How much does dog & cat insurance cost in Arizona for the 15 most popular breeds?

The price for Arizona pet insurance varies depending on where you live. To give you an idea we’ve collected costs for three cities shown below. The prices will also vary based on the age, health, and breed of your puppy.

All prices shown below are based on a 90% reimbursement rate with a $500 deductible and a $5,000 annual benefit from Figo pet insurance. Please note: these prices should only be treated as a rough guide as of January 2024 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in Arizona we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

Dog Insurance Prices in Arizona:

1. Mixed Breed
   • Phoenix – $27.01/ mo
   • Gilbert – $27.01/ mo
   • Tucson – $22.55/ mo
2. Labrador Retriever
   • Phoenix – $36.78/ mo
   • Gilbert – $36.78/ mo
   • Tucson – $30.70/ mo
3. Golden Retriever
   • Phoenix – $36.70/ mo
   • Gilbert – $36.70/ mo
   • Tucson – $30.65/ mo
4. German Shepherd
   • Phoenix – $39.69/ mo
   • Gilbert – $39.69/ mo
   • Tucson – $33.12/ mo
5. Goldendoodle
   • Phoenix – $31.94/ mo
   • Gilbert – $31.94/ mo
   • Tucson – $26.66/ mo
6. Chihuahua
   • Phoenix – $16.80/ mo
   • Gilbert – $16.80/ mo
   • Tucson – $14.04/ mo
7. Siberian Husky
   • Phoenix – $36.88/ mo
   • Gilbert – $36.88/ mo
   • Tucson – $30.78/ mo
8. Yorkshire Terrier
   • Phoenix – $23.19/ mo
   • Gilbert – $23.19/ mo
   • Tucson – $19.35/ mo
9. American Pit Bull Terrier
   • Phoenix – $40.83/ mo
   • Gilbert – $40.83/ mo
   • Tucson – $34.09/ mo
10. Australian Shepherd – $22.66/ mo
    • Phoenix – $25.40/ mo
    • Gilbert – $25.40/ mo
    • Tucson – $21.19/ mo
11. Dachshund
    • Phoenix – $23.95/ mo
    • Gilbert – $23.95/ mo
    • Tucson – $20.00/ mo
12. Shih Tzu
    • Phoenix – $21.35/ mo
    • Gilbert – $21.35/ mo
    • Tucson – $17.82/ mo
13. French Bulldog
    • Phoenix – $50.51/ mo
    • Gilbert – $50.51/ mo
    • Tucson – $42.16/ mo
14. Boxer
    • Phoenix – $50.71/ mo
    • Gilbert – $50.71/ mo
    • Tucson – $42.32/ mo
15. Labradoodle
    • Phoenix – $31.94/ mo
    • Gilbert – $31.94/ mo
    • Tucson – $26.66/ mo

Cat Insurance Prices in Arizona:

1. Mixed Breed
   • Gilbert – $15.71/ mo
   • Phoenix – $15.71/ mo
   • Tucson – $13.10/ mo
2. American Shorthair
   • Gilbert – $18.57/ mo
   • Phoenix – $18.57/ mo
   • Tucson – $15.49/ mo
3. Bengal
   • Gilbert – $18.57/ mo
   • Phoenix – $18.57/ mo
   • Tucson – $15.49/ mo
4. Bombay
   • Gilbert – $18.57/ mo
   • Phoenix – $18.57/ mo
   • Tucson – $15.49/ mo
5. British Shorthair
   • Gilbert – $18.57/ mo
   • Phoenix – $18.57/ mo
   • Tucson – $15.49/ mo
6. Exotic
   • Gilbert – $18.57/ mo
   • Phoenix – $18.57/ mo
   • Tucson – $15.49/ mo
7. Himalayan
   • Gilbert – $18.57/ mo
   • Phoenix – $18.57/ mo
   • Tucson – $15.49/ mo
8. Maine Coon
   • Gilbert – $19.59/ mo
   • Phoenix – $19.59/ mo
   • Tucson – $16.35/ mo
9. Persian
   • Gilbert – $19.59/ mo
   • Phoenix – $19.59/ mo
   • Tucson – $16.35/ mo
10. Ragdoll
    • Gilbert – $19.59/ mo
    • Phoenix – $19.59/ mo
    • Tucson – $16.35/ mo
11. Russian Blue
    • Gilbert – $18.57/ mo
    • Phoenix – $18.57/ mo
    • Tucson – $15.49/ mo
12. Scottish Fold
    • Gilbert – $19.59/ mo
    • Phoenix – $19.59/ mo
    • Tucson – $16.35/ mo
13. Siamese
    • Gilbert – $19.59/ mo
    • Phoenix – $19.59/ mo
    • Tucson – $16.35/ mo
14. Sphynx
    • Gilbert – $18.69/ mo
    • Phoenix – $18.69/ mo
    • Tucson – $15.59/ mo
15. Abyssinian
    • Gilbert – $18.69/ mo
    • Phoenix – $18.69/ mo
    • Tucson – $15.59/ mo

Not finding your specific pet breed? Lemonade pet insurance is our #1 recommendation for Arizona and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.

Arizona Pet Insurance FAQs

This comprehensive guide should answer most of your pet insurance questions. If you have questions not addressed below, contact your veterinarian or pet insurance provider for more help.

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a health care policy for your pet that reimburses you for a myriad of medical expenses. In the unfortunate event of a surprise accident or illness, having a pet insurance plan helps to protect your finances against costly but necessary vet medical care. Pet owners pay a monthly premium or fee for this service, with costs varying based on age and breed, what medical costs are covered under the policy, what annual or per-procedure deductible the policy includes, and what percentage of treatment the company will reimburse for the customer. There are generally 3 styles of plans—good, better, best. Typically, the more you spend, the more comprehensive the plan.

How much does pet insurance cost?

It depends. Pet insurance costs vary widely and depend on many factors, including:

• Breed
• Age
• Health
• Deductible
• Annual limit
• Reimbursement level
• Coverage level
• Where you live

Can I choose any vet?

Yes. All Arizona veterinary clinics & animal hospitals accept pet insurance. You can keep your vet or, for many policies, visit any licensed vet in the world. But don’t say we and the Arizona Department of Commerce didn’t warn you (see question below about insurance fraud). If you choose to purchase pet health insurance, read your policy’s terms and conditions. No two pet insurance policies are the same. The coverage can vary greatly from one policy to the next. Take the time to examine the co-pays, deductibles, limits, and exclusions, and double-check the amount of coverage shown in your insurance policy.

Is there a waiting period for pet insurance?

Yes. All pet insurance companies have waiting periods. Just like with any insurance plan, waiting periods vary by state and insurer.

What can you tell me about pet insurance and its usefulness?

1 in 3 pets will experience an unexpected illness or injury. Every six seconds a pet owner is faced with a veterinary bill over $1,000. And every year 1 in 3 pets will suffer from an unexpected accident or illnesses that will require veterinary care. An unexpected illness or injury that requires diagnostic tests, surgeries, overnight hospitalization, and mediPetion can cost more than many pet owners can afford. If your pet is healthy all its life and has no accidents, then it doesn’t pay to buy it. But are you willing to risk the life and health of your pet on a wager like that? It’s smart to invest in a plan that covers these unintended consequences and costs and prevents a situation in which you are forced to euthanize your pet because you can’t afford treatment. This is the number one reason why pet owners invest in pet insurance.

Because pet owners are paying less out of pocket for their pet’s health care, they’re also more likely to bring their pet to the vet instead of hesitating or attempting to provide homemade pet care. Pets whose care isn’t delayed usually recover more quickly and don’t get as sick as pets who are forced to wait for proper care.

So how does it work when I need to use my pet insurance?

First is the sign-up process where you provide information about your pet’s breed, age, and basic medical history on the provider’s website. You will then get a quote. This quote can change as you readjust your deductible, reimbursement percentage, annual limit, and coverage plan.

Second, call your pet insurance provider and get pre-approval for any medical procedure your pet is undergoing to make sure the provider covers it under the policy. Some providers will pay the vet directly, while others will reimburse you after paying the vet. The amount of time it will take to get reimbursed varies, however some providers.

Third, if your pet has an accident or gets sick, you may pay out-of-pocket at the veterinarian’s office for treatment.

Fourth, you will then make a claim for reimbursement with your pet insurance provider. The amount you are reimbursed depends on your policy; it ranges between 70% and 90% of the costs after you pay your deductible. Most policies have annual payout limits and a waiting period of 14 days.

How much do veterinarians charge?

Veterinary treatment in Arizona can be very expensive. Here is a sampling of common health conditions and the average costs associated with treatment.

According to the 2018 AVMA Report on The Market For Veterinary Services,

Tests, Examinations, and Initial Vet Costs:

• Routine checkups: $50 to $250
• Spay/neuter: $160 to $220
• Vaccines per shot: $15 to $28
• Physical exams: $45 to $55
• Fecal exam: $25 to $45
• Heartworm test: $45 to $50
• Dental cleaning: $70 to $400
• Allergy testing: $195 to $300
• Geriatric screening: $85 to $110

Surgeries and Unexpected Vet Costs*:

• Bloodwork: $80 to $200
• X-rays: $150 to $250
• Ultrasounds: $300 to $600
• Short hospitalizations: $600 to $1,700
• Long hospitalizations: $1,500 to $3,500
• Wound treatment: $800 to $2,500
• Emergency surgery: $1,500 to $5000
• Oxygen therapy: $500 to $3000

Long term illnesses will really take a toll on your expenses:

• Addison’s Disease – $2,400 per year
• Cancer – $5,000 to $20,000
• Cataracts – $2,000 to $3,000 per eye
• Disc Disease – $3,000 to $9,000
• Heart Disease – $5,000 to $20,000
• Patellar Luxation – $1,500 to $3,000

Investing in pet insurance is more important now than ever. Veterinary fees increased 85% between January 2000 and December 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics. Over the same time, the overall consumer price index (CPI) rose just 31%. At this rate, veterinary fees will double every 13 years. Pet insurance is your backstop against potential financial Petastrophe.

How does reimbursement work?

Say your insurance has a 90% reimbursement amount, a $250 deductible, and $20,000 annual max benefit. Then imagine something happens that requires a $10,000 emergency vet surgery. In this scenario, your insurance company would reimburse you $9,000 minus your $250 deductible meaning that you would be out of pocket $1,250 instead of $10,000.

Deductibles: Higher or lower, which is better?

Ultimately, the choice is up to you. You can pay lower premiums (monthly bills) upfront, but a higher deductible (the amount you have to pay before the insurance company takes over and pays the rest) in the end, or you can pay a higher premium upfront, but a lower deductible at the end (claim). It’s up to you to stop to consider your budget and the prices of the premiums and deductibles involved.

What is a Deductible?

A Deductible is an up-front payment that you are required to pay before your insurance provider is obligated to honor a claim or pay their share.

Reimbursement Level

The deductible isn’t the only cost that you will pay out-of-pocket. The insurer does not pay you back 100% of the cost of a covered procedure. It will generally pay you back somewhere between 70%-90% of the cost. If you choose 70%, your monthly premium will be lower, whereas it will be higher if you choose 90%.

Annual Limit

This is the maximum amount the insurer will pay for treatment in a year.

How old does my pet need to be to get insured?

For most pet policies, your pet has to be a minimum of 8 weeks old before you can apply for pet insurance. Don’t forget there is a small waiting period before the policy kicks in gear. Also, most providers do not have an age limit for when you can get pet insurance.

Is it better to get a pet insurance policy while my pet is young, or should I wait?

Get it after the 8-week minimum while she’s a young healthy pet. Enough said.

What about pre-existing conditions?

If your pet is already injured or ill when you apply for insurance, then it is a preexisting condition, and you are out of luck. The condition first occurred or showed clinical signs or symptoms (there doesn’t need to be a diagnosis) before your pet’s coverage started, including waiting periods. The bottom line, you have to buy your policy while your pet is healthy. Insuring your pet early on means they’re less likely to have pre-existing conditions that are excluded from coverage.

NOTE: If your pet is part of a breed that is at greater risk for a particular medical issue, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a provider, that covers breed-specific and genetic conditions. If you have a purebred pet, research the breed to see if there are any conditions you should know about.

What is covered and what’s excluded with pet insurance?

Coverage varies with each pet insurance provider but generally, the items below are covered:

• Emergency & Hospitalization
• Surgeries
• Veterinary Specialists
• Hereditary & Congenital Conditions
• Chronic Conditions (allergies, arthritis) and their mediPetions
• Cancer Treatments
• FDA-Approved Prescriptions
• Imaging
• Knee Conditions
• Ear infections
• Diabetes
• Prosthetics & Orthopedics
• Hernias
• Eye disorders
• Dental work needed resulting from an accident
• Any accident or illness (unless specifically excluded)
• Sudden Petastrophic Events (broken bones, eye infection, swallow objects)

What is not covered?

• Pre-existing conditions
• Routine, wellness, or preventative care
• Spaying or neutering
• Experimental procedures
• Breeding, pregnancy or giving birth
• Cloned pets or cloning procedures
• Cosmetic surgery or elective procedures
• Grooming
• Supplements
• Diet food
• Most parasites
• Routine dental care (cleanings, tooth removals)

Does pet health insurance cover lab fees and diagnostics?

Indeed. Tests and procedures like x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, blood tests, urinalysis are covered.

What about Emergency Care & Hospitalization, is that covered?

Yes.

What about chronic reoccurring conditions?

Yes.

What about Nationwide coverage?

No. Some do and most don’t.

Will pet health insurance cover vet bills after an accident?

Yes. There are exceptions for self-inflicted injury, however, in most cases your pet is covered.

Does pet health insurance cover cancer treatments?

Yes. Standard treatments are covered while experimental treatments are not covered.

Am I covered for my pet’s physical therapy?

Uncertain. Check with your policy.

OUR BEST ADIVCE

Before you get your pet, check into several pet insurance policies to see if your pet can be covered. More importantly, check with your local town/city/county government to make sure your pet’s breed is not banned. You do not want to go through the heartache of surrendering your pet if you didn’t check in advance.

14 Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe in Arizona

1. Extreme Heat

Probably the biggest weather risk your pooch faces in Arizona is extreme heat. Introduce her to the new climate as gradually as possible, especially if you come to the area in the summer. Pets with short, light-colored fur, especially on their ears, are especially susceptible to sunburns and skin cancer. Talk to your vet about a good dog sunscreen if you think yours may be at risk. Never leave your dog in a parked car.

2. Monsoons

Arizona monsoon season begins June 15 and ends September 30, and storms typically peak between mid-July and August. Never leave your dog outside in the summer while you are away from home.

3. Dust Storms

Dust storms usually occur quite suddenly and intensify quickly. Never leave your dog outside unattended.

4. Coyotes

One of the most common predators is the coyote. They usually hunt at night in packs, working as a team to lure and attack their prey. You may come across them on an evening walk down the street or even find one hiding in the brush by your house.

5. Black Bears

Black bears are the only remaining species of bear in the state of Arizona. They are unpredictable and can be very dangerous, especially if they’ve been conditioned to people and their food. They may find themselves attracted to your yard to snack on the seed in your bird feeder, raid your garbage cans.

6. Wildcats

Wildcats and mountain lions have amazing speed and agility and are known to encroach on people’s property. If you happen to see any of these predators approaching your yard from a distance, bring your dog inside immediately.

7. Raptors

Predatory birds in your area will depend on where you live, but overall the state has a great presence of red-tailed hawks, Harris’s hawks, and great horned owls. These birds pose a year-round threat, which increases from September through April when northern birds have migrated to the area. Small dogs (under 20 lbs.) are at the greatest risk from these animals; it’s not entirely uncommon for them to be scooped up off the ground and carried away.

8. Snakes

Arizona has 18 different species of rattlesnakes, all of which are poisonous. Though they generally don’t hunt or eat small pets, they still present a significant danger. Part of their threat lies in how easily they can hide and may feel threatened even if you and your pup haven’t realized their presence. They may venture under your car, porch, or any bushes around your home. Avoid going on walks together during summer nights when snakes are most active, and be especially careful to keep her from sniffing around brush areas or rocks where they may be hiding.

9. Gila Monsters

Gila monsters are large, venomous lizards that can grow up to two feet in length and weigh more than five pounds. Their black bodies can identify them with dramatic pink, orange, or yellow body markings. They are not usually aggressive but will bite if provoked or threatened.

10. Toads

Desert toads (also known as Colorado toads) spend much of their lives burrowed underground, so it may be difficult to truly know their presence in your area until they emerge during the summer monsoon season. Skin glands on the animal produce a potent, deadly toxin that can be fatal to a full-grown dog. Even a curious sniff or lick can be life-threatening, but she’s also at risk for passive ingestion of the toxin. The toads have been known to take a dip in dogs’ water bowls, meaning she could consume the venom without ever seeing a toad.

11. Scorpions

Though most species of scorpions aren’t poisonous to humans, the Arizona bark scorpion can be a dangerous adversary to your dog. Brown in color and about 7-8 centimeters long, their sting is very painful and can cause drooling, itchiness, tremors, irregular eye movement, abnormal heartbeat, and blood pressure.

12. Tarantulas

Tarantulas pose two main threats to your dog: they have barbed abdominal hairs causing extreme irritation, and fatal venom administered through bites. Often, an inquisitive dog will walk away with a face full of barbed hairs by either making contact with an introductory sniff or when the tarantula gets on his hind legs and brushes the hair off his abdomen toward her. The hairs are itchy and irritating and very difficult to remove.

13. Toxic Plants

Experts estimate there are more than 700 species of plants that can sicken or kill pets. In Arizona part of the problem is a lack of grass, causing bored, curious, or ill dogs to ingest an unfamiliar shrub or flower instead. These dangerous plants may cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea, or cause serious problems like kidney, liver, or heart failure. Do research to find what plants are common to your area of the state and take note of what you see around your neighborhood. When trimming your plants, clean away the clippings before allowing your dog in the area.

14. Protecting Your Home from Animal Predators

There are several ways you can reduce the likelihood any of these predators will enter your yard:

•  Never feed any wild animals. Even feeding the prey of dangerous predators can lead to their presence in your area.
• Store garbage in wildlife-proof containers — bear-proof garbage cans tend to be some of the strongest — and don’t take them out until the latest possible time on pick-up day.
•  Always feed your dog inside and gather any of her rawhides or chew bones from the yard before you go inside.
• Always supervise your dog when she’s outside, and ideally keep her in a secure, roofed enclosure.
•  Install a fence at least six feet high and bury the bottom a few inches underground to prevent climbing over or digging underneath. Keep in mind that a fence isn’t a guarantee, but you can make it more secure by adding barbed or electric wire.
• Add motion sensor lighting to your yard, especially by entrances and the garage.
•  If your dog has an outdoor kennel, make sure it has a roof.
• Remove bird feeders from your yard. Though they can be a beautiful lawn ornament, they’re an enticing offer to predators.
•  If you have fruit or nut trees, make it a habit to pick up fallen bits.
• Talk to your neighbors or neighborhood association about prevention. If one house on your street is inadvertently providing a food source, the predators will be active throughout the neighborhood.
• Remove brush and cover around your property to eliminate potential hiding spots (a 50-yard barrier is ideal if possible).

5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Arizona

An animal shelter is a place where stray, lost, abandoned, or surrendered animals are kept. They are an important facet of our society and provide compassionate services for pet owners in helping to keep pets healthy, happy and in safe homes. Arizona is loaded with wonderful, caring animal shelters, and it was hard to narrow the list down to 9. Here are 9 shelters you can count on.

---

---

---

---

---

So, which insurance is best for your pet in Arizona?

Providing pet insurance for your pet is a smart move that can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars and save your pet’s life! While we urge you to insure your pet when they are young, it’s still prudent to sign them up even as an adult pet. Your pet deserves pet insurance that will cover all their medical needs as they age, and you deserve the peace of mind of knowing you can afford any procedure they may require. And now, drum roll please….

Conclusion

After hours spent evaluating pet insurance policies for The Grand Canyon State, I have concluded that the best pet policy for Arizona is Lemonade. Lemonade consistently outperformed the others thanks to its extensive coverage and low monthly premiums. I encourage you to read all policy language carefully on whichever plan you go with, so you won’t be surprised by what is and is not covered.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Arizona

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Arizona based on a variety of important factors including the following:

• Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible located in Arizona with a 85050 zip code
• Coverage and benefits
• Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
• AM Best rating of the underwriter
• Reimbursement percentage
• Annual benefit amount
• Technology and user experience
• Ease of sign up
• Policy language clarity
• User reviews