214.38 | $147.47 | $155.57 |
Average | $52.83 | $125.80 | $78.84 | $85.82 |
Read our full Pumpkin review
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Dog Insurance
To find the best pet insurance companies for dogs, the BestMoney team focused on these categories:
Coverage terms: We determined whether each pet insurer offers accident-only, accident-and-illness, and wellness plans. Our team also researched deductible, coverage limit, and reimbursement rate options as well as waiting periods. Plus, we reviewed exclusions and coverages to pinpoint commonly excluded items.
Availability: We considered each pet insurance company’s geographical availability. Some insurers serve dog owners in every state, while others limit coverage to those in select states or zip codes.
Costs: We compared sample rates for dogs national averages and the offerings of other pet insurers. In addition, our reviewed plan value and discount opportunities.
Claims process: We identified the ease of claim filing with each insurer. Claim filing options as well as reviews from real customers gave us valuable insight into each company’s claims process.
Customer service: We determined long each pet insurance company has been in business. Then, we focused on cores on reputable, third-party reviews sites, such as the Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
To read our extended methodology for researching pet insurance companies, click here.
What Is Dog Insurance?
Depending on the type of pet insurance plan you purchase, it can cover expenses associated with accidents and illness, and some policies also cover office visits, and routine preventative healthcare such as dental cleanings and vaccinations.
“Pet insurance offers the freedom to say, "Do whatever it takes to care for my dog,” without worrying about the cost. It's never having to ask the vet "how necessary something is because of money", explained Colby Julien, animal behaviorist & dog trainer at Geo-Sniffing.
How Much Does Dog Insurance Cost?
According to North American Pet Health Insurance Association, premiums for accident and illness coverage for a dog averaged $56 per month or about $676 a year in 2023. For an accident-only policy, the cost dips down significantly to about $17 a month or $204 annually.
The cost of dog insurance varies greatly. It depends on a number of factors, such as your location, the pet insurance company you choose, and the type of coverage you enroll in. Your dog’s age, breed, and medical history may also play a role in what you pay for a dog insurance policy.
Key Features of Good Dog Insurance
As you shop for pet insurance for your furry friend, be sure to look for these vital features.
Foreign object obstruction, toxicity, teeth, and musculoskeletal coverage
“These are the four most common reasons dog owners use pet insurance,” said Colby Julien of Geo-Sniffing. Your dog either ate something it was not supposed to, played too hard and is limping, or needs a tooth removed.
Robust coverage with a reasonable deductible
“My mom's dog's eye popped out because a groomer pulled too hard on the leash that cost 5k. My other dog was bitten by an off-leash dog on Memorial Day,” explained Julien.
24-hour vet pet line
Most claims occur outside of business hours or holidays. “A 24-hour vet pet line allows you to talk to a Vet by just logging on and sending a chat. The online chat is what got us through the dog attack on Memorial Day. Since he was stable we would have waited 8 hours in the ER without this feature,” said Julien.
Inherited & congenital disease and hip dysplasia coverage
Dogs can be prone to many costly inherited and congenital conditions based on their breeds. This type of coverage can help ensure they receive the proper care and save you from hefty out-of-pocket costs.
Customizable plans
“Having the ability to customize your plan to fit your needs can make fitting pet insurance for your dog into your budget more feasible,” says Tom Bean, VP of Insurance Services Operations at Figo Pet Insurance.
Look for a wide range of annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement rates. Wellness plans and/or add-ons can also come in handy.
How to Find the Best Insurance for Your Dog
With these expert tips, you can zero in on the best pet insurance coverage for your furry friend:
Determine your dog's specific needs
“My dogs are agility dogs, so sports coverage is essential. I would never accept a policy that didn’t include treatments like chiropractic care, water treadmill therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, or anti-inflammatory medications,” explained Julien.
For other dogs, behavior therapy may be a priority, requiring specialized training or medication. “Age is another important factor,” Julien added. “Some insurance companies don’t accept senior pets, so that’s something to keep in mind when choosing a policy.”
Consider your finances
Your budget plays a key role in choosing the right pet insurance. If you're on a tight budget, an accident-only policy may be a cost-effective option, especially for a young, healthy dog. However, if your dog is older or has a serious condition like diabetes or cancer, a comprehensive accident and illness plan may be worth the investment.
Also, consider your comfort level with out-of-pocket vet costs. To minimize expenses, opt for unlimited annual coverage, a high reimbursement rate, and a low deductible. If you prefer lower premiums and don’t mind paying more out-of-pocket, a lower reimbursement rate, higher deductible, and reduced coverage may be the better choice.
Ask the right questions
“There are a few questions we recommend you ask to ensure you’re getting the right care for your pet and maximizing your plan,” said Bean. He recommends you ask a pet insurance company the following:
What would my monthly premiums be for a dog?
Will my premium increase each year?
Is pet wellness or dental procedures covered? Is there an extra fee?
Can I file a claim using my smartphone?
How are pre-existing conditions defined?
What is/isn’t covered?
Are there waiting periods? If so, what are they?
Are plan discounts offered (ex. discount for insuring multiple pets)?
Reach out to your vet
Your vet is a great resource as they likely have some knowledge and experience with pet insurance for dogs. Don’t hesitate to ask them for their recommendations. Colby Julien of Geo-Sniffing asked his veterinarian for advice and received a great deal of wellness coverage that came from his vet directly.
Buy early
Don’t wait to buy pet insurance. Since many pet insurance companies charge higher premiums for senior pets, you can likely score a better deal if you buy pet insurance early on, before your dog develops chronic or serious health conditions. By investing in coverage off the bat, you can also save on routine care costs and set your dog up for a healthy, fulfilling future.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs?
The best pet insurance for dogs depends on your budget, dog age and breed, and goals. Our top picks include Lemonade, Spot, Embrace, Pets Best, ASPCA Pet Health, Fetch, Figo, and Pumpkin.
How Much Is Pet Insurance for Dogs on average?
The average cost of dog pet insurance is $56 per month for accident and illness coverage and $17 per month for an accident-only plan.
What Is the Best Pet Insurance for Older Dogs?
Spot, Pets Best, and Figo are all solid pet insurers for senior dogs as they don’t impose upper age limits.
