How Much Pet Insurance Costs in 2025: Compare Quotes by Breed, Age, and Location
Reviewed by Kari Steere, Licensed Insurance Producer
Vet bills have skyrocketed 60% or more over the past decade.1 The right pet insurance plan can protect your wallet—and your pet—when it matters most. But how much does pet insurance cost? The answer depends on your pet’s breed, age, and where you live.
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"[Pawlicy Advisor] found me a policy almost instantly...at about 35% less than where I was planning to purchase, along with coverage on even more things."
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Key Takeaways
- Average Cost: $56.30/month for dogs and $31.94/month for cats.
- Expected Range: $37.18 - $72.99/month for dogs and $23.84 - $49.76/month for cats
- Price Factors: Breed, age, location, insurer/carrier, coverage terms
- Value: Reduces the financial risk of expensive, unexpected vet bills.
- How to Save: Compare quotes from top companies, tailored to your needs, with Pawlicy Advisor.
As the #1 pet insurance comparison site recommended by veterinarians, Pawlicy Advisor has access to real-time cost data from top companies, and we’ve analyzed thousands of real pet insurance quotes across the country—so you don’t have to.
✔️ Reviewed by a Licensed Pet Insurance Expert
✔️ Updated for 2025 with the latest pricing trends
✔️ Data compiled from real quotes
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Average Pet Insurance Costs at a Glance (2025 Data)
The average cost of pet insurance for accident & illness coverage in the U.S. is $56.30/mo ($675.61/year) for dogs and $31.94/mo ($383.30/year) for cats. according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. 2
More specifically, looking at the hundreds of thousands of Americans that used Pawlicy Advisor to compare quotes across top pet insurance companies in 2024, we found that the average range (25th percentile to 75th percentile) for dogs and cats is:
Monthly | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
Dogs: | $37.18 - $72.99 | $446.16 - $875.88 |
Cats: | $23.84 - $49.76 | $286.08 - $597.12 |
There are massive differences in costs depending on your pet’s breed, age, location, coverage, and more – so while averages can provide some insight, the best way to save on insurance costs is to compare quotes personalized to your pet’s unique needs.
* For data tables and averages by breed, age, and location – scroll down to our FAQs.
Why Pet Insurance Isn’t Right For Everyone, But Could Be Right For You
First—pet insurance may not be the right solution for every pet owner. Some people may not be able to afford any added cost to their monthly expenses. Some people have very old pets with multiple pre-existing conditions.
However, if you can budget for the cost of coverage and your pet is relatively in good health, pet insurance is a smart way to get peace of mind, knowing that you’ll be reimbursed for unexpected vet bills that could easily add up to thousands of dollars.
Here’s what we know:
- 1 in 3 pets need emergency treatment in any given year
- Without pet insurance, veterinary treatment in any given year could range from $0 to $10,000+
- With pet insurance, veterinary treatment in any given year will be closer to the annual insurance premium (eg, $675.61/year on average for dogs)
Nearly half of pet owners underestimate the cost of care over their pets’ lifetime.3
One of the biggest benefits of pet insurance? It helps you plan for your pet’s care, so when the unexpected happens—an injury, an illness, or an emergency vet visit—you don’t have to hesitate.
Still not sure if pet insurance is right for you? Take the quiz and find out.
"Pawlicy Advisor provided critical information to support my decision to invest in a pet health insurance policy and somehow found me the best pricing."
- Rambutan R, Pawlicy Customer
What Determines Pet Insurance Prices?
The price you pay for pet insurance depends on a variety of factors. Some are out of your control (like your pet’s breed, age, and location), while others can be adjusted to fit your budget (like your deductible, reimbursement rate, and payout limits).
Cost Factors You Can (and Can’t) Control
Cost Factor | Can You Control It? |
|---|---|
Breed Health Risks | ❌ No |
Age of Pet | ❌ No |
Location | ❌ No |
Insurer/Carrier | ✅ Yes |
Plan & Coverage Type | ✅ Yes |
Deductible | ✅ Yes |
Reimbursement Rate | ✅ Yes |
Payout Limit | ✅ Yes |
Billing Schedule (Monthly vs. Annual) | ✅ Yes |
Multi-Pet Discounts | ✅ Yes |
Remember...
- Some breeds have higher medical risks, which translates to more expensive policies.
- Older pets cost more to insure than younger pets.
- Where you live matters—areas with higher veterinary costs will have higher insurance costs.
- You can lower the cost by customizing your policy, changing the deductible, reimbursement rate, and more.
Click the button to find a plan that fits your budget and coverage needs
Instant results. No spam. 1M+ pet parents served.
“Very helpful for sorting through the scores of options and for customizing the coverage."
- Warren B, Pawlicy Customer
How to Save on Pet Insurance Without the Headache
Pet insurance can feel overwhelming—but finding the right coverage at a great price doesn’t have to be.
Instead of manually comparing dozens of plans, filling out forms on multiple websites, and sorting through confusing fine print, you can let Pawlicy Advisor do the work for you.
Here’s how we make saving on pet insurance simple:
✅ One Easy Form – Fill out one form and instantly compare 100+ policies.
✅ Personalized Matchmaking – Get personalized recommendations based on your pet’s breed, age, and medical risks.
✅ Find the Best Price – Sort plans by lowest cost, best coverage, or lifetime value.
✅ No Extra Fees – You pay the same price as buying direct but with expert guidance.
Want the lowest price? The most coverage? A balance of both?
We make it easy.
Instant results. No spam. 1M+ pet parents served.
"It is so easy to use and they do all the work for you... Thank you so much Pawlicy Advisor."
- Bijou T, Pawlicy Customer
Pawlicy Advisor is America’s #1 pet insurance marketplace recommended by veterinarians nationwide. We take the guesswork out of pet insurance and match you with the right plan for your pet in minutes. Over 1 million pet owners have trusted us. You should too.
Frequently Asked Questions
We match you with the right pet insurance that covers what matters most, at no cost to you–almost instantly. Our platform analyzes your pet’s info to help you compare hundreds of quotes across top companies and highlights unique advice tailored to your pet’s breed. Pet owners can compare plans, customize policies to fit their budget, and enroll in the right coverage all in one place.
Our licensed agents are not biased toward any one insurer, so you can get objective guidance. Feel free to call us at (866) 729-5429 or email us at info@pawlicy.com.
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