Overall, Lemonade is the best pet insurance company for dogs in MoneyGeek's analysis of 20 major providers, providing the most affordable rates and solid customer service. We also recommend AKC, Pets Best, Rainwalk and Pumpkin as great alternatives for dog insurance.
Best Pet Insurance for Dogs
Updated: October 8, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Best Pet Insurance for Dogs: Key Takeaways
Lemonade offers the best pet insurance for dogs in MoneyGeek's study, earning a score of 4.5 out of 5.0.
Lemonade provides the cheapest dog insurance at an average of $41 monthly, saving owners 33% compared to the national average.
To get the best value for dog insurance, compare multiple quotes, research customer reviews and understand the fine print before enrolling.
What Are the Best Pet Insurance Companies for Dogs?
| Lemonade | 4.5 | $487 | 3 | 6 |
| AKC | 4.1 | $705 | 3 | 1 |
| Pets Best | 4 | $643 | 5 | 2 |
| Rainwalk | 3.95 | $718 | 1 | 4 |
| Pumpkin | 3.95 | $548 | 3 | 11 |
Best Pet Insurance for Dogs by State
Lemonade ranks as the best dog insurance provider in 41 states across the country. AKC leads in seven states, while Rainwalk offers the best coverage in Idaho and Kansas.
| Alabama | Lemonade | $358 |
| Alaska | AKC | $688 |
| Arizona | Lemonade | $593 |
| Arkansas | Lemonade | $327 |
| California | Lemonade | $617 |
| Colorado | Lemonade | $613 |
| Connecticut | Lemonade | $556 |
| Delaware | Lemonade | $490 |
| Florida | Lemonade | $552 |
| Georgia | Lemonade | $440 |
| Hawaii | Lemonade | $492 |
| Idaho | Rainwalk | $688 |
| Illinois | Lemonade | $604 |
| Indiana | Lemonade | $441 |
| Iowa | Lemonade | $410 |
| Kansas | Rainwalk | $587 |
| Kentucky | AKC | $558 |
| Louisiana | Lemonade | $392 |
| Maine | AKC | $869 |
| Maryland | Lemonade | $478 |
| Massachusetts | Lemonade | $628 |
| Michigan | Lemonade | $489 |
| Minnesota | Lemonade | $506 |
| Mississippi | Lemonade | $414 |
| Missouri | Lemonade | $384 |
| Montana | Lemonade | $408 |
| Nebraska | Lemonade | $440 |
| Nevada | Lemonade | $505 |
| New Hampshire | Lemonade | $566 |
| New Jersey | Lemonade | $551 |
| New Mexico | Lemonade | $430 |
| New York | Lemonade | $530 |
| North Carolina | Lemonade | $434 |
| North Dakota | Lemonade | $374 |
| Ohio | Lemonade | $447 |
| Oklahoma | Lemonade | $407 |
| Oregon | Lemonade | $606 |
| Pennsylvania | Lemonade | $507 |
| Rhode Island | Lemonade | $424 |
| South Carolina | Lemonade | $479 |
| South Dakota | AKC | $564 |
| Tennessee | Lemonade | $450 |
| Texas | Lemonade | $516 |
| Utah | Lemonade | $465 |
| Vermont | AKC | $644 |
| Virginia | Lemonade | $520 |
| Washington | Lemonade | $561 |
| West Virginia | AKC | $598 |
| Wisconsin | Lemonade | $522 |
| Wyoming | AKC | $637 |
Lemonade
Best Overall
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
5/5Affordability
4.4/5Customer Experience
3.3/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Rate
$41Overall Reddit Sentiment
72% positiveMaximum Annual Limit
$100,000Most Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-On
Non-chronic pre-existing conditions covered after 12 symptom-free months
Rainwalk
Best Customer Experience
MoneyGeek Rating
4.0/ 5
3.5/5Affordability
5/5Customer Experience
3.6/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Rate
$60Trustpilot Ratings
4.7 out of 5.0Maximum Annual Limit
$20,000Most Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-On
Curable pre-existing conditions covered after 180 symptom-free days
AKC
Best Pet Insurance Coverage Options
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ 5
3.6/5Affordability
4.4/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Rate
$59Overall Reddit Sentiment
86% positiveMaximum Annual Limit
$10,000Most Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-On
Pre-existing conditions covered after 365 days of continuous coverage
What Are the Cheapest Pet Insurance Companies for Dogs?
Our analysis found that Lemonade offers the cheapest pet insurance for dogs at $41 monthly ($487 annually), saving dog owners 33% compared to the national average. Pumpkin, ASPCA, Figo and Pets Best also provide affordable alternatives for budget-conscious pet owners seeking quality coverage.
| Lemonade | $41 | $487 | 33% |
| Pumpkin | $46 | $548 | 24% |
| ASPCA | $48 | $580 | 20% |
| Figo | $52 | $624 | 14% |
| Pets Best | $53 | $643 | 11% |
Cheapest Pet Insurance for Dogs by State
Lemonade offers the cheapest dog insurance in 41 states, while Pumpkin provides the most affordable rates in nine states. Average monthly rates range from $27 to $56, depending on your location.
| Arkansas | Lemonade | $27 | $327 |
| Alabama | Lemonade | $30 | $358 |
| North Dakota | Lemonade | $31 | $374 |
| Missouri | Lemonade | $32 | $384 |
| Louisiana | Lemonade | $33 | $392 |
| Montana | Lemonade | $34 | $408 |
| Oklahoma | Lemonade | $34 | $407 |
| Iowa | Lemonade | $34 | $410 |
| Mississippi | Lemonade | $35 | $414 |
| Rhode Island | Lemonade | $35 | $424 |
| New Mexico | Lemonade | $36 | $430 |
| North Carolina | Lemonade | $36 | $434 |
| Kentucky | Pumpkin | $36 | $434 |
| Georgia | Lemonade | $37 | $440 |
| Nebraska | Lemonade | $37 | $440 |
| Indiana | Lemonade | $37 | $441 |
| Ohio | Lemonade | $37 | $447 |
| Tennessee | Lemonade | $38 | $450 |
| Utah | Lemonade | $39 | $465 |
| West Virginia | Pumpkin | $40 | $474 |
| Maryland | Lemonade | $40 | $478 |
| South Carolina | Lemonade | $40 | $479 |
| South Dakota | Pumpkin | $41 | $485 |
| Michigan | Lemonade | $41 | $489 |
| Delaware | Lemonade | $41 | $490 |
| Hawaii | Lemonade | $41 | $492 |
| Kansas | Pumpkin | $42 | $497 |
| Nevada | Lemonade | $42 | $505 |
| Minnesota | Lemonade | $42 | $506 |
| Pennsylvania | Lemonade | $42 | $507 |
| Wyoming | Pumpkin | $43 | $509 |
| Vermont | Pumpkin | $43 | $510 |
| Texas | Lemonade | $43 | $516 |
| Virginia | Lemonade | $43 | $520 |
| Wisconsin | Lemonade | $44 | $522 |
| New York | Lemonade | $44 | $530 |
| Alaska | Pumpkin | $45 | $534 |
| New Jersey | Lemonade | $46 | $551 |
| Idaho | Pumpkin | $46 | $549 |
| Florida | Lemonade | $46 | $552 |
| Connecticut | Lemonade | $46 | $556 |
| Washington | Lemonade | $47 | $561 |
| New Hampshire | Lemonade | $47 | $566 |
| Arizona | Lemonade | $49 | $593 |
| Illinois | Lemonade | $50 | $604 |
| Oregon | Lemonade | $50 | $606 |
| Colorado | Lemonade | $51 | $613 |
| California | Lemonade | $51 | $617 |
| Massachusetts | Lemonade | $52 | $628 |
| Maine | Pumpkin | $56 | $666 |
How Much Is Pet Insurance for Dogs?
The average cost of pet insurance for dogs is $53 monthly ($639 annually), according to MoneyGeek's analysis. These rates reflect quotes for a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible, $5,000 annual limit and 80% reimbursement rate across major insurers.
| $53 | $639 |
What Factors Affect Dog Insurance Costs?
Dogs cost more to insure than cats due to their larger size and higher veterinary expenses. Several factors influence your dog's insurance premium, including breed, age, location and coverage selections.
Breed
Your dog's breed plays a major role in premium costs, with small mixed breeds costing around $49 monthly while large breeds like Bull Mastiffs average $232 monthly, based on our study. Larger dogs and breeds prone to hereditary conditions face higher premiums because they require more expensive veterinary care.
Age
According to our analysis, younger dogs cost less to insure, with puppies under 1 year old averaging $33 monthly compared to $186 monthly for 20-year-old senior dogs. Premiums increase as dogs age because older pets develop more health issues and require frequent veterinary visits.
Location
Where you live affects your premiums because veterinary costs vary by state and region. Urban areas with higher costs of living and more expensive veterinary services result in higher insurance rates. Some states also have different regulations that impact pricing.
Coverage selections
Your chosen deductible, annual limit and reimbursement rate impact your monthly premium. Higher deductibles and lower annual limits reduce premiums but increase your out-of-pocket costs when filing claims. Selecting 90% reimbursement costs more than 70% reimbursement but provides greater financial protection.
How to Get the Best Cheap Pet Insurance for Dogs
Follow these steps to secure comprehensive financial protection for your dog while keeping premiums within your budget.
- 1
Know what coverage you need
Consider your dog's breed, age and health history when deciding how much coverage makes sense for your situation. A young, healthy mixed breed may only need basic accident and illness coverage, while breeds prone to hereditary conditions benefit from higher annual limits. Balance your budget with realistic coverage that financially protects against major veterinary expenses without overpaying for unnecessary features.
- 2
Compare multiple providers
Request quotes from at least three to five pet insurance companies using identical coverage parameters to ensure accurate comparisons. Premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars annually between companies for the same dog and coverage. Use online quote tools to gather quotes that reflect your dog's specific profile.
- 3
Look out for reviews and recommendations
Research customer reviews on independent platforms like Trustpilot and check complaint ratios with state insurance departments. Pay attention to feedback about claims processing speed, customer service responsiveness and claim denial rates. You can also ask your veterinarian or fellow dog owners about their experiences with different insurers.
- 4
Read the fine print
Review policy documents carefully to understand waiting periods, exclusions and pre-existing condition definitions before purchasing. Some policies exclude breed-specific conditions, impose age limits or restrict coverage for certain treatments. Confirm what's covered and excluded to avoid surprises when filing claims.
- 5
Review annually
Evaluate your coverage each year during renewal to ensure it still meets your dog's needs and budget. Your dog's changing health status, new treatments or updated coverage options may warrant adjusting your policy.
What Is the Best Pet Insurance for Dogs: Bottom Line
Lemonade leads MoneyGeek's rankings as the best pet insurance for dogs, with a 4.5 out of 5 score while offering the most affordable rates at $41 monthly. That said, always compare quotes from multiple providers, research customer reviews and review policy details carefully to find the best coverage for your budget and dog's specific needs.
Best Pet Insurance Dogs: FAQ
We've addressed some frequently asked questions about the best pet insurance for dogs to help you make an informed decision:
What is the best pet insurance for dogs?
Lemonade ranks as the best pet insurance for dogs in MoneyGeek's comprehensive analysis of 20 major providers, earning a score of 4.5 out of 5.0. The company combines the lowest rates for dog insurance with strong customer satisfaction, making it our top recommendation for most dog owners.
What is the cheapest pet insurance for dogs?
Lemonade provides the cheapest dog insurance at $41 monthly or $487 annually, saving owners 33% compared to the national average of $53 monthly. However, cheapest doesn't always mean best value. Always compare coverage options, customer service ratings and policy exclusions before selecting a provider based solely on price.
How much does pet insurance for dogs cost?
Dog insurance costs an average of $53 monthly or $639 annually, based on MoneyGeek's analysis of quotes for a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible, $5,000 annual limit and 80% reimbursement rate. However, your actual cost varies based on your dog's breed, age, location and chosen coverage levels.
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions for dogs?
Most pet insurers permanently exclude pre-existing conditions, which are any illnesses or injuries that developed before coverage starts. That said, AKC covers both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after 12 months of continuous coverage. Meanwhile, Rainwalk covers curable conditions if your dog remains symptom-free for 180 consecutive days.
How long does it take to get reimbursed for dog insurance claims?
Claim reimbursement timelines vary by provider, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Most insurers process straightforward claims within five to ten business days once they receive your itemized invoice and medical records. To speed up reimbursement, submit complete documentation promptly, including detailed veterinary invoices and any requested medical records.
Can I use pet insurance at any veterinarian?
Most pet insurance providers allow you to visit any licensed veterinarian in the United States, giving you complete freedom to choose your preferred vet or specialist. Pet insurance works on a reimbursement model, meaning you pay the vet bill upfront, then submit a claim for reimbursement based on your policy terms. This flexibility means you can maintain your existing vet relationship, visit emergency clinics when needed or see specialists without worrying about network restrictions.
How We Found the Best and Cheapest Pet Insurance for Dogs
MoneyGeek analyzed 20 major pet insurance providers across the United States to identify the best and most affordable coverage for dogs. We evaluated quotes, customer satisfaction ratings and policy contract details to develop top recommendations tailored to dog owners' needs.
To ensure accurate comparisons, we gathered quotes using a standard 6-year-old Labrador Retriever profile with a $5,000 annual limit, 80% reimbursement rate and $500 deductible.
How We Score Each Provider
Affordability (50% of score): We collected quotes for dogs from every provider and compared premium rates against competitors across all states. Available discounts contributed a minor component to this rating, as discount offerings vary minimally between companies.
Customer Experience (30% of score): We gathered customer ratings from independent review platforms, specifically Trustpilot and Reddit, to measure policyholder satisfaction. This score reflects real user experiences with claims processing, customer service responsiveness and overall satisfaction.
Coverage Options (20% of score): We reviewed complete policy contracts for each provider across all states, evaluating add-on availability, standard coverage inclusions, policy exclusions and enrollment restrictions. Pet insurance regulations differ by state, so coverage options and policy terms may vary based on your location.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.