On average, pet insurance costs $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: July 1, 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.
California pet insurance costs for dogs are 27% higher than the national average, and for cats, they're 26% higher.
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 rates 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 on each factor to learn more about pricing for it.
Coverage level
The coverage level you choose is the most influential factor affecting pricing in California for pet insurance. Depending on your choice, yearly rates range from $294 to $7,317, based on our research.
Pet type and breed
The type of pet you have and its breed are the second most influential factors affecting rates because these details are heavily tied to coverage.
Dogs tend to cost more than cats to insure due to more behavioral problems and health issues that increase the risk of a claim. Even within breeds, each has problems specific to it due to its genetic predispositions.
Rates range from $812 to $3,451 per year, depending on pet type and breed.
Pet age
As your pet ages, it increases the risk of covered accidents and illnesses, making premiums more expensive for older pets. Based on our research, rates vary from $491 to $2,819 per year when all other factors are constant.
Location
Your location plays a big part due to external risks in your area that may cause illnesses or accidents, the cost of living and available vets nearby. Compared to the national average, California pet insurance is around $170 higher for dogs and $90 higher for cats per year. However, there isn't much variation by city based on our research within California.
Your vet
While it may not be evident when you search for quotes, you'll often be asked who your primary vet is. Different vets charge different prices for services, causing claim costs to vary widely and making premiums fluctuate considerably.
Average California Pet Insurance Costs by Coverage
The coverage level you choose is the most influential factor that determines your pet insurance rates. In California, depending on your preferred coverage details and pet type, monthly prices can be as low as $24 or as high as $610.
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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
The type of pet you have and its breed are the second-most influential factors affecting your pet insurance rates in California. Based on our research, monthly rates vary from $68 to $287 for dogs and cats of all breeds in the U.S.
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-most influential factor driving pet insurance pricing in California, as it strongly correlates with health issues and accident likelihood. Costs in the state vary from $285 to $2,818 per year. Review the age-based cost breakdown below to understand pricing for your pet's age group.
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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).
Average California Pet Insurance Cost by City
Your city is the least influential factor affecting California pet insurance rates, with a variation of only a few dollars per year at most. Below, you can review costs specific to some of the largest cities in the state.
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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 preferred coverage level to understand whether you're getting a good deal when comparing quotes. While discounts are fewer than other insurance types, use discounts for multiple pets and bundling, where possible.
- 3
Look into company reputations and coverage details
Researching customer opinions on forums is a great way to get a more complete picture of what company may be best for you. Look also at coverage selections, waiting periods, claims processes and restrictions to ensure you're covered for your needs without hassle.
- 4
Compare plenty of pet insurance quotes
Getting many pet insurance quotes to compare ensures that you get the best deal possible. All providers offer fast pricing and buying online for most dogs and cats, but those with exotic companions will have to call and have more limited options.
Average Pet Insurance Cost in California: Bottom Line
Pet insurance in California isn't cheap. It's the second-priciest state in the nation. Expect to pay around $36 monthly for cats and $67 for dogs, though your actual costs depend on your pet's breed, age and which coverage you pick.
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 $294 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.