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

The price for North Carolina pet insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, or Winston-Salem, etc. However, the prices will 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 June 2022 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in North Carolina we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

Dog Insurance Prices in North Carolina:

1. Mixed Breed – $24.84/ mo
2. Labrador Retriever – $33.83/ mo
3. Golden Retriever – $33.75/ mo
4. German Shepherd – $36.50/ mo
5. Goldendoodle – $29.37/ mo
6. Chihuahua – $15.45/ mo
7. Siberian Husky – $33.92/ mo
8. Yorkshire Terrier – $21.33/ mo
9. American Pit Bull Terrier – $37.56/ mo
10. Australian Shepherd – $23.34/ mo
11. Dachshund – $22.03/ mo
12. Shih Tzu – $19.62/ mo
13. French Bulldog – $46.45/ mo
14. Boxer – $46.64/ mo
15. Labradoodle – $29.37/ mo

Cat Insurance Prices in North Carolina:

1. Mixed Breed – $14.45/ mo
2. American Shorthair – $17.08/ mo
3. Bengal – $17.08/ mo
4. Bombay – $17.08/ mo
5. British Shorthair – $17.08/ mo
6. Exotic – $17.08/ mo
7. Himalayan – $17.08/ mo
8. Maine Coon – $18.01/ mo
9. Persian – $18.01/ mo
10. Ragdoll – $18.01/ mo
11. Russian Blue – $17.08/ mo
12. Scottish Fold – $18.01/ mo
13. Siamese – $18.01/ mo
14. Sphynx – $17.18/ mo
15. Abyssinian – $17.18/ mo

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

FAQs About North Carolina Pet Insurance

Why do I need pet insurance in North Carolina?

You should utilize pet insurance because it ensures access to veterinary care without draining your finances. Veterinarian visits often cost more than you’d imagine. Sadly, sometimes it’s so expensive that the best option for uninsured pet owners is to put their dog or cat to sleep. With insurance, that doesn’t ever need to be an option.

Sounds worthwhile right? After you decide you want pet insurance, you’ll next need to find a provider. After you apply and are approved, you’ll then pay monthly fees, called “premiums.” After a visit to the vet, you will pay the bill up front and submit a reimbursement claim sometime later.

You should remember that most insurance companies exclude some conditions, called “pre-existing conditions” from reimbursement. To avoid higher chances of this happening, you should obtain insurance when your pet is still young.

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

In order to be eligible, insurance companies require a minimum age of 8 weeks for kittens and puppies. Fully-grown pets and aging pets may also get insurance, but you should be aware that the cost could be higher. After 8 weeks and before their 1st birthday is the best time to sign up.

So is pet insurance really necessary in North Carolina?

As I stated above, vet costs can be higher than you think. That’s why I feel that pet insurance is extremely beneficial. With a pet insurance policy, you know you’re protected, no matter how much treatment costs. Although the monthly premium payments might sound like a headache, it’s far less a price to pay than $10,000 bills.

Are there exclusions with pet insurance?

Unfortunately, yes, there are exclusions. You probably remember when I mentioned pre-existing conditions. If your pet has an ongoing illness or injury unresolved before obtaining insurance, this will likely be excluded.

It does vary, however, based on your insurance provider and policy. You can expect most anything deemed sudden and out of your control to be eligible for reimbursement.

To stop pre-existing conditions from developing in the first place, and for maximum wellbeing, you can purchase an add-on to your insurance, usually known as a “wellness package.” These packages cover vaccines, routine check-ups, spay, neuter, and more.

What does reimbursement look like?

Reimbursement is actually a bit simpler than you were probably imagining! Let’s break it down: You’ll have an annual deductible, which is the amount you must pay before insurance kicks in. You’ll also have a reimbursement percentage, which is the amount you’ll get back after paying the bill. Finally, your max benefit is the most your insurance company will pay towards claims.

Here’s a sample scenario:

Annual Deductible: $500
Reimbursement Amount: 95%
Annual Max Benefit: $10,000

1. You pay the vet a bill of $9,000
2. The bill ($9,000) minus your deductible ($500) equals $8,500.
3. You receive a reimbursement percentage of 95% of $8,500, equalling $8,075.

Easy, right? One good thing to note is that not all insurance providers function the same, such as Trupanion, who pays veterinarians directly without making you foot the bill first.

High deductible vs low deductible?

I can’t tell you what the best deductible is for you without knowing your financial situation, but most pet owners choose $250 or $500. A low deductible will mean higher monthly premiums and smaller bills from the vet, while a high deductible equates to lower monthly premiums and a larger bill from the vet.

Either way, you pay! Figure out what deductible works best based on your finances. When obtaining an insurance quote, see if your provider offers a calculator to help you do the math.

Are any dog or cat breeds restricted for homeowners insurance in North Carolina?

You will likely run into restrictions on some dog breeds considered higher risk, like the following:

• Bull Mastiffs
• Cane Corsos
• Chow Chows
• Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherds
• Great Danes
• Pit Bull Terriers
• Rottweilers
• Wolfhounds

Keep in mind, this list is not exhaustive, nor does it include cats, who generally don’t face homeowners insurance restrictions. To find the most precise and current information, reach out to your homeowners insurance provider.

5 North Carolina Health & Safety Strategies

1. Plants: Pretty & Poisonous

North Carolina is a gorgeous state, filled with all kinds of colorful and beautiful scenery. As pretty as some of these plants are, they can also be toxic to pets. Here’s how you, your canines, and kitties can all enjoy the great outdoors:

• Supervise pets outside. Keep dogs leashed.
• When out in nature, stay on designated trails. Avoid overgrown areas that can hide dangerous plants and other hazards.
• Avoid these plants, including, but not limited to:
  • Arum Lily
  • Autumn Crocus
  • Bulb Flowers
  • Buckthorn
  • Cherry Tree
  • Hydrangea
  • English Ivy
  • Mandrake
  • Morning Glory
  • Mountain Laurel
  • Mushrooms
  • Nightshades
  • Oak
  • Oleander
  • Red Maple
  • Wisteria

2. Winning Swimming

There’s lots of outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy in North Carolina, including swimming, boating, and river rafting. Obviously, you’re not thinking of taking your cats for a dip, but many dogs love it! Just make sure you take precautions so they can have a doggone good time:

• Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Some short nosed breeds, as well as smaller dogs may struggle. Acclimate your dog first and start with shallow, safer bodies of water. Don’t ever throw your dog in, no matter how experienced they are.
• Never leave dogs unattended in water.
• Swimming is fun, but exhausting. Make sure your dog gets regular rest in between all the excitement.
• Try not to let your dog drink chlorinated or dirty water. Provide fresh, clean water for them to drink instead.
• After a swim, rinse your dog and dry their ears to prevent infection.

3. A Walk to Remember

With all the greenery and scenery, no wonder North Carolina residents spend so much time outside! Be sure to keep your pets safe when they’re outdoors too, whether in the neighborhood or wilderness:

• Microchip your cats and dogs. Make sure they wear a collar with ID as well.
• Collars, harnesses, and leashes should be properly fitted.
• Off-leash dogs should only be in designated areas, such as dog parks or your yard. Do not allow your dog to roam off-leash anywhere unsecured or where it’s against the rules.

4. Summer Safely

North Carolina summers are hot and humid. With the change in weather comes extra caution for our furry friends:

• Exercise pets during cooler hours in the day. Early morning or late evening is best.
• Make sure there is shade and protection from the sun.
• Learn the signs of heat stroke: Excessive panting or difficulty breathing, dehydration, excessive drooling, fever, bright red gums, lack of urine, rapid pulse, muscle tremors, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness.
• Animals with flat faces (such as pugs, bulldogs and Persian kitties) are more susceptible to heat stroke. Please also take extra cautions with senior and overweight pets.
• Don’t leave pets unattended in cars. Even if it’s only 70 degrees outside, the inside of your car can heat to over 90 degrees!

5. Coyote & Bobcat Haven

Coyotes and bobcats are abundant in North Carolina, however, they’ll try to stay out of your hair as long as you’re careful:

• Don’t leave pets unattended outdoors.
• Avoid feeding pets outdoors. The smell will attract wildlife.
• Keep human food or anything odorous indoors.
• Keep lids on all garbage cans.

5 North Carolina Pet Shelters to Know

So you’re ready to bring a new furry friend home? We know just the places to go. Check out these five must-visit North Carolina shelters.

1. Saving Grace, Wake Forest, NC

Since 2004, Saving Grace has placed over 22,000 dogs into homes. Saving Grace serves areas with some of the highest euthanasia rates in the country, providing much needed medical care and housing in order to make adoption possible for these many animals. Their “Funny Farm” allows potential adopters to get to know a variety of dogs and choose a new companion.

2. Humane Society of Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Established in 1978, The Humane Society of Charlotte has worked to improve the community by building a world where there are no more homeless or unwanted animals. With three locations, they serve over 3,000 animals each year throughout the southeast U.S.

3. Second Chance Pet Adoptions, Raleigh, NC

Second Chance is the oldest no-kill rescue in Wake County, rescuing stray or abandoned cats and dogs since 1987 when three women began “fostering” stray animals they found. Word quickly spread and others began bringing their animals to Second Chance. Eventually operations grew so large that Second Chance opened a dedicated facility in 2004, carefully matching pets with homes to ensure a lifetime of safety and love.

4. Piedmont Animal Rescue, Mooresville, NC

Piedmont Animal Rescue (PAR) was founded to raise awareness for pet adoption and animal rescue. PAR aspires to save and rehome animals, including cats, dogs, and more exotic pets such as hamsters, and rabbits. To help pet owners in need, PAR also offers a pet food bank.

5. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Asheville, NC

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (BWAR) enhances the lives of companion animals and the people who love them. Through adoption and pet retention programs, as well as a low-cost mobile spay and neuter clinic, extensive volunteer and foster networks, and more, BWAR makes a positive impact in the lives of thousands of animals each year. You’ll also find a thrift store and retail store where proceeds help fund lifesaving animal programs.

Conclusion

No headaches, right? Now you see just how simple pet insurance really is! In conclusion, remember that you should get insurance before your pet’s 1st birthday and after 8 weeks of age for the ideal rates and fewest restrictions. The second best time is now, since insurance will protect dogs, cats, and your pockets. To get started, we recommend Lemonade pet insurance for unbeatable prices and performance.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for North Carolina

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in North Carolina 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 North Carolina with a 27603 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