Based on our survey of major pet insurance providers, pet insurance costs average $437 annually for cats and about $809 for dogs, making it the second most expensive state for both. However, your dog's breed and age, along with your coverage choice, can make prices vary.
How Much Is Pet Insurance in California?
Updated: August 25, 2025
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Key Takeaways
In California, pet insurance for dogs is around $67 per month or $809 per year, and cat premiums are around $36 monthly or $437 annually.
According to our survey, California pet insurance costs are 27% higher than the national average for dogs and 26% higher for cats.
Get the best cheap pet insurance in California by researching many companies, finding the right coverage level for your furry companion and comparing multiple quotes.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in California?
| Cat | $36 | $437 |
| Dog | $67 | $809 |
*These accident-only coverage rates (which cover injuries but not illnesses) apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for a Ragdoll (7-year-old cat) and a Labrador Retriever (6-year-old dog). While we included most pet insurance providers, some don't have these offerings, which we excluded for consistency.
What Factors Affect Pet Insurance Costs in California?
Below are the key factors affecting pet insurance costs in California and how influential they are. Click each factor to see pricing details.
Coverage level
Your chosen coverage level has the biggest impact on pet insurance costs in California. Our baseline accident-only rates (shown in the main cost table) average $437-$809 annually, while comprehensive accident & illness coverage (shown below) ranges from $689-$1,368 annually for standard parameters.
Pet type and breed
Cats and dogs cost different amounts to insure, and your pet's breed makes a big difference too. Cats are usually cheaper to insure, with annual premiums from $238 to $917, while dogs cost $604 to $2,872 per year since they tend to have more health problems and pricier vet bills.
Pet age
Older pets cost more to insure since they're more likely to need medical care. Our research shows rates range from $491 to $2,819 per year, depending on your pet's age. The table below shows age-based pricing for cats specifically.
Location
Where you live affects your rates because of local vet costs and regional risks. California pet insurance runs about $170 more for dogs and $90 more for cats compared to the national average. Cities within California don't vary much though.
Your vet
When you get quotes, insurers often ask about your vet. Different vets charge different prices, which affects how much claims cost and ultimately impacts your premiums.
Average California Pet Insurance Costs by Coverage
Your coverage choice has the biggest impact on what you'll pay. California monthly prices range from $24 to $610, depending on your pet type and coverage details.
The table below shows comprehensive accident and illness coverage rates. Individual rates may vary significantly based on your pet's specific health history, your chosen veterinarian and other factors.
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Annual Limit:$5,000
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Reimbursement %:80%
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Deductible:$500
| Cat | $58 | $689 | 26% |
| Dog | $114 | $1,368 | 27% |
Average California Pet Insurance Cost by Breed
Your pet's type and breed are the second-biggest factors affecting your rates in California. Our research shows monthly costs range from about $61 to $287 for dogs and $68 to $93 for cats, depending on your pet's breed.
Average Pet Dog Insurance Costs in California
If you own a dog, its breed affects pet insurance rates, which range from $61 to $287 per month. Below, you can explore how much pet insurance costs for your dog's breed.
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Dog Breed:Affenpinscher
| Affenpinscher | $124 | $1,486 |
*These rates represent policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for pet insurance policies.
Average Pet Cat Insurance Costs in California
If you own a cat, expect average monthly costs in California to range from $68 to $93. Below are average rates in the state for your feline companion's breed.
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Cat Breed:Abyssinian
| Abyssinian | $93 | $1,109 |
*These rates apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for pet insurance policies.
Average California Pet Insurance Cost by Age
Age is the third-biggest factor affecting your pet insurance costs in California since older pets need more medical care. Prices range from $285 to $2,819 per year. Check the breakdown below to see costs for your pet's age.
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Pet Type:Cat
| Under 1 | $24 | $285 |
| 1 | $26 | $311 |
| 2 | $28 | $333 |
| 3 | $30 | $364 |
| 4 | $33 | $398 |
| 5 | $36 | $432 |
| 6 | $39 | $468 |
| 7 | $54 | $648 |
| 8 | $46 | $551 |
| 9 | $51 | $607 |
| 10 | $56 | $675 |
| 11 | $63 | $756 |
| 12 | $71 | $850 |
| 13 | $76 | $914 |
| 14 | $85 | $1,017 |
| 15 | $94 | $1,123 |
| 16 | $104 | $1,240 |
| 17 | $105 | $1,264 |
| 18 | $116 | $1,394 |
| 19 | $127 | $1,519 |
| 20 | $137 | $1,642 |
*These rates apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for a Ragdoll (cat) and a Labrador Retriever (dog). Some age brackets may show slight premium decreases due to insurer risk modeling adjustments and sample size variations in our data collection. Overall trends still show increasing premiums with age.
Average California Pet Insurance Cost by City
Your city barely affects pet insurance rates in California: just a few dollars difference per year. Below are costs for some of California's biggest cities.
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Pet Type:Cat
| Long Beach | $36 | $436 |
| Los Angeles | $37 | $438 |
| Oakland | $36 | $436 |
| Sacramento | $36 | $434 |
| San Diego | $37 | $438 |
| San Francisco | $37 | $439 |
| San Jose | $36 | $436 |
*These rates apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for a Ragdoll (cat) and a Labrador Retriever (dog).
How to Get the Best Cheap Pet Insurance in California
To help you find the best pet insurance for the lowest price, we've created a simple step-by-step guide below.
- 1
Decide on coverage beforehand
Before buying pet insurance, find out how much coverage you need that's both pet and budget-friendly. Consider first how much you can afford, the common health and behavioral problems for your pet's breed, and vet costs for your primary veterinarian and area.
- 2
Research costs and take advantage of discounts
Research average costs for your pet and coverage level so you'll know a good deal when you see one. Pet insurance doesn't offer as many discounts as other insurance, but look for multi-pet and bundling savings where available.
- 3
Look into company reputations and coverage details
Check customer opinions on forums to get the real story about different companies. Also look at coverage options, waiting periods, and claims processes to make sure you won't hit surprises when you need to file a claim.
- 4
Compare plenty of pet insurance quotes
Get quotes from several companies to make sure you're getting the best deal. Most insurers offer quick online quotes for dogs and cats, though you'll need to call if you have an exotic pet.
Average Pet Insurance Cost in California: Bottom Line
Pet insurance in California isn't cheap. It's more expensive because vet bills are higher here. Expect to pay around $36 monthly for cats and $67 for dogs, though your actual costs depend on your pet's breed, age and coverage choice.
Want better rates? First, determine what coverage you actually need, then shop around. Get quotes from several insurers before you commit.
Pet Insurance Cost in California: FAQ
Find expert answers to common questions about pet insurance costs in California below:
How much does pet insurance cost in California?
In California, pet insurance costs an average of $67 per month for dogs, but depending on age, pricing ranges from $49 to $610 monthly. Insuring cats in the state costs around $36 monthly, but monthly pricing varies from $24 to $235 by age.
Is California pet insurance expensive?
California ranks as the second most expensive state to get pet insurance coverage for dogs and cats.
How should I go about buying pet insurance in California?
Decide on your coverage needs beforehand, research costs and discounts, look into company reputations and coverage details, and compare multiple quotes.
How We Determined Average Pet Insurance Costs in California
All costs in this article are based on or modified from the following profile:
- $5,000 annual limit
- 80% reimbursement
- $500 deductible
- For dogs: Labrador Retriever (6 years old)
- For cats: Ragdoll (7 years old)
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.