Does Pet Insurance Cover Training?

Pet insurance covers behavioral training when medically necessary, either through standard plans or optional add-ons, depending on your insurer.

Find comprehensive pet insurance options for your pet below.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Edited by Lukas Velunta

Updated: August 26, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways

Pet insurance may cover behavioral training for medically necessary conditions but doesn't provide coverage for obedience training.

Some pet insurance companies like ASPCA, Embrace and Fetch include behavioral training in their standard plans, while others like AKC and Lemonade cover it under optional add-ons.

Consider behavioral training coverage if your pet shows behavioral issues, you're adopting a rescue or you have a breed prone to anxiety or aggression.

How Does Pet Insurance Work for Training?

Pet insurance doesn't cover basic training, but it may provide coverage for behavioral training when it's medically necessary to treat specific conditions like aggression, separation anxiety or destructive behavior.

Your veterinarian must diagnose a behavioral condition and recommend training as part of the treatment plan to qualify for coverage. You'll pay the training costs upfront and submit receipts to your insurer for reimbursement according to your policy's terms, deductible and reimbursement percentage, same as any other vet bill.

What Covers Training?

Some pet insurance companies cover behavioral training through standard accident and illness policies or optional wellness plans. Accident and illness policies cover it when your vet diagnoses a behavioral condition and recommends training as treatment, while wellness plans can include behavioral training as preventive care.

You'll need to work with licensed vets or certified animal behaviorists (not regular dog trainers) to get coverage.

Coverage amounts and yearly limits vary by company, and some insurers require pre-approval for behavioral training costs.

What Has Training Coverage?

Several major pet insurance companies cover behavioral training, but the coverage details and requirements vary widely between companies. Some include behavioral training in standard policies, while others charge extra for it.


AKC	No	Yes
ASPCA	Yes	No
Embrace	Yes	No
Fetch	Yes	No
Figo	No	Yes
Lemonade	No	Yes
Liberty Mutual	Yes	No
MetLife	No	Yes
Prudent Pet	Yes	No
Pumpkin	Yes	No
Rainwalk	No	Yes
Spot	Yes	No
Trupanion	No	Yes

Do You Need Training Coverage?

Whether you need behavioral training coverage depends on your pet's specific needs and your financial situation. Here's what to think about:

1
Your pet shows signs of behavioral issues
Dogs and cats with existing behavioral problems like excessive barking, destructive chewing or aggression toward other animals often benefit from professional training. Behavioral training costs an average of $150 to $200 per session based on the type of training, according to Rover data from 2024. Sessions for separation anxiety, particularly, range from $600 to $900 monthly.
Costs vary significantly by location, trainer qualifications and specific behavioral issues. Always obtain quotes from certified professionals in your area.
2
You're adopting a rescue pet with an unknown history
Rescue animals often struggle with behavioral problems because of trauma from their past or missed socialization as young pets. Your new pet might need professional behavioral help to adjust to your home.
3
Your pet is under 18 months
Young pets are more likely to develop behavioral issues as they mature and test boundaries. Early intervention through behavioral training can prevent more serious problems from developing later.
4
You have a breed prone to anxiety or aggression
Certain breeds are more likely to have behavioral issues like separation anxiety, territorial behavior or fear-based aggression. German Shepherds, Border Collies and some terrier breeds often need professional behavioral support.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Training: Bottom Line

Pet insurance can help cover behavioral training costs when it's medically necessary, though routine obedience classes aren't covered. Some insurers like ASPCA, Embrace and Fetch include this coverage in standard accident and illness plans, while others require optional add-ons. Behavioral training coverage makes sense if you're dealing with pet behavioral problems, adopting a rescue or own anxiety-prone breeds.

Pet Insurance That Covers Training: FAQ

To help you make informed decisions, here are the questions pet owners ask most about pet insurance training coverage:

Are behavioral training or therapy costs covered by pet insurance?

Many pet insurance plans cover behavioral training and therapy costs when medically necessary. You're covered when your vet diagnoses behavioral conditions like separation anxiety, aggression or destructive behavior and recommends training as treatment.

Will pet insurance pay for medications related to behavioral training?

Pet insurance will pay for medications related to behavioral training when plans cover behavioral training and your vet prescribes related medications. If your vet diagnoses a behavioral condition like separation anxiety or aggression and prescribes medication as part of treatment, accident and illness policies usually cover it.

Does pet insurance cover puppy socialization classes?

Pet insurance doesn't cover routine puppy socialization classes since these fall under basic obedience training rather than medically necessary behavioral treatment.

What documentation do I need to file a pet training insurance claim?

To file a pet training insurance claim, you'll need your vet's diagnosis of the behavioral condition, a written treatment recommendation that includes training, itemized receipts from licensed vets or certified animal behaviorists and proof of payment. Submit these through your insurer's standard claim process. You'll pay training costs upfront and get reimbursed based on your policy terms.

Does pet insurance cover training for senior dogs with cognitive issues?

Pet insurance covers behavioral training for senior dogs with cognitive issues when your vet diagnoses conditions like cognitive dysfunction syndrome or age-related anxiety. The training must be medically necessary and performed by licensed vets or certified animal behaviorists.

Can I use any certified trainer or does it have to be vet-recommended?

For pet insurance coverage, you'll need to work with licensed vets or certified animal behaviorists, not regular dog trainers. Look for professionals with credentials like Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) or veterinary behaviorists, then check your insurance company's requirements for which professionals qualify.

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.

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sources

Rover. "How Much Does It Cost To Train A Dog? Training Prices Explained." Accessed August 25, 2025.