The best pet insurance company for German Shepherds is AKC due to their balance of affordable rates, a great customer service reputation and a wide selection and inclusion of coverages. We also recommend looking into Lemonade, Pets Best, Rainwalk and Spot for insurance coverage for your companion.
German Shepherd Insurance
Updated: July 19, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
The best pet insurance company for German Shepherds with the best mix of affordability, customer service and coverage is AKC.
The cheapest pet insurance rates for German Shepherds are offered by Pumpkin at an average rate of $39 per month for the most common plan selection.
On average, German Shepherds are the 62nd most expensive to insure with pet insurance costs of $119 per month or around $1,422 per year overall.
Best German Shepherd Pet Insurance Companies
| AKC | 4.25 | $59 | 3 | 1 |
| Lemonade | 4.15 | $41 | 3 | 6 |
| Pets Best | 4.15 | $42 | 5 | 2 |
| Rainwalk | 4.15 | $61 | 1 | 4 |
| Spot | 3.90 | $57 | 2 | 8 |
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AKC
Best For German Shepherds
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ of 5
3.9/5Affordability
4.4/5Customer Experience
5/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Rate
$59Overall Sentiment
86% PositiveMaximum Annual Limit
$10,000Most Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-on
Can Cover Pre-Existing Conditions
Best German Shepherd Pet Insurance By State
Even by state, AKC still wins the vast majority of states, winning 46 out of 50 of them. However, Rainwalk is the best provider in Illinois, Michigan, Utah and Virginia.
| Alabama | AKC | 4.25 |
| Alaska | AKC | 4.25 |
| Arizona | AKC | 4.25 |
| Arkansas | AKC | 4.35 |
| California | AKC | 4.30 |
| Colorado | AKC | 4.30 |
| Connecticut | AKC | 4.30 |
| Delaware | AKC | 4.25 |
| Florida | AKC | 4.30 |
| Georgia | AKC | 4.25 |
| Hawaii | AKC | 4.30 |
| Idaho | AKC | 4.25 |
| Illinois | AKC | 4.25 |
| Illinois | Rainwalk | 4.25 |
| Indiana | AKC | 4.30 |
| Iowa | AKC | 4.25 |
| Kansas | AKC | 4.25 |
| Kentucky | AKC | 4.35 |
| Louisiana | AKC | 4.25 |
| Maine | AKC | 4.25 |
| Maryland | AKC | 4.25 |
| Massachusetts | AKC | 4.25 |
| Michigan | Rainwalk | 4.20 |
| Minnesota | AKC | 4.25 |
| Mississippi | AKC | 4.30 |
| Missouri | AKC | 4.25 |
| Montana | AKC | 4.30 |
| Nebraska | AKC | 4.25 |
| Nevada | AKC | 4.25 |
| New Hampshire | AKC | 4.25 |
| New Jersey | AKC | 4.25 |
| New Mexico | AKC | 4.35 |
| New York | AKC | 4.30 |
| North Carolina | AKC | 4.25 |
| North Dakota | AKC | 4.35 |
| Ohio | AKC | 4.25 |
| Oklahoma | AKC | 4.35 |
| Oregon | AKC | 4.30 |
| Pennsylvania | AKC | 4.30 |
| Rhode Island | AKC | 4.30 |
| South Carolina | AKC | 4.30 |
| South Dakota | AKC | 4.35 |
| Tennessee | AKC | 4.25 |
| Texas | AKC | 4.30 |
| Utah | AKC | 4.20 |
| Utah | Rainwalk | 4.20 |
| Vermont | AKC | 4.30 |
| Virginia | AKC | 4.20 |
| Virginia | Rainwalk | 4.20 |
| Washington | AKC | 4.40 |
| West Virginia | AKC | 4.30 |
| Wisconsin | AKC | 4.20 |
| Wyoming | AKC | 4.30 |
Cheapest German Shepherd Pet Insurance Companies
Pumpkin offers the cheapest pet insurance rates for German Shepherds with an average rate of $39 per month or $464 per year. We also recommend Lemonade, Pets Best, ASPCA and Figo for affordable coverage.
| Pumpkin | $39 | $464 | 29% |
| Lemonade | $41 | $491 | 25% |
| Pets Best | $42 | $507 | 23% |
| ASPCA | $48 | $571 | 13% |
| Figo | $52 | $626 | 5% |
*Rates shown are for a 6-year-old german shepherd who has coverage annually of $5,000 with 80% reimbursement and a $500 deductible.
Pumpkin
Cheapest Pet Insurance For German Shepherds
MoneyGeek Rating
3.9/ of 5
4.4/5Affordability
4.4/5Customer Experience
1.7/5Coverage Options
Average Monthly Rate
$39Overall Customer Sentiment
79% positiveMaximum Annual Limit
UnlimitedMost Unique Coverage Inclusion or Add-on
Routine Wellness Coverage
Cheapest German Shepherd Pet Insurance By State
Across all states, Pumpkin is the cheapest pet insurance provider for German Shepherds overall. Their rates range from $29 to $51 per month on average depending on where you live.
| Alabama | Pumpkin | $29 | 33% |
| Alaska | Pumpkin | $38 | 30% |
| Arizona | Pumpkin | $48 | 27% |
| Arkansas | Pumpkin | $26 | 33% |
| California | Pumpkin | $50 | 24% |
| Colorado | Pumpkin | $49 | 28% |
| Connecticut | Pumpkin | $45 | 28% |
| Delaware | Pumpkin | $39 | 30% |
| Florida | Pumpkin | $44 | 29% |
| Georgia | Pumpkin | $35 | 28% |
| Hawaii | Pumpkin | $40 | 31% |
| Idaho | Pumpkin | $39 | 29% |
| Illinois | Pumpkin | $49 | 27% |
| Indiana | Pumpkin | $35 | 28% |
| Iowa | Pumpkin | $33 | 31% |
| Kansas | Pumpkin | $36 | 30% |
| Kentucky | Pumpkin | $31 | 33% |
| Louisiana | Pumpkin | $32 | 31% |
| Maine | Pumpkin | $48 | 29% |
| Maryland | Pumpkin | $38 | 35% |
| Massachusetts | Pumpkin | $51 | 28% |
| Michigan | Pumpkin | $39 | 29% |
| Minnesota | Pumpkin | $41 | 28% |
| Mississippi | Pumpkin | $33 | 31% |
| Missouri | Pumpkin | $31 | 31% |
| Montana | Pumpkin | $33 | 30% |
| Nebraska | Pumpkin | $35 | 30% |
| Nevada | Pumpkin | $41 | 28% |
| New Hampshire | Pumpkin | $46 | 28% |
| New Jersey | Pumpkin | $44 | 28% |
| New Mexico | Pumpkin | $35 | 30% |
| New York | Pumpkin | $43 | 28% |
| North Carolina | Pumpkin | $35 | 31% |
| North Dakota | Pumpkin | $30 | 30% |
| Ohio | Pumpkin | $36 | 31% |
| Oklahoma | Pumpkin | $33 | 30% |
| Oregon | Pumpkin | $49 | 27% |
| Pennsylvania | Pumpkin | $41 | 30% |
| Rhode Island | Pumpkin | $34 | 30% |
| South Carolina | Pumpkin | $37 | 28% |
| South Dakota | Pumpkin | $35 | 31% |
| Tennessee | Pumpkin | $36 | 29% |
| Texas | Pumpkin | $42 | 27% |
| Utah | Pumpkin | $37 | 30% |
| Vermont | Pumpkin | $37 | 30% |
| Virginia | Pumpkin | $42 | 31% |
| Washington | Pumpkin | $45 | 31% |
| West Virginia | Pumpkin | $34 | 29% |
| Wisconsin | Pumpkin | $42 | 31% |
| Wyoming | Pumpkin | $36 | 29% |
*Rates shown are for a 6-year-old german shepherd who has coverage annually of $5,000 with 80% reimbursement and a $500 deductible.
How Much Does German Shepherd Insurance Cost?
Depending on the state you live in, pet insurance costs for german shepherds can be anywhere from $81 to $154 per month, making them 62nd most expensive dog breed. However, this represents an average across all coverage types available on the market, so your pricing will vary widely depending on your companion and your desired coverage level.
| Alabama | $90 | $1,074 | -24% |
| Alaska | $117 | $1,406 | -1% |
| Arizona | $142 | $1,697 | 19% |
| Arkansas | $81 | $965 | -32% |
| California | $147 | $1,763 | 24% |
| Colorado | $149 | $1,782 | 25% |
| Connecticut | $136 | $1,627 | 14% |
| Delaware | $120 | $1,442 | 1% |
| Florida | $135 | $1,620 | 14% |
| Georgia | $106 | $1,265 | -11% |
| Hawaii | $121 | $1,454 | 2% |
| Idaho | $118 | $1,420 | -0% |
| Illinois | $145 | $1,743 | 23% |
| Indiana | $107 | $1,285 | -10% |
| Iowa | $98 | $1,179 | -17% |
| Kansas | $108 | $1,294 | -9% |
| Kentucky | $95 | $1,139 | -20% |
| Louisiana | $96 | $1,150 | -19% |
| Maine | $143 | $1,717 | 21% |
| Maryland | $124 | $1,487 | 5% |
| Massachusetts | $154 | $1,845 | 30% |
| Michigan | $120 | $1,432 | 1% |
| Minnesota | $122 | $1,458 | 3% |
| Mississippi | $102 | $1,226 | -14% |
| Missouri | $94 | $1,128 | -21% |
| Montana | $101 | $1,208 | -15% |
| Nebraska | $107 | $1,276 | -10% |
| Nevada | $121 | $1,451 | 2% |
| New Hampshire | $136 | $1,634 | 15% |
| New Jersey | $133 | $1,592 | 12% |
| New Mexico | $105 | $1,253 | -12% |
| New York | $130 | $1,556 | 9% |
| North Carolina | $108 | $1,289 | -9% |
| North Dakota | $92 | $1,099 | -23% |
| Ohio | $111 | $1,325 | -7% |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $1,192 | -16% |
| Oregon | $148 | $1,767 | 24% |
| Pennsylvania | $125 | $1,496 | 5% |
| Rhode Island | $105 | $1,258 | -12% |
| South Carolina | $114 | $1,365 | -4% |
| South Dakota | $107 | $1,277 | -10% |
| Tennessee | $110 | $1,312 | -8% |
| Texas | $123 | $1,468 | 3% |
| Utah | $115 | $1,380 | -3% |
| Vermont | $111 | $1,325 | -7% |
| Virginia | $130 | $1,554 | 9% |
| Washington | $138 | $1,647 | 16% |
| West Virginia | $102 | $1,222 | -14% |
| Wisconsin | $128 | $1,535 | 8% |
| Wyoming | $109 | $1,308 | -8% |
*Rates shown are inclusive of all coverage selections on the market for a 6-year-old german shepherd.
What Factors Affect German Shepherd Insurance Costs
Many factors specific to German Shepherds can drastically change costs when compared to another breed. So below, we broke down the specific risk considerations you should take into account when thinking about coverage that affect insurance costs.
Health Predispositions
Potential Vet Costs: $1,500-$19,200
German Shepherds are prone to several serious genetic conditions that insurers consider high-risk. Hip and elbow dysplasia are extremely common, often requiring expensive surgical interventions. They're also susceptible to degenerative myelopathy (a progressive spinal condition), bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), and various heart conditions. Their predisposition to certain cancers and autoimmune disorders also drives up costs.
Size-Related Factors
Potential Vet Cost Increase: 20%-50% higher vet costs
As large dogs, German Shepherds require higher medication dosages, larger surgical equipment, and more anesthesia during procedures. Their size also makes them more prone to joint problems and orthopedic injuries. Recovery times tend to be longer, and they may need specialized equipment like larger crates or lifting harnesses during treatment.
Lifespan Considerations
Annual Vet Costs By Age: $500-$1,500 (Young) to $2,000-$8,000+ (Senior)
With a typical lifespan of 9-13 years, German Shepherds have a relatively shorter life expectancy compared to smaller breeds. This compressed timeline means age-related health issues often develop earlier and progress more rapidly, leading to higher claim frequencies during their senior years.
Behavioral and Activity Risks
Potential Vet Costs: $800-$3,000
German Shepherds are active, working dogs with high energy levels. Their athleticism increases the risk of exercise-related injuries, torn ligaments, and fractures. Their protective instincts and size also create higher liability risks in some situations, though this affects coverage options more than premiums.
Breeding-Related Issues
Potential Vet Costs: $400-$2,000
Poor breeding practices have unfortunately made certain genetic conditions more prevalent in the breed population, making insurers more cautious about coverage and pricing for German Shepherds overall.
GERMAN SHEPHERD INSURANCE RISK PREVENTION
Maintain ideal weight for your companion through proper diet and exercise, choose health-tested breeding lines, and consider preventive gastropexy surgery for bloat prevention. Have your german shepherd avoid vigorous activity after meals and establish regular veterinary monitoring for early detection of joint and spinal issues.
How To Get The Best Cheap German Shepherd Pet Insurance
Finding good and affordable pet insurance for your german shepherd can be a hard process. So below, we created a simple step-by-step means for getting the best cheap plan.
- 1
Decide on coverage needs before buying
Before getting a policy for your german shepherd you should decide whether it is a good idea to get coverage, and if so, how much is appropriate. If you want coverage, be sure to understand risks specific to your companion's breed, how much illnesses and accidents could cost. We also have a pet insurance coverage guide to help get you started on researching.
- 2
Research Costs and Providers
Understanding average costs for the specific coverage you want for your pet helps you gain a measuring stick to understand how much you save with providers. Also, researching options and customer experiences with top companies gives you a more balanced perspective before getting quotes.
- 3
Before signing, read the fine print
Just because you buy coverage does not mean it works immediately and often there is a waiting period before covered events can be reimbursed. We also recommend looking at other terms and conditions to be thorough in your understanding of their policies. Many offer sample plans online by state so it is easy to access.
- 4
Compare Plenty of Quotes Online
The great thing about pet insurance is that every provider in the US has quotes and buying process completely online. The processes are also often under two minutes so get as many quotes as possible to get the best deal.
- 5
Reassess every year before renewing
Pet insurance rates fluctuate over time so it is always a good idea to search around and repeat this process to ensure you are getting a good deal at every stage of your companion's life.
German Shepherd Dog Insurance: Bottom Line
Overall AKC and Pumpkin are the best and cheapest pet insurance companies respectively for german shepherds. Even so, we recommend comparing around with our other recommendations for coverage, research on your own, and decide on your coverage needs before buying.
Pet Insurance For German Shepherd: FAQ
Below we've provided our expert answers to frequently asked questions about german shepherd insurance:
Who is the best pet insurance provider overall?
AKC is the best pet insurance provider mostly due to its great customer service and great included coverages for preexisting conditions. While it is more expensive than the national average, it may be well worth it to cover what most insurers won't for your companion.
Who offers the cheapest pet insurance for german shepherds?
Overall, Pumpkin offers the lowest pet insurance rates for German Shepherds with rates starting at $26 per month
How much does german shepherd insurance cost?
On average, German Shepherds are the 62nd most expensive dog breed to insure with pet insurance costs of $119 per month. However, this can range widely by state with monthly pricing as low as $81 to as high as $154.
What are the most common accident and illness risks for german shepherds?
The top 3 most common risks for German Shepherds are hip and elbow dysplasia (joint malformation causing arthritis and mobility issues), bloat (life-threatening stomach twisting emergency), and degenerative myelopathy (progressive spinal cord disease leading to hind leg weakness and paralysis). These conditions are largely genetic and breed-specific due to the German Shepherd's size and body structure.
How We Found The Best And Cheapest German Shepherd Insurance
We researched pricing for all coverage levels, breeds, and ages within all 50 states to find the best and cheapest pet insurance for german shepherds. In addition, we researched clinical vet statistics for the breed, customer satisfaction for all companies and the fine print of coverage contracts to tailor our suggestions directly to your breed.
How We Determined Costs
All costs presented in this article for providers were modeled after the following base profile:
- 6-year-old german shepherd
- $5,000 annual limit
- $500 deductible
- 80% reimbursement
Average costs provided were based on aggregated pricing for the breed for all coverage selections and all ages insured on the market within reasonable life expectancy limits.
How We Rated Each Provider
We scoured the internet for comprehensive ratings based on the following basic metrics:
- Affordability (50% of score): This score aggregated ratings based on the relative affordability compared to competition for all profiles and all combinations of factors possible. Discounts were also factored in as a minor component to the rating as there is not much variation between companies.
- Customer Experience (30% of score): We used ratings derived from a general sentiment rating aggregated from all internet sources determining positive, neutral and negative sentiment proportions for each company to get this score. More positive sentiment means a higher rating.
- Coverage (20% of score): We read all contract details for every provider in every state, taking into account add-on options, inclusions, exclusions and restrictions to derive this score.
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.