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

The price for Pennsylvania pet insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, or Scranton, etc. However, the prices will vary based on your puppy’s age, health and breed.

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 Pennsylvania we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

Dog Insurance Prices in Pennsylvania:

1. Mixed Breed – $25.90/ mo
2. Labrador Retriever – $35.28/ mo
3. Golden Retriever – $35.21/ mo
4. German Shepherd – $38.05/ mo
5. Goldendoodle – $30.63/ mo
6. Chihuahua – $16.10/ mo
7. Siberian Husky – $35.37/ mo
8. Yorkshire Terrier – $22.23/ mo
9. American Pit Bull Terrier – $39.17/ mo
10. Australian Shepherd – $24.36/ mo
11. Dachshund – $22.98/ mo
12. Shih Tzu – $20.47/ mo
13. French Bulldog – $48.43/ mo
14. Boxer – $48.62/ mo
15. Labradoodle – $30.63/ mo

Cat Insurance Prices in Pennsylvania:

1. Mixed Breed – $15.07/ mo
2. American Shorthair – $17.80/ mo
3. Bengal – $17.80/ mo
4. Bombay – $17.80/ mo
5. British Shorthair – $17.80/ mo
6. Exotic – $17.80/ mo
7. Himalayan – $17.80/ mo
8. Maine Coon – $18.78/ mo
9. Persian – $18.78/ mo
10. Ragdoll – $18.78/ mo
11. Russian Blue – $17.80/ mo
12. Scottish Fold – $18.78/ mo
13. Siamese – $18.78/ mo
14. Sphynx – $17.80/ mo
15. Abyssinian – $17.80/ mo

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

Pennsylvania Pet Insurance FAQs

What is pet insurance?

Like health insurance for humans, pet insurance offers protection against accidents and illness. Unlike it’s human equivalent, pet insurance can be used at any veterinarian; there is no required network for office visits. Usually pet insurance is offered in 3 tiers – accident coverage, accident and illness, and possibly a wellness plan depending on the provider.

An accident plan will cover injury-related issues such as MRIs and x-rays, surgery, hospitalization, broken bones, and swallowed objects. Suppose you choose pet insurance that also includes illness. In that case, it may cover lab/blood work, ultrasounds, cancer treatment, dental work (for an infection, not routine care), prescription medication, alternative therapies and skin conditions. These lists are for example purposes; review coverage details as you look at plans. A preventative care plan will assist with routine care costs such as vaccines, wellness exams, and teeth cleaning.

How are pet insurance rates decided?

Pet insurance rates are decided by what species (dog, cat or exotic animal), breed of animal, gender, age, whether a pet has been spayed/neutered, where you live, prior claims, and the type of coverage you choose in terms of deductibles, annual limits, and reimbursement rates. In our state, pet insurance companies are regulated by the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, who take a look at things like rates, policy forms and rules. Some insurance providers will not offer plans to dogs over 14 and cats over 16 years of age, and most will require a puppy to be at least 8 weeks old and a kitten should be 6 weeks.

Will everything at my vet visit be covered?

No, pet insurance will not cover things like cosmetic or elective surgery, pregnancy/birth care, and spay/neuter procedures. No plan will insure pre-existing conditions, which are symptoms or conditions that existed prior to purchasing pet insurance. Plans will also have a waiting period, often 2-15 days after you buy a policy but before you can begin submitting claims.

How do pet insurance plans work?

Pet insurance policies will have a deductible, a dollar amount you must pay out of pocket before the benefits kick in, often in increments of $250, $500 or $750. You can choose to have no annual payout limit in which case the policy will reimburse you an unlimited amount annually but that option will increase your monthly premiums. It might be wiser to select a reasonable annual payout amount, such as $2,000 or $5,000. Most plans will allow you to choose a reimbursement rate that you will be refunded on your claims. At a vet visit, you will pay the full bill to the office and then submit a claim for reimbursement, possibly through an app or through a portal online.

Why won’t my homeowner’s insurance policy cover my dog?

There is good news and bad news when it comes to breed restrictions on homeowner’s insurance. While the state of Pennsylvania prohibits an insurance provider from excluding coverage based on a specific dog breed, it does require pet owners of dangerous dogs (as defined by state law) to have liability insurance of at least $50,000. Check your homeowner’s specific insurance policy for details about dangerous dog liabilities.

5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Healthy & Safe in Pennsylvania

1. Mind The Weather

Cold, wintry weather is an issue in Pennsylvania so it’s important to keep your pets in mind. Bring them inside if at all possible, or offer a protective shelter if they must stay outside. Brush off paws when they come inside to knock off salt from driveways that can be toxic and ice particles that can become embedded in their paws. Keep antifreeze out of reach as the sweet smell will draw them in but it is very harmful to ingest.

2. Never Leave Your Pet in a Hot Car

Pet owners in the Keystone State should be aware of a bill that was passed in 2018 that allows public safety professionals to remove an unattended pet in a hot or cold vehicle without liability. Because cars are often 15-20 degrees warmer inside than the outside temperature, heat stroke can come on quickly, so it’s important to stay diligent. This new bill means citizens can contact their local police department or humane officer if they notice a pet in distress in a locked car. The rescuer must leave contact information if they are taking the pet with them and any details the citizen can think of about the situation should go to the public safety professional.

3. Enjoy Parks with Your Pet

There’s lots of pet-friendly parks, hiking trails and even shopping to explore with your dog in Pennsylvania. It’s always a good idea to make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines before heading out. All dogs should have a collar with identification tag and be on a leash, unless an area indicates they can be off. Carry water and a collapsible bowl for frequent water and rest breaks. While travelling in the car with them, make sure your dog is hooked up to a harness or riding in a carrier.

4. Always Make sure Your Dog or Cat Excercises

Exercise is a great way to help your pet stay healthy. Even cats can benefit from chasing an object around. When you take your dog for a walk, pay attention to the temperature outside and the feel of the pavement you are walking on. If it’s too hot or the temps are frigid outside, it’s not a good time to go. During the summer the best times are early morning or later in the evening after the sun has gone down. Your dog’s fur protects them a bit in winter but it would help to have a coat or sweater along with booties to keep their paws from being cut on snow and ice.

5. Keep Up To Date with Anti-Parasitics

Unfortunately, in Pennsylvania, we have our fair share of mosquitos, fleas and ticks. These bugs are problematic when it comes to pets as they carry diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease. Make a habit of giving your dog heartworm medication on a monthly basis from June-November. All pets can benefit from flea and tick prevention, which often comes in oral or topical solutions.

5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Pennsylvania

1. Animal Rescue, Inc. in New Freedom, PA

Animal Rescue, Inc. is a true refuge for homeless cats and dogs in York County. They are a no-kill shelter that rescues pets and tries to find them a new family. If they are unable to do so either because of medical issues or temperament, pets live out their remaining years in this sanctuary.

2. Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) in Pittsburgh, PA

With low-cost veterinary medical centers at two rescue shelter sites and a separate Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, HARP is one of the Pennsylvania’sest animal welfare organizations. They are focused on ending animal abuse and homelessness.

3. Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in Clarks Summit, PA

Originally established in 1938 as the Humane Society of Lackawanna County, Griffin Pond cares for over 200 animals on a daily basis. The shelter provides a temporary home for unwanted and abused pets while promoting humane education and ethical pet ownership.

4. Animal Rescue League of Berks County in Birdsboro, PA

The Animal Rescue League offers pet adoptions and so much more! They offer a wide variety of services and programs to that community including animal cruelty and humane investigations, pet help center for owners who are in a tough financial situation, working cat outdoor placements and free pet adoptions to military veterans.

5. Lehigh County Humane Society in Allentown, PA

Lehigh County HS is a leading advocate for breeds such as pit bulls, who are often overlooked, and many of their available adoptable dogs are pit bulls. They also offer low-cost veterinary services and are dedicated to educating the public about animal cruelty.

Conclusion

Whether you have a newly adopted fur family member or a longtime furry companion, it’s never too late to consider pet insurance. Keeping your dog or cat healthy and safe, working with a good veterinarian and choosing a pet insurance plan that meets your needs can all increase the lifespan of your pet. After extensive research, my conclusion is that Lemonade offers the best combination of price and coverage in Pennsylvania.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Pennsylvania

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania with a 19128 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