BEST PET INSURANCE / CALIFORNIA

Best Pet Insurance in California in 2024

At Pawlicy Advisor, we compare top pet insurance companies to match you with a great plan that fits your needs — for free.

Reviewed by Kari Steere, Insurance Producer Licensed in CA

Updated 2024 | 5 min read

Big chocolate colored French Mastiff next to a California state icon

See which pet insurance company is best for your unique pet in just 2 minutes.

See My Pet Insurance Recommendations

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How to Choose

Avg Costs in CA

Is It Worth It

Coverage

Considerations

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FAQs

What is the Best Pet Insurance in California — for You?

Good pet insurance coverage in California will likely cover common pet health risks unique to The Golden State — like snake bites, foxtails, heatstroke, and marijuana poisoning.

The “best pet insurance” depends on your pet’s breed-specific health needs and your preferred coverage range, budget, customer service expectations, and more.

Get unbiased, personalized recommendations with Pawlicy Advisor to find coverage that best fits your pet and see why we’re recommended by thousands of vets.

Why Trust Us

At Pawlicy Advisor, we analyze top pet insurance companies and provide objective breakdowns. We do not get paid to promote one company over another.


A licensed insurance advisor has fact-checked everything below and the American Animal Hospital Association recommends Pawlicy Advisor as the Preferred Business Provider for pet insurance. Learn more about our methodology.


Compare Top Pet Insurance Companies in California

COMPANY
Customer Ratings
USE AT ANY VET
Deductibles
REIMBURSEMENTS
aspca pet insurance logo
4.1 (5,629)
$100-$1,000
9 Days
4.1
Consumer Rating
$100-$1,000
Deductibles
9 Days
Avg. Reimbursement

Policy Highlights

Covers testing & treatment for new accidents & illnesses, exam fees, Rx food & meds, dental conditions, and more

Does not cover pre-existing conditions
Save 10% when you enroll multiple pets; pay annually to save $24 on transaction fees
Wellness plan add-on available
Enroll pets 8 weeks and older
Submit claims online or through a mobile app
Get Quotes
embrace pet insurance logo
4.2 (3,647)
$100-$1,000
10-15 Days
4.2
Consumer Rating
$200-$1,000
Deductibles
10-15 Days
Avg. Reimbursement
Policy Highlights
Covers testing & treatment for new accidents & illnesses, exam fees, Rx meds, dental conditions, and more
Does not cover prescription food or pre-existing conditions
Save 10% when you enroll more than one pet; military save 5%; save 10% on employee benefit sign-up; pay annually to save $12 on transaction fees
Wellness plan add-on available
Enroll pets 6 weeks up to 14 years of age
Submit claims online, through a mobile app, by mail, email, or by fax
Get Quotes
figo pet insurance logo
4.0 (1,851)
$100-$1,500
7 Days
4.0
Consumer Rating
$100-$1,500
Deductibles
7 Days
Avg. Reimbursement
Policy Highlights
Covers testing & treatment for new accidents & illnesses, Rx medications, and more
Does not cover exam fees, Rx food, most dental conditions, or pre-existing conditions
Save 5% multi-pet; pay annually to save $24 on transaction fees
Wellness plan add-on available
Enroll pets 8 weeks and older
Submit claims through a mobile app, phone, email, by mail, or fax
Get Quotes
hartville pet insurance logo
4.5 (304)
$100-$1,000
9 Days
4.5
Consumer Rating
$100-$500
Deductibles
9 Days
Avg. Reimbursement
Policy Highlights
Covers testing & treatment for new accidents & illnesses, exam fees, Rx food & meds, dental conditions, and more
Does not cover pre-existing conditions
Save 10% when you enroll multiple pets; pay annually to save $24 on transaction fees
Wellness plan add-on available
Enroll pets 8 weeks and older
Submit claims online, through a mobile app, by mail, email, or by fax
Get Quotes
4.5
Consumer Rating
$50-$2,500
Deductibles
10 Days
Avg. Reimbursement
Policy Highlights
Covers testing & treatment for new accidents & illnesses, exam fees, Rx food & meds, dental conditions, and more
Does not cover pre-existing conditions
Save 5% when you enroll a second pet; save 10% with multiple pets; save 10% on animal care for vets and employees and military
Wellness plan add-on available
Enroll pets of all ages
Submit claims online, through a mobile app, by email, by mail, or by fax
Get Quotes
4.0
Consumer Rating
$50-$1,000
Deductibles
5 Days
Avg. Reimbursement
Policy Highlights
Covers testing & treatment for new accidents & illnesses, exam fees, Rx meds, dental conditions (with limitations), and more
Does not cover Rx food or pre-existing conditions
Save 5% when you enroll multiple pets
Wellness plan add-on available
Enroll pets 7 weeks and older
Submit claims through a mobile app, online, by email, by mail or fax
Get Quotes
4.8 (1,133)
$100-$1,000
1-3 Days
4.8
Consumer Rating
$100-$1,000
Deductibles
1-3 Days
Avg. Reimbursement
Policy Highlights
Covers testing & treatment for new accidents & illnesses, Rx food & meds, dental conditions, and more
Does not cover pre-existing conditions
Save 10% when you enroll multiple pets
Wellness plan add-on available
Enroll pets 8 weeks and older
Submit claims online, by phone, or by email
Get Quotes
4.6
Consumer Rating
$100-$1,000
Deductibles
7 Days
Avg. Reimbursement
Policy Highlights
Covers testing & treatment for new accidents & illnesses, exam fees, Rx food & meds, dental conditions, and more
Does not cover pre-existing conditions
Save 10% when you enroll multiple pets; pay annually to save $24 on transaction fees
Wellness plan add-on available
Enroll pets 8 weeks and older
Submit claims through email, by phone, or by fax
Get Quotes

See More Pet Insurance Company Reviews

Trupanion
HealthyPaws
Nationwide

Too many options? We get it. Enter your zip code to see personalized recommendations.

How to Find Pet Insurance in California

1. Know your pet’s breed-specific risks

Confirm your policy will offer the right protection.

2. Customize your policy terms

Select a reimbursement rate, coverage limit, and deductible that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

3. Compare quotes and fine-print

Check rates, requirements, and exclusions to make sure you get a good deal on the right coverage.

How Pawlicy Advisor Makes it Easy


Rather than comparing pet insurance companies one by one, Pawlicy Advisor shows you quotes from top companies all in one place with breed-specific advice.

  • Personalized recommendations
  • Top companies side-by-side
  • Compare coverage vs. lifetime value

Want to talk to a licensed expert?

Our agents are licensed in California and can help you craft a personalized plan for your pet.

Call Us
Email Us
female pet insurance agent

The Real Cost of Pet Insurance in California


The average cost of pet insurance in California is $62/mo for dogs and $31/mo for cats. Your pet’s age, breed, location, and policy coverage determine your premium rate (which you can pay monthly or annually). 


Veterinary fees and pet insurance premiums vary depending on whether you live in a big city like Los Angeles or a rural area like Mendocino. Pawlicy Advisor lets you instantly compare quotes from top companies side-by-side.


See how much pet insurance costs in your CA zip code.

Real Examples of California Pet Insurance Costs in Top Cities

See how pet insurance prices can vary by breed, age, and location in the examples below.

Chihuahua
Age: 6 Months
chihuahua

Los Angeles $30-$46/mo

San Diego $26-$41/mo

Sacramento $22-$31/mo

Domestic Shorthair
Age: 6 Months
domestic shorthair cat
Los Angeles $23-$31/mo
San Diego $20-$28/mo
Sacramento $17-$19/mo
Golden Retriever
Age: 6 Months
golden retriever
Los Angeles $51-$75/mo
San Diego $45-$67/mo
Sacramento $38-$51/mo

*The average monthly costs above are based on an 80% reimbursement rate, unlimited annual coverage, and a $500 deductible. Premiums vary by location and breed.

Is California Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

Pawlicy Advisor works directly with veterinary clinics throughout the Golden State to give you the most up-to-date information, and vets want you to know that 1 in 3 pets will require emergency care each year..
a group of cats and dogs

“For many Californians, pet insurance is worth it if you can afford it. Dogs, in particular, see 8% higher vet costs than the national average.

Chief Medical Officer Richard Walther, DVM

Don’t let the cost of treatment determine the care your pet receives. After surveying more than 20,000 pet parents, we found that 4 out of 5 couldn’t afford an unexpected $5,000 veterinary bill without pet insurance. 


Pet insurance can reimburse 70%-100% of vet bills (after meeting your deductible). Getting pet insurance in California can help you manage care costs without thinking twice about it at the vet’s office. 


Pawlicy Advisor’s free pet insurance comparison tool highlights potential conditions and injuries your dog or cat might be susceptible to, so you know how much coverage you need before you make a purchase.” - Dr. Ricky Walther, DVM

Common Vet Visit Costs Unique to California

Snake Bites$300-$10,000
Foxtails$500-$5,000

Heat Stroke

$1,500-$6,000
Marijuana Poisoning$500-$1,500

Pet Insurance Coverage in California


All the pet insurance plans in our marketplace include accident and illness coverage, and some have the option to add wellness plans to cover routine care. While pet insurance coverage varies by state, based on specific legislation and underwriting, we’ve outlined common coverage below to help you get started.

Often Covered

Accidents (such as bites, broken bones, and eating plastic)
Illnesses (including allergies, diabetes, and cancer)
Treatments and tests for unexpected accidents and illnesses (like hospitalizations, surgery, prescription medications, X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood tests)

Sometimes Covered

Breed-specific conditions
Dental care (periodontal disease)
Rehabilitative and alternative therapies (acupuncture or hydrotherapy)
Exam fees
Rx foods
Training for behavioral conditions
Cremation or burial

Not Covered

Pre-existing conditions
Preventative care like wellness exams and yearly blood work
Spay/neuter
Vaccinations
Breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing
Cosmetic procedures like ear or tail cropping

Routine Care Covered by Wellness Plans

Wellness plans vary by company and can include benefits for everyday vet visits, dental care, vaccinations, grooming, and more. When added to your pet insurance policy in California, wellness coverage can cost anywhere from $15 to $52 a month. 

Save Hours with Pet Insurance Recommendations Tailored to Your Pet

Pawlicy Advisor’s vet-approved guidance will help you find a golden plan in the Golden State today — for free.

See My Pet Insurance Recommendations

veterinary medical team

Customer Reviews

dog in grass
I’m so glad my vet recommended Pawlicy Advisor! I was able to compare plans without going to a multitude of sites to get the same information.
Kathleen M.
February 26, 2024
pug on couch
Pawlicy was recommended by a vet. The website was so easy to use. I even found the prices to be cheaper than the actual insurance site.
Jewel H.
February 28, 2024
cat rubbing face with paw
Pawlicy was so quick and easy to use and told us exactly what insurance plans we should consider for the specific breed of our pup.
Neha D.
February 20, 2024
Pawlicy was so quick and easy to use and told us exactly what insurance plans we should consider for the specific breed of our pup.
Neha D.
February 20, 2024
I’m so glad my vet recommended Pawlicy Advisor! I was able to compare plans without going to a multitude of sites to get the same information.
Kathleen M.
February 26, 2024
Pawlicy was recommended by a vet. The website was so easy to use. I even found the prices to be cheaper than the actual insurance site. 
Jewel H.
February 28, 2024

California Pet Insurance FAQs

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