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: November 24, 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.
Our guides below can help you better understand the best pet insurance in California across different situations:
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 deductible, annual limit and reimbursement rate choices have 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 reimbursement amounts 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, including deductibles and annual limits.
Data filtered by:
$5,000
80%
$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.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Affenpinscher | $124 | $1,486 |
| Afghan Hound | $146 | $1,748 |
| Airedale Terrier | $156 | $1,868 |
| Akita | $160 | $1,911 |
| Alaskan Husky | $128 | $1,531 |
| Alaskan Malamute | $150 | $1,797 |
| Alsatian | $169 | $2,024 |
| Alsation | $158 | $1,892 |
| American Bulldog | $208 | $2,499 |
| American Bully | $195 | $2,337 |
| American Eskimo | $109 | $1,303 |
| American Foxhound | $124 | $1,490 |
| American Hairless Terrier | $106 | $1,273 |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | $170 | $2,041 |
| Australian Cattle Dog | $120 | $1,442 |
| Australian Kelpie | $128 | $1,539 |
| Australian Shepherd | $103 | $1,232 |
| Australian Silky Terrier | $106 | $1,268 |
| Australian Terrier | $113 | $1,349 |
| Basenji | $108 | $1,294 |
| Basset Fauve de Bretagne | $141 | $1,683 |
| Basset Hound | $172 | $2,064 |
| Beagle | $128 | $1,538 |
| Bearded Collie | $119 | $1,424 |
| Belgian Shepherd Malinois | $143 | $1,714 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | $280 | $3,358 |
| Bichon Frise | $114 | $1,369 |
| Bloodhound | $200 | $2,404 |
| Border Collie | $107 | $1,288 |
| Border Terrier | $113 | $1,353 |
| Borzoi | $173 | $2,069 |
| Boston Terrier | $122 | $1,458 |
| Boxer | $200 | $2,404 |
| Bracco Italiano | $141 | $1,696 |
| Briard | $151 | $1,806 |
| British Bulldog | $243 | $2,916 |
| Brussels Griffon | $118 | $1,411 |
| Bullmastiff | $279 | $3,349 |
| Bull Mastiff | $287 | $3,451 |
| Bull Terrier | $170 | $2,037 |
| Cairn Terrier | $120 | $1,435 |
| Cane Corso | $232 | $2,782 |
| Caucasian Shepherd Dog | $214 | $2,572 |
| Cavachon | $98 | $1,169 |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | $129 | $1,542 |
| Cavapoo | $93 | $1,121 |
| Central Asian Shepherd Dog | $189 | $2,268 |
| Chihuahua | $80 | $961 |
| Chow Chow | $150 | $1,799 |
| Clumber Spaniel | $157 | $1,886 |
| Cockapoo | $90 | $1,088 |
| Cocker spaniel | $137 | $1,644 |
| Collie | $131 | $1,572 |
| Corgi | $147 | $1,769 |
| Coton De Tulear | $104 | $1,243 |
| Dachshund | $105 | $1,261 |
| Dalmatian | $168 | $2,019 |
| Dingo | $108 | $1,302 |
| Doberman Pincher | $197 | $2,363 |
| Doberman Pinscher | $274 | $3,289 |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | $283 | $3,397 |
| English Bulldog | $253 | $3,032 |
| English Foxhound | $120 | $1,443 |
| English Mastiff | $255 | $3,058 |
| English Pointer | $141 | $1,697 |
| English Setter | $138 | $1,659 |
| English Springer Spaniel | $129 | $1,546 |
| English Toy Terrier | $109 | $1,309 |
| Estrela Mountain Dog | $176 | $2,118 |
| Field Spaniel | $131 | $1,573 |
| Finnish Lapphund | $122 | $1,464 |
| Foxhound | $127 | $1,518 |
| Fox Terrier | $112 | $1,341 |
| French Bulldog | $225 | $2,699 |
| German Pinscher | $117 | $1,406 |
| German Shepherd | $147 | $1,763 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | $133 | $1,594 |
| German Spitz | $127 | $1,521 |
| Giant Mix (100 pounds+) | $139 | $1,658 |
| Giant Mix (110 pounds+) | $130 | $1,566 |
| Giant Mix (111 pounds+) | $119 | $1,433 |
| Giant Mix (90 pounds+) | $176 | $2,101 |
| Goldendoodle | $113 | $1,350 |
| Golden Retriever | $153 | $1,834 |
| Gordon Setter | $172 | $2,061 |
| Great Dane | $255 | $3,058 |
| Great Pyrenees | $171 | $2,055 |
| Greyhound | $167 | $2,007 |
| Groodle | $102 | $1,227 |
| Harrier | $132 | $1,583 |
| Havanese | $93 | $1,123 |
| Hungarian Vizsla | $164 | $1,965 |
| Husky | $114 | $1,359 |
| Icelandic Sheepdog | $124 | $1,491 |
| Irish Setter | $149 | $1,785 |
| Irish Terrier | $122 | $1,467 |
| Italian Greyhound | $121 | $1,453 |
| Italian Spinone | $138 | $1,661 |
| Jack Russell Terrier | $90 | $1,089 |
| Japanese Chin | $106 | $1,269 |
| Japanese Spitz | $106 | $1,275 |
| Kangal Shepherd Dog | $231 | $2,772 |
| Keeshond | $133 | $1,599 |
| Komondor | $162 | $1,941 |
| Labradoodle | $113 | $1,348 |
| Labrador Retriever | $146 | $1,756 |
| Large Mix (51-100 pounds) | $120 | $1,439 |
| Large Mix (51-110 pounds) | $110 | $1,319 |
| Large Mix (55-90 pounds) | $122 | $1,471 |
| Large Mix (60-109 pounds) | $130 | $1,566 |
| Large Mix (61+ pounds) | $120 | $1,443 |
| Large Mix (71+ pounds) | $216 | $2,592 |
| Large Mix (Over 70 pounds) | $119 | $1,434 |
| Lhasa Apso | $104 | $1,250 |
| Lurcher | $170 | $2,048 |
| Maltese | $102 | $1,222 |
| Maltipoo | $84 | $1,017 |
| Medium Mix (20-55 pounds) | $95 | $1,150 |
| Medium Mix (20-70 pounds) | $100 | $1,207 |
| Medium Mix (21-70 pounds) | $225 | $2,697 |
| Medium Mix (23-70 pounds) | $120 | $1,445 |
| Medium Mix (26-50 pounds) | $100 | $1,203 |
| Medium Mix (26-59 pounds) | $130 | $1,566 |
| Medium Mix (31-50 pounds) | $101 | $1,209 |
| Medium Mix (31-59 pounds) | $99 | $1,189 |
| Miniature Bull Terrier | $170 | $2,047 |
| Miniature Dachshund | $111 | $1,331 |
| Miniature Fox Terrier | $118 | $1,410 |
| Miniature Pinscher | $105 | $1,253 |
| Miniature Poodle | $96 | $1,150 |
| Miniature Schnauzer | $113 | $1,351 |
| Mixed Breed | $129 | $1,550 |
| Mixed Breed Giant (>90 lbs) | $183 | $2,196 |
| Mixed Breed Large (51-90 lbs) | $120 | $1,439 |
| Mixed Breed Medium (31-50 lbs) | $90 | $1,072 |
| Mixed Breed Small (>10 lbs) | $75 | $892 |
| Mixed Breed Small (11-30 lbs) | $77 | $935 |
| Mixed breed Small (up to 20lbs when full grown) | $73 | $867 |
| Mixed Dog (21-50 pounds) | $106 | $1,274 |
| Mixed Dog (51-90 pounds) | $129 | $1,529 |
| Mixed Dog (91 pounds+) | $134 | $1,612 |
| Morkie | $87 | $1,051 |
| Newfoundland | $243 | $2,916 |
| Norfolk Terrier | $119 | $1,424 |
| Norwegian Elkhound | $124 | $1,488 |
| Norwich Terrier | $116 | $1,391 |
| Olde English Bulldogge | $270 | $3,245 |
| Old English Buldogge | $217 | $2,605 |
| Old English Sheepdog | $158 | $1,892 |
| Papillon | $101 | $1,221 |
| Pekingese | $111 | $1,330 |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | $130 | $1,553 |
| Peruvian Hairless Dog | $112 | $1,345 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen | $165 | $1,978 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens | $124 | $1,487 |
| Pitbull | $162 | $1,940 |
| Pointer | $132 | $1,584 |
| Pomeranian | $106 | $1,267 |
| Portuguese Water Dog | $146 | $1,755 |
| Pug | $133 | $1,588 |
| Puggle | $96 | $1,151 |
| Puli | $137 | $1,645 |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | $170 | $2,034 |
| Rottweiler | $252 | $3,028 |
| Rough Collie | $141 | $1,686 |
| Saint Bernard | $269 | $3,228 |
| Saluki | $143 | $1,715 |
| Samoyed | $136 | $1,628 |
| Schnoodle | $98 | $1,176 |
| Scottish Deerhound | $206 | $2,465 |
| Scottish Terrier | $141 | $1,689 |
| Shar Pei | $219 | $2,628 |
| Shetland Sheepdog | $109 | $1,307 |
| Shiba Inu | $97 | $1,166 |
| Shih Tzu | $88 | $1,053 |
| Siberian Husky | $118 | $1,416 |
| Small Mix (0-20) | $71 | $848 |
| Small Mix (0-25) | $130 | $1,566 |
| Small Mix (10 and less pounds) | $70 | $846 |
| Small Mix (1-10 pounds) | $73 | $873 |
| Small Mix (11-25) | $70 | $833 |
| Small Mix (11-30) | $82 | $988 |
| Small Mix (20 and under pounds) | $173 | $2,080 |
| Small Mix (22 pounds or less) | $87 | $1,044 |
| Small Mix (25 and less pounds) | $84 | $998 |
| Small Mix (Under 20 pounds) | $61 | $726 |
| Smooth Collie | $135 | $1,617 |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | $133 | $1,590 |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | $146 | $1,753 |
| Standard Poodle | $141 | $1,685 |
| Standard Schnauzer | $126 | $1,509 |
| Tibetan Mastiff | $240 | $2,875 |
| Tibetan Terrier | $134 | $1,613 |
| Toy Mix (10 and less pounds) | $90 | $1,075 |
| Toy Poodle | $100 | $1,194 |
| Vizsla | $142 | $1,711 |
| Weimaraner | $173 | $2,077 |
| Welsh Corgi Cardigan | $126 | $1,511 |
| Welsh Corgi Pembroke | $130 | $1,553 |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel | $114 | $1,376 |
*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.
Data filtered by:
Select
| Abyssinian | $93 | $1,109 |
| Australian Mist | $85 | $1,023 |
| Balinese | $85 | $1,018 |
| Bengal | $80 | $958 |
| Birman | $76 | $909 |
| Bombay | $68 | $818 |
| British Longhair | $68 | $820 |
| British Shorthair | $83 | $994 |
| Burmese | $78 | $932 |
| Chinchilla | $77 | $923 |
| Cornish Rex | $83 | $993 |
| Devon Rex | $77 | $927 |
| Domestic Shorthair | $68 | $812 |
| Exotic Shorthair | $93 | $1,108 |
| Himalayan | $79 | $946 |
| Maine Coon | $89 | $1,071 |
| Munchkin | $77 | $930 |
| Norwegian Forest cat | $74 | $893 |
| Persian | $83 | $996 |
| Ragdoll | $70 | $841 |
| Russian Blue | $71 | $849 |
| Savannah | $84 | $1,009 |
| Scottish Fold | $79 | $951 |
| Serengeti | $79 | $946 |
| Siamese | $70 | $836 |
| Siberian | $84 | $1,003 |
| Snowshoe | $80 | $965 |
| Sphynx | $89 | $1,066 |
| Tonkinese | $76 | $907 |
*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.
Data filtered by:
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.
Data filtered by:
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 get pet insurance for the lowest price, we've created a simple step-by-step guide below.
- 1Decide on coverage beforehand
Before purchasing pet insurance, determine how much coverage you need that's both pet- and budget-friendly. Evaluate how much you can afford, then find out the common health and behavioral problems for your pet's breed, plus vet costs for your primary veterinarian and area.
- 2Research costs and take advantage of discounts
Make sure to understand the average costs for your pet and coverage level so you'll know the best deal for your situation. Pet insurance doesn't offer as many discounts as other insurance, but check for multi-pet and bundling savings where available. See if there are also pet insurance low-income programs for which you qualify.
- 3Look into company reputations and coverage details
Read customer opinions on online forums to get a true account about different pet insurance companies, keeping a close eye on reviews about their claims processes. Also, look at coverage options and waiting periods to make sure you won't be surprised when you need to file a claim.
- 4Compare plenty of pet insurance quotes
Gather quotes from several companies using the same coverage options to make sure you're getting accurate comparisons. Most insurers offer quick online quotes for dogs and cats, though you'll need to call if you have an exotic pet.
- 5Review Policy Details
Read the policy details thoroughly, including coverage exclusions and renewal terms. Make sure you also understand the waiting periods for accident and illness coverage and pre-existing condition clauses, if there are any.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.