How much does dog and cat insurance cost in Massachusetts for the 15 most popular breeds?

The price for Massachusetts dog and cat insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Jackson, Montgomery, Mobile, Birmingham, or Brewton etc. However, the prices will vary based on the age, health and breed of your pet.

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 June 2022 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in Massachusetts we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

Dog Insurance Prices Massachusetts:

1. Mixed Breed – $32.13/ mo
2. Labrador Retriever – $43.75/ mo
3. Golden Retriever – $43.64/ mo
4. German Shepherd – $47.19/ mo
5. Goldendoodle – $37.97/ mo
6. Chihuahua – $19.98/ mo
7. Siberian Husky – $43.86/ mo
8. Yorkshire Terrier – $27.57/ mo
9. American Pit Bull Terrier – $48.56/ mo
10. Australian Shepherd – $30.19/ mo
11. Dachshund – $28.50 mo
12. Shih Tzu – $25.37/ mo
13. French Bulldog – $60.06/ mo
14. Boxer – $60.31/ mo
15. Labradoodle – $37.97/ mo

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

Massachusetts Pet Insurance FAQs

How does Massachusetts pet insurance work?

Protecting your pet with insurance requires you to apply for a policy from whichever company you prefer. Then, stay current on your monthly premium payments to keep your policy active.

If your pet should ever suddenly get sick or injured, seek veterinary care immediately. Most insurers will request you to pay the vet bill at the time of service and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Insurance providers do their best to process claims as quickly as possible as long as you file your claim with the invoices, receipts and other requested documents.

Is there a particular age when I should insure my cat or dog?

Remember that insurance companies usually do not extend their standard coverage to pre-existing conditions. Therefore, to get the most comprehensive coverage and a low premium, my team and I recommend insuring your pet while they are still young and healthy, preferably once they turn 8 weeks old. Nevertheless, insurance can be helpful for all ages since veterinary emergencies can strike anytime. However, be aware that some providers have age limits on issuing new policies, so check with your provider before applying for coverage.

Is MA pet insurance beneficial?

Insurance can benefit all Massachusetts pet parents concerned about having to pay upwards of several thousand dollars for urgent veterinary care. And since veterinary fees in this state are some of the highest in the country and pets of all types and ages can suddenly fall ill or become injured, the right insurance plan can shoulder most of the financial burden for you. It will ensure you can afford life-saving treatments, procedures and care for your cherished furry friend.

What does a standard pet insurance policy cover and exclude?

Standard pet insurance covers veterinary care for “sudden and catastrophic” accidents and injuries, except for pre-existing or any exclusions in your policy. Covered medical “events” may include broken bones, lacerations, intestinal blockages, eye infections, urinary blockages, bloat and more. Other things not generally covered by basic pet insurance are treatment for behavioral disorders, routine dental care, preventative care, physical therapy and elective procedures. So while some providers offer broader protection than this with their standard plans, they are the exception, not the norm.

How are reimbursements calculated?

This all depends on the terms of your policy: what your deductible, reimbursement rate and annual maximum benefit are. For example, if your cat or dog needs an operation that costs $5,000, and you have a $250 deductible and a reimbursement rate of 90%, your insurer will reimburse you $4,500 less the $250 deductible. As a result, your portion is only $750, a mere fraction of the $5,000 total, and your insurer’s share is $4,250.

If paying such a steep vet bill upfront and waiting for reimbursement stresses you out, we suggest getting an insurance plan through Trupanion. While they allow you to take your pet to the veterinarian of your choice, Trupanion will pay their part of your pet’s vet bill directly to the veterinarian if the vet is in the company’s network. This means you will only pay your part of the bill at the time of service and not have to wait for reimbursement.

Which is more advantageous: a higher or lower deductible?

Both types of premiums have their advantages. It depends on which type of payment structure best fits your financial circumstances. For example, with a lower deductible, you will have higher monthly premiums but less financial outlay in emergencies. In contrast, with a higher deductible, you will have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs in emergencies. You must run the numbers to see which scenario fits your preferences. My team and I have found that $250 and $500 deductibles are most popular among Massachusetts pet parents.

Are there breed restrictions for homeowners insurance policies?

Most homeowners insurance providers have breed restrictions in place for dogs. However, the same does not apply to cats. We recommend reaching out to providers you’re considering getting insurance through to gather more specifics.

5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Pet Safe & Healthy in Massachusetts

1. Feed your pet a species-appropriate diet.

It’s important to feed our pets species-appropriate foods. That could be a mix of meat, poultry, vegetables, fruit and fish for dogs. On the other hand, cats are obligate carnivores, so stick to poultry and fish (avoid tuna whenever possible). Your best options for these two animals are high-quality canned or premium raw cat or dog foods. Depending on the type, small critters thrive on nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, so it’s easy to feed them the purest diets as they eat whole foods that we humans also consume. However, it’s vital to pay close attention to the ingredients list on cat and dog food, which is heavily processed. We suggest cat or dog-specific raw or premium canned food free of low-grade fillers, such as soy, grains, corn, meals, cheese or gums.

2. Ensure your pet stays hydrated.

A primary key to good health for most animals is proper hydration, which can minimize the risk of kidney failure, liver disease, obesity, cancer and more. Make sure that your pets have fresh water to drink at all times. Remember to wash their water bowl or dispensers daily to prevent bacteria from building up. Should you have a cat who does not drink much, consider purchasing a cat fountain. For both dogs and cats, you can mix water into their wet or raw food to increase their moisture intake.

3. Keep your pet active and playful.

Keeping your pet active and providing them with plenty of play opportunities will help them stay physically fit and happy, mentally relaxed and emotionally bonded with you. The more fun and focused your time together, the better. For small critters, give them plenty of space to move around. Gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters need running wheels to burn off excess energy.

4. Establish a set grooming routine.

Establish a grooming routine with cats and dogs as early as possible in their lives and stick with it. Ask your vet to explain and demonstrate safe techniques for cleaning ears, clipping nails and brushing teeth. In addition, brush your pets daily. Depending on the dog and their lifestyle, they will need regular bathing every 6-10 weeks, using lukewarm water. Stick with dog-specific shampoo as human products, even baby-safe ones, can burn or irritate your dog’s skin and strip it of natural oils. Finally, towel-dry them thoroughly and only use a hair dryer on low heat and power, making sure to hold the dryer an appropriate distance from your dog’s skin.

5. Help your pet stay parasite-free.

Fleas, ticks, worms and heartworms can severely damage cats’ and dogs’ health. Such health problems include tapeworms, anemia, Lyme disease, flea allergy dermatitis, Bartonella, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and beyond. Make sure your dog is regularly tested for heartworms and worms so that you can promptly treat them and deworm cats if they’ve been living outside or worms appear in their feces. Dogs and cats who spend time outdoors should routinely receive spot-on flea and tick medication. A parasite-free pet is often a healthy one.

5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Massachusetts

1. Second Chance Animal Adoption Center in East Brookfield, MA

Second Chance provides a safe respite for cats, dogs and rabbits, giving them the medical care, affection and attention they need to be ready for adoption. In addition to their shelter and adoption center in East Brookfield, they also run a pet food pantry, a spay/neuter program and four community veterinary hospitals in Worcester, Southbridge, North Brookfield and Springfield in which they subsidize veterinary care for pet parents who are unable to afford it.

2. Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester, MA

CAAA is a no-kill, non-profit animal rescue organization founded in 1964 by Ruth Spoor and other volunteers to care for the pets that summer visitors frequently abandon. Many animals come to CAAA through owner surrender, kill shelters, and other states with animal overpopulation. Every cat and dog that comes to CAAA receives heaps of individual attention, including medical care, grooming, affection, play and exercise. They also adopt out a significant number of senior cats through their fantastic Super Senior Cat program, offering discounted adoption fees or free adoptions (for people over 65) on cats 6 years and older.

3. Save a Dog in Sudbury, MA

Save a Dog is an organization that encourages people to adopt dogs instead of buying them, especially as 1 in 3 dogs that end up in shelters are purebred. Of course, Save a Dog welcomes and cherishes dogs of all breeds and ages. Most adult dogs are from the New England area, and the younger ones are rescued from the south. This shelter ensures that all dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations and are spayed or neutered. However, puppies do not come “fixed,” as they must wait for proper hormone and body development before such operations.

4. Rainbow Rescues in Westhampton, MA

Rainbow Rescue runs solely on the time, efforts and generosity of their rescue volunteers, volunteer foster homes in MA and CT and donations made by private individuals. RR is based in Western Massachusetts and rescues cats and dogs needing safe, loving homes. They go to great lengths to make sure that each animal-adoptive parent(s) pair is the right fit for all before signing the adoption contract.

5. Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts in Brockton, MA

The APCSM rescues cats, dogs and small critters in Plymouth, Norfolk and Bristol counties. Moreover, they participate in community outreach and education and animal cruelty prevention. All meet-and-greet and adoptions are by appointment only. If you plan to adopt a dog but already have one at home, you’ll need to bring them in to see if they and your new prospective dog get along.

Conclusion

Finding the best Massachusetts pet insurance plan can seem intimidating, but we hope this article has put your mind at ease. Insuring your pet as early in their life as possible will get you more coverage and a better deal when it comes to your monthly premium. However, protecting your favorite animal friend with insurance at any age can help prevent financial hardship in a medical emergency and support their overall health and well-being. Through our research, my team and I have found that Lemonade offers the top service for the lowest price.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Massachusetts

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts with a 35206 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