Based on our survey of major pet insurance providers, pet insurance costs average $311 annually for cats and around $571 for dogs in North Carolina, making it 10% and 11% more affordable than the national average, respectively. However, your pet's breed and age, along with your coverage choice, can make prices vary.
How Much Is Pet Insurance in North Carolina?
Updated: July 28, 2025
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Key Takeaways
In North Carolina, dog insurance averages $48 per month ($571 per year), while cat insurance averages $26 per month ($311 per year).
According to our survey, pet insurance costs in North Carolina are 11% lower for dogs and 10% lower for cats compared to the national average.
Find the best cheap pet insurance in North Carolina by researching providers and comparing multiple quotes to get the right coverage level.
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in North Carolina?
| Cat | $26 | $311 |
| Dog | $48 | $571 |
*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 North Carolina?
Below are the key factors affecting pet insurance costs in North Carolina and how influential they are. Click each factor to see pricing details.
Coverage level
Coverage level is the primary factor influencing pet insurance prices in North Carolina. Our baseline accident-only rates average $311 to $571 annually, while comprehensive accident and illness coverage ranges from $490 to $965 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 $202 to $803, while dogs cost $571 to $1,086 per year since they tend to have more health problems and pricier vet bills.
Pet age
Insurance costs increase as pets age since they become more susceptible to accidents and illnesses requiring veterinary care. In North Carolina, annual premiums range from $202 for young pets to $1,988 for senior pets, assuming other factors remain constant.
Location
Where you live affects your rates because of local vet costs and regional risks. North Carolina pet insurance runs about $68 less for dogs and $36 less for cats compared to the national average. Cities within North Carolina 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 North Carolina Pet Insurance Costs by Coverage
Your coverage choice has the biggest impact on what you'll pay. North Carolina monthly prices range from $17 to $429, 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 | $41 | $490 | -10% |
| Dog | $80 | $965 | -11% |
Average North Carolina Pet Insurance Cost by Breed
Your pet's type and breed are the second-biggest factors affecting your rates in North Carolina. Our research shows costs range from $803 to $1,086 annually, depending on your pet's breed.
Average Pet Dog Insurance Costs in North Carolina
Your dog's breed significantly impacts pet insurance costs in North Carolina, with monthly rates ranging from $44 to $210 per month. Take a look at the pricing breakdown by breed in the table below to find the typical cost for your four-legged friend.
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Dog Breed:Affenpinscher
| Affenpinscher | $90 | $1,086 |
*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 North Carolina
Monthly cat insurance rates in North Carolina vary by breed, with costs ranging from $49 for Domestic Shorthairs to $67 for Abyssinians, as shown in the detailed breakdown below.
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Cat Breed:Abyssinian
| Abyssinian | $67 | $803 |
*These rates apply to policies with 80% reimbursement, a $5,000 annual limit and a $500 deductible for pet insurance policies.
Average North Carolina Pet Insurance Cost by Age
Age ranks as one of the top three factors affecting pet insurance costs in North Carolina, with annual rates ranging from $202 to $1,988 per year based on your pet's age and risk factors. Review the table below to see specific costs for your pet's age group.
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Pet Type:Cat
| Under 1 | $17 | $202 |
| 1 | $18 | $220 |
| 2 | $20 | $236 |
| 3 | $21 | $258 |
| 4 | $23 | $282 |
| 5 | $26 | $306 |
| 6 | $28 | $332 |
| 7 | $38 | $456 |
| 8 | $33 | $390 |
| 9 | $36 | $430 |
| 10 | $40 | $478 |
| 11 | $45 | $536 |
| 12 | $50 | $602 |
| 13 | $54 | $647 |
| 14 | $60 | $720 |
| 15 | $66 | $795 |
| 16 | $73 | $878 |
| 17 | $74 | $892 |
| 18 | $82 | $984 |
| 19 | $90 | $1,072 |
| 20 | $97 | $1,158 |
*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 North Carolina Pet Insurance Cost by City
Your city barely affects pet insurance rates in North Carolina: just a few dollars difference per year. Below are costs for some of North Carolina's biggest cities.
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Pet Type:Cat
| Charlotte | $26 | $312 |
| Fayetteville | $26 | $311 |
| Greensboro | $26 | $309 |
| Raleigh | $26 | $313 |
*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 North Carolina
To help you find the best pet insurance for the lowest price, we've created a simple step-by-step guide below.
- 1
Determine Your Coverage Needs
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.
- 2
Research Pricing and Discounts
Look up average insurance costs for your type of pet and desired coverage level to establish a baseline for comparison. While pet insurance offers fewer discounts than other insurance types, you can often save money through multi-pet policies or by bundling with other insurance products.
- 3
Evaluate Provider Reputation
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 Multiple 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.
- 5
Review Policy Details
Read the fine print of each policy, focusing on coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Make sure you understand what conditions are covered, which are excluded, and any waiting periods before coverage begins.
Average Pet Insurance Cost in North Carolina: Bottom Line
Pet insurance costs in North Carolina are more affordable than most states. Expect to pay around $26 monthly for cats and $48 for dogs, though your actual costs depend on your pet's breed, age and coverage choice.
Want better rates? Determine what coverage works for your situation, then compare quotes from several insurers.
Pet Insurance Cost in North Carolina: FAQ
Find expert answers to common questions about pet insurance costs in North Carolina below:
How much does pet insurance cost in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, pet insurance costs an average of $48 per month for dogs, but depending on age, pricing ranges from $29 to $166 monthly. Insuring cats in the state costs around $26 monthly, but monthly pricing varies from $17 to $97 by age.
Is North Carolina pet insurance expensive?
North Carolina is relatively affordable for pet insurance coverage for dogs and cats compared to other states across the country.
How should I go about buying pet insurance in North Carolina?
To buy pet insurance in North Carolina, research coverage options and company reviews, then gather quotes from multiple pet insurers to compare costs, discounts and policy details before selecting the best plan for your pet.
How We Determined Average Pet Insurance Costs in North Carolina
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.