How much does dog insurance cost in Michigan for the 15 most popular breeds?

The price for Michigan dog 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 2023 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of dog insurance in Michigan we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

1. Mixed Breed
   • Detroit – $24.38/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $28.30/ mo
   • Marquette – $23.52/ mo
2. Labrador Retriever
   • Detroit – $33.19/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $38.54/ mo
   • Marquette – $32.03/ mo
3. Golden Retriever
   • Detroit – $33.13/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $38.47/ mo
   • Marquette – $31.97/ mo
4. German Shepherd
   • Detroit – $35.82/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $41.58/ mo
   • Marquette – $34.57/ mo
5. Goldendoodle
   • Detroit – $28.83/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $33.46/ mo
   • Marquette – $27.81/ mo
6. Chihuahua
   • Detroit – $15.17/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $17.60/ mo
   • Marquette – $14.64/ mo
7. Siberian Husky
   • Detroit – $33.29/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $38.65/ mo
   • Marquette – $32.14/ mo
8. Yorkshire Terrier
   • Detroit – $20.92/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $24.30/ mo
   • Marquette – $20.20/ mo
9. American Pit Bull Terrier
   • Detroit – $36.85/ mo
   • Grand Rapids – $42.79/ mo
   • Marquette – $35.57/ mo
10. Australian Shepherd
    • Detroit – $22.92/ mo
    • Grand Rapids – $26.60/ mo
    • Marquette – $22.12/ mo
11. Dachshund
    • Detroit – $21.62/ mo
    • Grand Rapids – $25.10/ mo
    • Marquette – $20.86/ mo
12. Shih Tzu
    • Detroit – $19.26/ mo
    • Grand Rapids – $22.37/ mo
    • Marquette – $18.59/ mo
13. French Bulldog
    • Detroit – $45.59/ mo
    • Grand Rapids – $52.93/ mo
    • Marquette – $44.00/ mo
14. Boxer
    • Detroit – $45.77/ mo
    • Grand Rapids – $53.14/ mo
    • Marquette – $44.17/ mo
15. Labradoodle
    • Detroit – $28.83/ mo
    • Grand Rapids – $33.46/ mo
    • Marquette – $27.81/ mo

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

Michigan Dog Insurance FAQs

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, there were $2.174 billion in premiums sold in 2020 for the pet health insurance sector. Let’s take a deeper dive into what dog insurance is and why you need it.

What is dog insurance?

There are 3 main types of dog insurance – accident and illness; accident only; wellness care. Accident and illness are the most comprehensive and could cover things like unexpected injuries, sickness or disease (not previously experiencing), or anything that is different from your dog’s normal health. Accident-only focuses on injury-related care but not illness. Wellness is what humans would consider preventative care, and it’s equally important for our canine companions to get regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and routine dental work. Some pet insurance offers wellness as a supplement to an insurance plan.

What is covered/excluded with pet insurance?

Things that are typically included: x-rays, diagnostic tests, swallowed objects, toxic ingestion, blood tests, heart issues, medication, dental disease, hip dysplasia, and even cancer. Some policies will even cover exam fees but that is up to the provider. We saw a few companies offer a discount on pet insurance for multiple pets, which is quite helpful for some households.

Services that are considered maintenance are usually not covered through dog insurance. Elective cosmetic procedures, dental cleanings, and spay/neuter are not included in most plans. They also will not cover pre-existing conditions, where your dog has developed symptoms and/or been treated for something prior to starting the insurance or during the waiting period. Most dog insurance has a waiting period ranging from 3-15 days but could be up to 6 months before coverage begins. The waiting period also varies whether it is an accident, illness, or something involving surgery.

What do I need to know about deductibles?

Deductibles are the amount you must pay for covered services before you can start being reimbursed. A general rule of thumb – lower deductibles mean higher monthly payments and a higher annual limit. The annual limit is the total amount you can be reimbursed in a 12-month period. It is recommended that you choose the highest amount you think you will spend on your dog for accidents and illness. If you try to keep your premium cost low, you will typically have a higher deductible to meet before you can be reimbursed, and get a lower annual limit on claims.

How does reimbursement work?

After a visit to the vet’s office, you will need to submit a claim to your pet insurance company to be reimbursed. Each company will have its own process but most will require a copy of the invoice. Depending on the insurance and the plan you choose, claims will be reimbursed based on a percentage after you have met the deductible for the year. For example, if you have a $250 deductible with a $3,000 annual limit and 80% reimbursement, once you have paid $250 out of pocket for services that are covered by pet insurance, you can start to be reimbursed at a rate of 80% of the cost until you reach your annual limit.

What is the best age to get insurance for a dog?

The older the dog, the more expensive the monthly insurance costs, and some providers will not cover a pet beyond a certain age. Many pet insurance companies will not provide coverage for a puppy younger than 8 weeks.

Are there breed restrictions (related to homeowners insurance)?

Unlike other states, Michigan does NOT have restrictions in place on home insurance policies based on dog breed. In a bulletin issued by the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (2003-07-INS), insurers cannot deny, cancel or fail to renew a policy based on the insured’s dog breed.

Something to keep in mind – purebred or pedigree dogs are typically more expensive to insure than mixed breeds, who are less likely to have inherited medical conditions or be predisposed to breed-specific ailments.

5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Safe in Michigan

Because the Wolverine State has wicked winters and stifling summers, there are things every dog owner should keep in mind.

1. Keep good care of your puppies paws

Dogs’ paws are very sensitive – snow and ice like we see in Michigan can cut them. There are products like boots and balms that your pet can wear when out walking in winter. If you don’t use any of these products on your dogs’ paws, at least wipe them off after they have been outside. Many people use ice melting aids that are not pet-friendly and can be harmful when ingested.

2. Be careful of hot pavement!

During summertime in Michigan, if the pavement is too hot to touch by hand (or for your feet), it is too hot for your dog! Try to walk them in the early morning hours or later in the evening after the sun has gone down.

3. Ticks are a preventable problem

Warm weather also brings out fleas and ticks. Since Michigan is the Great Lake State, and while it’s wonderful to have all of those bodies of water around, it is a cesspool for ticks and bacteria that may cause leptospirosis, a disease that mainly affects the liver or kidneys. Make sure your dog is up to date on flea and tick medication, and current on all vaccinations, including one for lepto.

4. Watch out for the summer heat

It cannot be overstated that extra precautions need to be taken in the summer months in Michigan. The temperature climbs quickly and can prove deadly if your dog is left in a hot car. According to the National Weather Service, the inside of a car can reach 100 degrees in about 25 minutes, even if it’s only in the mid-70s outside. Cracking a window does not lower the temperature a significant amount.

5. Keep your best friend hydrated

Your dog should have plenty of water on hand, day and night, so they do not become dehydrated, as temperature and humidity can fluctuate quickly in Michigan. If you take your dog on hikes, bring some extra water and a collapsible bowl for your pup.

5 Dog Rescue Shelters in Michigan

If you are looking to expand your family to include a dog, check out these amazing Michigan-based animal organizations located in a community near you. The best way to find your new companion is through adoption!

1. Michigan Humane Society (MHS) in Detroit, Westland and Howell, MI

The Michigan Humane Society is the oldest and largest nonprofit animal welfare organization in the state. They have both adoption centers – Detroit, Westland, Howell – and veterinary centers – Detroit, Rochester Hills, Westland, and Howell. I adopted a pet from MHS in Detroit years ago and was very impressed with the shelter and adoption process.

2. Detroit Dog Rescue (DDR) in Detroit, MI

Focused on homeless and stray dogs in Detroit, DDR works on rehabilitating dogs to get them ready for adoption. They opened the first no-kill shelter in the city of Detroit, and advocate for no-kill shelters and foster care in urban settings.

3. Noah Project in Muskegon, MI

The Noah Project is a no-kill animal shelter completely funded by the community of Muskegon, Michigan. They are dedicated to the care of unwanted, abused, or surrendered pets until they are ready to find their forever home.

4. Eva Burrell Animal Shelter in Manistique, MI

Located in Manistique, MI, the Eva Burrell Animal Shelter earned a 2021 Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. Guidestar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofits, and to earn a gold seal, organizations must make financial information public and list their Board of Directors.

5. Animal Welfare Society of Southeastern Michigan in Madison Heights, MI

A no-kill animal shelter and rescue group, the Animal Welfare Society has a facility in Madison Heights that offers a food pantry for pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets as well as dog training on-site.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a lot of information out there about dog insurance and many factors to consider. If you are looking to add a dog to your household, now is the time to select pet insurance. Remember, most policies require a dog to be at least 8 weeks old but it is never too late to get insurance for your pet. A dog owner with pet insurance is well prepared financially for those unforeseen veterinary costs that add up over a dog’s life.

We have found Lemonade pet insurance to consistently offer the best policy for the lowest monthly prices.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Michigan

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Michigan 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 Michigan with a 48201 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

Other state dog insurance resources

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