AKC's pet insurance scores 3.85 out of 5 for cats and 4.3 for dogs in MoneyGeek's analysis. The company excels in coverage, though its premiums are more expensive than competitors, particularly for cats. AKC requires a 14-day waiting period for accident coverage, which is standard among competitors.
AKC Pet Insurance Review
Updated: October 29, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
AKC Pet Insurance Review: Key Takeaways
AKC ranks ninth in cat insurance affordability and fifth for dogs, with monthly premiums starting at $35 for cats and $59 for dogs.
AKC ranks third nationally for customer experience, maintaining strong ratings on Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
Ranking first in coverage nationally, AKC offers comprehensive accident and illness plans, plus optional wellness coverage that includes preventive care and routine visits.
AKC Pet Insurance Ratings
Data filtered by:
Dog
| Affordability | 3.93 | 5 |
| Coverage | 5.00 | 1 |
| Customer Experience | 4.38 | 3 |
| Overall Score | 4.30 | 2 |
WHO IS AKC PET INSURANCE BEST FOR?
AKC Pet Insurance ranks among the best pet insurance companies for owners wanting flexible deductibles starting at $100 and unlimited payout limits. The provider includes hereditary conditions, behavioral therapy and exam fees in standard coverage without extra costs.
Pet parents who need immediate accident protection should consider other options since AKC requires a 14-day waiting period.
AKC Pet Insurance Ratings by State
AKC provides pet insurance nationwide, earning first place overall rankings for dogs in eight states and second place in 34 states. For cats, it achieves second place in one state and third place in three states. AKC ranks first for coverage nationwide and third for customer experience across all states for both pets.
Data filtered by:
Overall Score
Dog
| Alabama | 4.25 | 3 |
| Alaska | 4.30 | 2 |
| Arizona | 4.25 | 2 |
| Arkansas | 4.50 | 1 |
| California | 4.35 | 2 |
| Colorado | 4.30 | 2 |
| Connecticut | 4.30 | 2 |
| Florida | 4.40 | 2 |
| Delaware | 4.20 | 2 |
| Georgia | 4.15 | 2 |
| Hawaii | 4.30 | 2 |
| Idaho | 4.20 | 2 |
| Illinois | 4.30 | 3 |
| Iowa | 4.25 | 2 |
| Indiana | 4.50 | 1 |
| Maryland | 4.15 | 2 |
| Massachusetts | 4.15 | 3 |
| Kansas | 4.30 | 3 |
| Kentucky | 4.40 | 2 |
| Louisiana | 4.25 | 2 |
| Maine | 4.25 | 2 |
| Michigan | 3.90 | 4 |
| Minnesota | 4.15 | 2 |
| Mississippi | 4.35 | 2 |
| Missouri | 4.30 | 2 |
| Montana | 4.40 | 2 |
| Nebraska | 4.30 | 2 |
| Nevada | 4.25 | 2 |
| New Hampshire | 4.25 | 2 |
| New Jersey | 4.15 | 2 |
| New Mexico | 4.55 | 1 |
| New York | 4.35 | 2 |
| North Carolina | 4.30 | 2 |
| Ohio | 4.20 | 2 |
| Oklahoma | 4.60 | 1 |
| North Dakota | 4.55 | 1 |
| Oregon | 4.30 | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | 4.35 | 2 |
| Rhode Island | 4.45 | 2 |
| South Carolina | 4.55 | 1 |
| South Dakota | 4.55 | 1 |
| Tennessee | 4.35 | 2 |
| Vermont | 4.35 | 2 |
| Texas | 4.30 | 2 |
| Utah | 4.05 | 4 |
| Virginia | 4.05 | 4 |
| Washington | 4.55 | 1 |
| West Virginia | 4.35 | 2 |
| Wisconsin | 4.05 | 3 |
| Wyoming | 4.40 | 2 |
AKC Pet Insurance Comparison
See how AKC pet insurance fares against national competitors below.
AKC vs. ASPCA | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 3.85 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 3.35 | ASPCA is cheaper for dogs, but AKC delivers better coverage and stronger customer service for both dogs and cats. |
AKC vs. Embrace | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 2.55 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 2.30 | AKC outperforms Embrace across all categories, with better affordability, coverage and customer service for both dogs and cats. |
AKC vs. Fetch | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 2.70 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 2.95 | Fetch provides decent coverage, but AKC wins with far better affordability and customer experience. |
AKC vs. Figo | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 3.60 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 3.80 | Figo is slightly cheaper for cats, though AKC provides superior coverage and customer experience for both dogs and cats. |
AKC vs. Hartville | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 3.50 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 3.90 | Hartville has cheaper cat coverage, but AKC outperforms with better dog and cat coverage plus stronger customer experience. |
AKC vs. Lemonade | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 4.50 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 4.25 | Lemonade offers lower prices and higher overall scores, while AKC provides stronger coverage for both dogs and cats. |
AKC vs. Liberty | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 2.65 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 2.30 | AKC outperforms Liberty, offering stronger affordability, coverage and service for dogs and cats. |
AKC vs. MetLife | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 3.05 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 2.40 | AKC dominates across affordability, coverage and customer experience, outperforming Met Life in every category. |
AKC vs. Nationwide | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 2.50 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 2.65 | Nationwide lags in affordability, especially for cats. AKC provides stronger coverage and a more balanced offering. |
AKC vs. Pets Best | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 4.05 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 3.80 | Pets Best offers good affordability, but AKC has stronger coverage and higher overall scores. |
AKC vs. Pumpkin | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 3.70 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 4.15 | Pumpkin is more affordable, especially for cats, but AKC stands out with stronger coverage scores for both pets. |
AKC vs. Rainwalk | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 4.05 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 3.95 | Rainwalk has excellent customer service, while AKC offers superior coverage and better overall affordability. |
AKC vs. Spot | • Dogs: 4.30 vs. 3.75 • Cats: 3.85 vs. 4.15 | Spot is more affordable with better customer service, but AKC leads on coverage for both pets. |
How Much Does AKC Pet Insurance Cost?
AKC's pet insurance costs an average of $59 monthly ($705 annually) for dogs and $35 monthly ($416 annually) for cats. Your premium depends on several factors, including your location and pet breed.
| Dog | $59 | $60 | $705 | $723 | 2% |
| Cat | $35 | $32 | $416 | $379 | 10% |
AKC Pet Insurance Rates by State
AKC pet insurance rates vary by state based on veterinary costs and local claim patterns. AKC offers the most affordable pet insurance for cats in Arkansas at $22 monthly and the most expensive coverage in Massachusetts at $47. For dogs, AKC provides the lowest monthly rate in Arkansas at $37 and the highest in Massachusetts at $80.
Data filtered by:
Dog
| Alabama | $46 | $552 |
| Alaska | $58 | $688 |
| Arizona | $73 | $870 |
| Arkansas | $37 | $447 |
| California | $73 | $868 |
| Colorado | $73 | $873 |
| Connecticut | $66 | $793 |
| Delaware | $61 | $730 |
| Florida | $63 | $756 |
| Georgia | $56 | $666 |
| Hawaii | $59 | $702 |
| Idaho | $60 | $725 |
| Illinois | $72 | $864 |
| Indiana | $49 | $591 |
| Iowa | $51 | $617 |
| Kansas | $54 | $650 |
| Kentucky | $47 | $558 |
| Louisiana | $49 | $581 |
| Maine | $73 | $869 |
| Maryland | $62 | $748 |
| Massachusetts | $80 | $957 |
| Michigan | $67 | $804 |
| Minnesota | $63 | $757 |
| Mississippi | $50 | $594 |
| Missouri | $48 | $577 |
| Montana | $48 | $579 |
| Nebraska | $54 | $642 |
| Nevada | $61 | $733 |
| New Hampshire | $69 | $820 |
| New Jersey | $70 | $838 |
| New Mexico | $48 | $572 |
| New York | $63 | $749 |
| North Carolina | $54 | $642 |
| North Dakota | $41 | $491 |
| Ohio | $56 | $669 |
| Oklahoma | $44 | $524 |
| Oregon | $72 | $858 |
| Pennsylvania | $60 | $714 |
| Rhode Island | $48 | $581 |
| South Carolina | $55 | $655 |
| South Dakota | $47 | $564 |
| Tennessee | $54 | $644 |
| Texas | $61 | $729 |
| Utah | $61 | $726 |
| Vermont | $54 | $644 |
| Virginia | $68 | $813 |
| Washington | $64 | $771 |
| West Virginia | $50 | $598 |
| Wisconsin | $68 | $817 |
| Wyoming | $53 | $637 |
AKC Pet Insurance Rates by Breed
AKC pet insurance premiums change based on your pet's breed. Cat owners pay around $32 monthly for Domestic Shorthairs but $42 for Maine Coons. Dog premiums show bigger gaps, starting at $25 for small mixed breeds under 20 pounds and reaching $114 for Bullmastiffs. These price differences happen because some breeds face more health problems and need costlier veterinary care.
Data filtered by:
Cat
Abyssinian
| Abyssinian | $42 | $505 |
Is AKC Pet Insurance Expensive?
AKC ranks ninth for cat affordability and fifth for dogs in our study, making it a mid-range option rather than the cheapest choice. Check the filterable table below to see how costs change based on your pet's age and your preferred deductible, annual limit and reimbursement rate.
Data filtered by:
Dog
Middle Aged
$500
$5,000
80%
| $66 | $788 | 8% |
AKC Pet Insurance Discounts
AKC provides two main pet insurance discounts to help reduce premium costs. Pet owners can save with a multi-pet discount when insuring multiple animals under one policy. AKC also offers a breeder discount for qualifying customers. These savings opportunities can make coverage more affordable for different types of pet owners.
Breeder | 10% | Must be an AKC Breeder of Merit or Bred with H.E.A.R.T. participant; enroll your personal pet using the program group code |
Multiple pets | 5% | Insure more than one pet or add a pet to an existing policy; not available in some states |
AKC Pet Insurance Customer Service Reviews and Ratings
AKC earns strong customer service ratings, ranking third nationally for cats and dogs. The company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and mixed reviews on Trustpilot. Reddit users share positive experiences and praise AKC's support team and responsive service. Some customers report delays in claim processing.
AKC Trustpilot Reviews
AKC earns a 3.2 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from verified customers who rate its service and claims handling. The rating reflects mixed customer experiences with AKC's coverage and support. Trustpilot collects verified reviews to give consumers honest feedback about companies.
AKC Better Business Bureau Rating
AKC holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau but is not currently accredited. The A+ grade is BBB's top rating, showing AKC meets standards for ethical business practices and complaint resolution.
AKC Pet Insurance Reddit Sentiment
Reddit users recommend AKC pet insurance. Seven Reddit comments show 86% positive sentiment: six favorable reviews and one negative. Customers praise AKC's customer service and clear policy language. One complaint cited coverage gaps and claim approval delays. Most Reddit feedback on AKC remains positive despite inconsistent claims processing.
AKC Pet Insurance Coverage
AKC offers pet insurance for dogs and cats. Pet owners can customize AKC policies with different coverage levels and optional add-ons to match their budget and pet's health needs.
Deductibles | $100–$1,000 (annual) |
Annual limits | $2,500–$20,000; unlimited option available in many states |
Reimbursement rates | 70%, 80%, 90% (reimbursement); corresponding coinsurance of 30%, 20%, 10% |
Coverage for accident-only plan | Accidental injuries such as fractures, toxic ingestion, bite wounds, surgery, hospitalization, diagnostics and prescription medications; no illness coverage |
Coverage for accident and illness plan | All accident benefits plus illnesses, diagnostics and imaging, prescriptions, hospitalization, surgery and specialty care; optional add-ons can expand coverage (behavioral, hereditary, breeding, exam fees, alternative care) |
Pre-existing conditions | Eligible after 365 consecutive days of coverage on accident and illness plans (availability varies by state) |
Bilateral conditions | If one side is pre-existing or during the waiting period, the opposite side may be excluded as bilateral |
Waiting periods | Accidents: 2 days; Illnesses: 14 days; Cruciate/orthopedic: 180 days |
Enrollment restrictions | No breed exclusions; no upper age limit noted; plan and add-on availability vary by state |
*Coverage varies by state and policy terms. Always review your specific policy documents and consult your insurance provider to understand exact coverage terms, exclusions, limitations and waiting periods before enrollment.
AKC Pet Insurance Coverage Add-Ons
AKC offers several optional riders to tailor coverage to your pet’s needs. Add-ons are subject to state availability and may have separate limits or waiting periods.
Wellness (Defender/DefenderPlus) | Reimburses routine preventive care such as vaccinations, wellness exams and parasite prevention; DefenderPlus also includes spay/neuter or dental cleanings; not subject to deductible or coinsurance; benefit schedule applies |
HereditaryPlus | Adds coverage for congenital and hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia and luxating patella; must be added before age two |
Exam Fee Coverage (ExamPlus) | Reimburses exam fees at primary, emergency and specialty vets, even if no treatment is performed |
Breeding Coverage | Helps cover complications from breeding, pregnancy, whelping and nursing; excludes elective breeding services |
AlternativePlus | Covers eligible alternative and complementary therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic, per policy terms |
Final Respects | Provides a fixed benefit toward cremation, burial and related end-of-life expenses (availability varies) |
Is AKC Pet Insurance Good: Bottom Line
AKC charges $59 monthly for dog insurance and $35 for cat coverage on average. The company ranks third nationally for customer experience but maintains moderate Trustpilot and BBB ratings. AKC offers accident-only and comprehensive accident and illness plans, with optional wellness coverage add-ons available for routine care needs.
AKC Pet Insurance Review: FAQ
Find answers to common questions about AKC pet insurance coverage below.
Is AKC pet insurance worth it in 2025?
AKC pet insurance offers solid value in 2025, particularly for dog owners. The company ranks first nationally for coverage and delivers strong customer experience. With average premiums of $59 monthly for dogs and $35 for cats, AKC provides comprehensive protection at competitive rates for most pet owners.
What do Reddit users really think about AKC pet insurance?
Reddit users rate AKC pet insurance positively: 86% positive sentiment across six favorable comments and one negative. Users praise AKC's customer service and clear policy terms. Concerns include coverage limitations for pre-existing conditions and claim processing delays.
Does AKC cover pre-existing conditions for pets?
AKC doesn't cover pre-existing conditions. Curable conditions are eligible for coverage if your pet remains symptom-free and treatment-free for 180 consecutive days. Chronic conditions and orthopedic issues like ligament or knee problems remain permanently excluded from coverage.
Can I get a discount for insuring multiple pets with AKC?
AKC Pet Insurance offers a discount when you insure more than one pet on the same policy. The company also provides additional savings through AAA membership discounts, workplace benefit programs and other qualifying memberships that can help reduce your overall premium costs.
Is AKC pet insurance available in my state?
Yes, AKC pet insurance operates in all 50 states. Monthly premiums vary by location. Cat coverage ranges from $22 in Arkansas to $47 in Massachusetts. Dog insurance costs between $37 in Arkansas and $80 in Massachusetts, making Arkansas the most affordable state for both pets.
How We Rated AKC Pet Insurance
Pet insurance shopping feels overwhelming with so many options available. We analyzed how AKC performs across the following key areas:
Affordability (50% of score): We gathered premium quotes for various pet breeds, ages and plan types, incorporating available discounts to reflect the actual costs pet owners pay.
Customer Experience (30% of score): This assessment draws from customer reviews and ratings on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit to gauge user satisfaction.
Coverage Options (20% of score): We examined policy benefits, available add-ons and the breadth of protection offered to pet owners.
Our pricing analysis used standardized quotes for a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever and a 7-year-old Ragdoll with a $500 deductible, $5,000 annual limit and 80% reimbursement rate.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Better Business Bureau. "The American Kennel Club, Inc." Accessed October 30, 2025.
- Trustpilot. "AKC Pet Insurance." Accessed October 30, 2025.