Do Pet Insurance Costs Vary by State?

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Why prices vary
Pet insurance costs by state
Cats vs. dogs: Trends
Regional considerations
Top companies
Get a quote
The bottom line
FAQs

Pet insurance costs by state: What to know

Where you live can impact how much you’ll pay for pet insurance. Premiums vary by state due to a mix of local and market factors—including vet care costs, access to clinics, and state regulations. In general, areas with higher vet costs or fewer providers tend to see higher premiums. Other pricing factors include:

Competition: Fewer insurers often means higher rates.
Local pet trends: Popular breeds prone to health issues may raise costs.
Environmental risks: Things like wildfires, hurricanes, or tick-borne diseases can drive up premiums.

Large cities might carry more risks—like traffic or accidents—but they often have more vets and specialists, which can help balance costs. That’s why comparing by ZIP code matters when choosing a plan.

Vet care costs and availability

The cost and accessibility of veterinary services directly influence pet insurance rates. States with higher living expenses often see elevated veterinary fees, increasing insurance premiums. For example, the average veterinary visit in California costs approximately $71.95, while in New York, it's around $66.60. In contrast, Michigan reports lower average vet visit costs at about $57.65. As many things become more expensive in our modern age, this includes vet care. As one example, Maine saw an increase of 24% in vet care costs between 2023 and 2024.^[2]

Environmental risks

Southeastern U.S. states tend to have high rates of parasitic disease due to the hot and humid climate. In contrast, states with lots of outdoor activity or more open spaces in general (Montana ranks at the top!) generally mean a pet is more active, so in better health overall. ^[3]

Regulations

Unlike health insurance or auto insurance, pet insurance isn’t heavily regulated in most states. This means insurance companies often have a lot of flexibility in how they price their plans and what coverage they offer. That can have both upsides and downsides for pet owners:

Lack of price controls: In most states, insurers can set and raise premiums without prior approval, leading to wide price variations.
Inconsistent coverage standards: Few rules on what must be covered mean policies can differ greatly, making comparison tricky.
Fewer consumer protections: Without clear oversight, resolving disputes or understanding who's responsible for claims is harder.
Limited provider availability: Some insurers only operate in select states, reducing competition and driving up prices in underserved areas.

For instance, California implemented legislation in 2014 requiring pet insurers to provide clear disclosures about coverage details, including reimbursement benefits and pre-existing condition limitations. While this enhances transparency, it may also contribute to higher premiums due to increased compliance costs.^[4]

Which are cheaper to insure: dogs or cats?

Dogs cost more to insure than cats across both accident-only and accident & illness plans. Full coverage (Accident & Illness) is more than double the price of accident-only plans—for both pets.^[5]

🐶 Dogs: Accident & Illness – $56.30/mo | Accident Only – $17.01/mo
🐱 Cats: Accident & Illness – $31.94/mo | Accident Only – $9.68/mo

Average pet insurance costs by state

As noted above, some states are riskier for pets, which means higher pet insurance costs. Think of this much like your car insurance: your ZIP code is an important factor in your car insurance premium because of considerations such as uninsured motorists, crime rates, and climate concerns.

As a pet owner myself, I got quotes for my dog, using the same coverage across top pet insurance companies: $10,000 annual limit, $500 deductible, and 80% reimbursement. While your rates may vary, these results offer a helpful snapshot of pet insurance costs by location. Comparatively, I got quotes for the same addresses from the same companies for my six-year-old cat.

Los Angeles, Brooklyn, Hoboken, and Quincy were the most expensive cities on our list, with a few companies showing high rates in Seattle and Denver.

Rates by city from major pet insurance companies - Dog

Location	Fetch 🐶	Embrace ❤️	Lemonade 🍋	Spot 🐾
Asheville, NC	$31.21	$54.20	$31.62	$40.79
Austin, TX	$32.82	$47.44	$22.19	$44.34
Brooklyn, NY	$38.97	$73.55	$30.70	$74.13
Columbus, OH	$34.44	$49.61	$17.34	$34.32
Denver, CO	$42.30	$77.27	$34.60	$53.33
Grand Rapids, MI	$27.73	$58.57	$24.14	$35.76
Hoboken, NJ	$45.87	$60.98	$34.55	$42.10
Los Angeles, CA	$58.05	$76.86	$43.55	$48.67
Modesto, CA	$41.08	$36.44	$34.30	$37.78
Orlando, FL	$39.19	$32.87	$25.35	$36.65
Philly, PA	$46.64	$62.87	$29.25	$42.25
Quincy, MA	$42.89	$65.62	$36.93	$56.52
Seattle, WA	$35.39	$109.35	$32.30	$57.07

Note: The quotes shown reflect specific pet profiles and standardized coverage settings. While we aimed to match coverage across providers, plan details (like waiting periods, exclusions, and add-ons) may vary.

Your pet’s quote will differ based on factors like age, breed, location, and insurer—similar to how car insurance rates vary by driver.

Rates by city from major pet insurance companies - Cat

Location	Fetch 😺	Embrace ❤️	Lemonade 🍋	Spot 🐾
Asheville, NC	$35.65	$39.17	$26.48	$40.54
Austin, TX	$66.45	$45.48	$27.80	$57.84
Brooklyn, NY	$72.00	47.14*	$48.57	$46.03
Columbus, OH	$48.66	$57.57	$30.81	$50.12
Denver, CO	$41.28	$60.47	$38.67	$46.95
Grand Rapids, MI	$37.45	$37.37	$27.36	$34.56
Hoboken, NJ	$31.01	$42.18	$21.86	$32.96
Los Angeles, CA	$39.25	$61.97	$37.45	$45.31
Modesto, CA	$45.20	$67.36	$26.92	$35.86
Orlando, FL	$38.85	$56.48	$18.81	$34.89
Philly, PA	$57.08	$57.85	$29.77	$45.32
Quincy, MA	$50.29	$62.25	$31.43	$51.73
Seattle, WA	$61.92	41.72*	$30.65	$35.14

Methodology

We collected quotes from Spot, Embrace, Fetch, and Lemonade using each provider’s online tool in March–April 2025. Quotes reflect standard accident & illness coverage for the same 12 U.S. cities.

Dog profile

2-year-old female Australian cattle dog (spayed)
$5,000 max, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement

Cat profile

6-year-old male domestic medium hair (neutered)
$10,000 max, $250 deductible, 80% reimbursement
(A $500 deductible was not always available for cats.)

In California, Embrace doesn’t cover pets over age 5. For those cities, we used Figo as a substitute.

Quotes were based on standardized coverage settings, but plan details—like exclusions, waiting periods, and optional add-ons—can vary by provider.
Your pet’s quote will differ depending on factors like breed, age, location, and insurer—much like human car insurance.

Cat vs. dog insurance: Location trends

✔️ Cats are generally cheaper to insure than dogs. Why? Cats have fewer accidents and lower vet bills.

Location really matters

The same pet in different cities? Totally different prices. Big cities like Brooklyn and L.A. had higher costs than Columbus or Orlando.

Some providers are more consistent.

Lemonade and Spot offered steadier pricing across states. Fetch and Embrace were more expensive in urban areas.

State rules can affect the availability.

In California, Embrace won’t insure cats over age 5. We had to switch providers in places like L.A. and Modesto.

Cheapest provider? It depends.

Lemonade was often the lowest priced, but not always. In some cities, Fetch or Spot came out ahead.

The bottom line

Your pet’s species, age, and location all affect your price. Compare a few quotes before making a purchase.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It? | The Zebra

With pet insurance on the rise, you may be considering its effectiveness. Read our handy guide to decide if a pet insurance policy is right for your companion.

What to consider based on where you live

Your location plays a big role in what pet insurance should cover—and how much it costs. From climate to vet access to local laws, here are the regional factors that can affect your coverage needs:

Urban vs. rural areas

Urban pet parents often have more access to emergency vets and specialists—but may also pay more due to higher vet costs.
Rural areas may offer lower-cost care but fewer options, especially for 24/7 emergency services or advanced treatments.

Access to emergency & specialized care

If you're in a remote or less populated area, consider a plan that covers emergency transport or out-of-network providers.
In cities, coverage for specialized treatments like cancer care or orthopedic surgery might be more relevant due to availability.

Hot weather states

Pets in states like Arizona, Texas, and Florida face higher risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and sun-related conditions.
Parasites (like fleas, ticks, and heartworm) thrive in warm, humid climates—so prevention and treatment coverage is important.

Cold weather states

In colder states like Minnesota, Colorado, or Maine, coverage for frostbite, arthritis, or joint care is especially useful for senior pets or small breeds.
Icy conditions also raise the risk of injuries that may require emergency visits.

Natural disaster-prone regions

States prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or floods may benefit from coverage that includes:
- Boarding or evacuation support
- Out-of-network emergency care
- Lost pet recovery services
Examples include Florida, California, and the Gulf Coast.

States with unique pet laws

Some states have laws that can limit or affect coverage, such as:

Breed restrictions (e.g. for pit bulls or exotic pets)
Mandatory spay/neuter or vaccination requirements

Check your state’s rules to make sure your policy doesn’t exclude something important based on legal requirements.

Are all pet insurance companies available in every state?

Not always. While most major pet insurance providers offer nationwide coverage, some plans come with state-specific limitations. For example, AKC Pet Insurance sells policies in all 50 states, but certain benefits—like coverage for pre-existing conditions—aren’t available everywhere. It’s always a good idea to check plan details by state to be sure you’re getting the coverage you expect.

What are the top pet insurance companies?

The largest pet insurance companies in the U.S. include Trupanion, which leads the market with around 30% share, followed by Nationwide at 19%. Embrace and Fetch by The Dodo hold 9% and 8%, respectively, while Pets Best rounds out the top five with about 2.4% market share. These companies dominate the space by offering a range of customizable plans, broad coverage options, and trusted brand recognition, making them top choices for pet owners nationwide.^[6]

Zebra Tip: Talk to your veterinarian

If you aren't sure which company or type of coverage your pet needs, talk to a trusted veterinarian. They'll have the best idea of breed-specific issues and your pet's personal health history and may also have experience with some of the companies. Do your own research, but don't be afraid to ask for other opinions from professionals.

Bottom line: Location matters

Where you live plays a major role in how much you’ll pay for pet insurance—and what kind of protection makes sense for your pet. Factors like local vet pricing, regional health risks, natural disasters, and state-level regulations can all impact rates and coverage options.

That’s why it’s smart to compare providers and plans based on your pet’s lifestyle and your ZIP code. Whether you’re in a big city or a rural town, the right policy can help you manage costs and make sure your pet gets the care they deserve. With over 5.3 million pets insured in the U.S. and growing, there are more options than ever to find the best fit for your budget and your pet’s needs.^[7]

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is one of the best ways to ensure your pet's health and wellness. Review our guide to pet insurance coverage below to see which plan might be best for you and your pet.

Pet insurance by location: FAQs

What is the typical monthly cost of pet insurance?

This depends on several factors, much like car insurance. However, the average monthly cost for dogs is about $56 and for cats, it's about $32. Look at our sample tables of rates by city to get an idea of what costs compare by location.

Is pet insurance regulated differently by state?

While pet insurance is technically classified under “Property and Casualty” insurance, it’s not regulated the same way as auto or home coverage. In fact, pet insurance is monitored at the state level, but most states don’t impose many rules. Unlike health or auto insurance, there are few requirements for how plans must be priced or what coverage must be included.

That gives insurers a lot of flexibility—which can be both a benefit and a drawback for pet owners.

What states have the highest/lowest pet insurance premiums?

States such as California, New York, and Florida tend to have some of the highest average monthly premiums for dogs, often exceeding $60. Conversely, states like Arkansas, North Dakota, and Iowa typically offer lower average monthly premiums, sometimes as low as $20 to $40.

Can I keep my pet insurance if I move to another state?

Yes! However, you'll want to update your pet insurance company with a new ZIP code because (like other insurance types) there may be a cost difference. By not updating the company of your new address, you risk a claim being denied.

Would a claim get denied if I moved and didn’t update address?

Potentially. When I contacted Fetch about moving states, they said I’d need to update the policy, and there would be a proration based on the new premium. Contact whichever company you're with to verify the process of moving addresses.

Sources

Find Pet Insurance. NAPHIA
Rising veterinary costs: which US states are most affected and how insurers are responding. GlobalPETS
10 Best (and Worst) States for Your Pet’s Health. AKC
NAIC Passes Pet Insurance Model Act. FORC
Average premiums. NAPHIA
US Pet Insurance Market Share by Brand in 2025. PangoVet
State of the Industry Report: 2023. NAPHIA