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

The price for Tennessee 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 January 2024 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in Tennessee we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.

Dog Insurance Prices in Nashville Tennessee:

1. Mixed Breed – $27.17/ mo
2. American Pit Bull Terrier – $41.08/ mo
3. Australian Shepherd – $25.55/ mo
4. Boxer – $51.01/ mo
5. Chihuahua – $16.90/ mo
6. Dachshund – $24.10/mo
7. French Bulldog – $50.81/ mo
8. German Shepherd – $39.91/ mo
9. Goldendoodle – $32.13/ mo
10. Golden Retriever – $36.91/ mo
11. Labradoodle – $32.13/ mo
12. Labrador Retriever – $37.02/ mo
13. Shih Tzu – $21.46/ mo
14. Siberian Husky – $37.11/ mo
15. Yorkshire Terrier – $23.32/ mo

Dog Insurance Prices in Knoxville Tennessee:

1. Mixed Breed – $23.59/ mo
2. American Pit Bull Terrier – $35.67/ mo
3. Australian Shepherd – $22.19/ mo
4. Boxer – $44.30/ mo
5. Chihuahua – $14.68/ mo
6. Dachshund – $20.92/mo
7. French Bulldog – $44.12/ mo
8. German Shepherd – $34.67/ mo
9. Goldendoodle – $27.90/ mo
10. Golden Retriever – $32.06/ mo
11. Labradoodle – $27.90/ mo
12. Labrador Retriever – $32.14/ mo
13. Shih Tzu – $18.64/ mo
14. Siberian Husky – $32.23/ mo
15. Yorkshire Terrier – $20.26/ mo

Dog Insurance Prices in Memphis Tennessee:

1. Mixed Breed – $23.59/ mo
2. American Pit Bull Terrier – $35.67/ mo
3. Australian Shepherd – $22.19/ mo
4. Boxer – $44.30/ mo
5. Chihuahua – $14.68/ mo
6. Dachshund – $20.92/mo
7. French Bulldog – $44.12/ mo
8. German Shepherd – $34.67/ mo
9. Goldendoodle – $27.90/ mo
10. Golden Retriever – $32.06/ mo
11. Labradoodle – $27.90/ mo
12. Labrador Retriever – $32.14/ mo
13. Shih Tzu – $18.64/ mo
14. Siberian Husky – $32.23/ mo
15. Yorkshire Terrier – $20.26/ mo

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

Tennessee Pet Insurance FAQs

How does Tennessee pet insurance work?

Apply for coverage with an insurance provider to protect your furry friend with pet insurance. Once you have a policy, stay current on your monthly premiums, so your pet’s coverage does not lapse. Should your pet suddenly get sick or injured, pay the vet bills at the time of service and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Having the right plan can help you cover urgent care costs without experiencing significant financial hardship.

Is there a certain age that I should get my pet insured?

The earlier in your pet’s life that you insure them, the better the rates and the more comprehensive the coverage will be. We recommend doing so as soon as they are 8 weeks old. Most providers will not allow you to insure cats or dogs before this age. Insuring them while they are young and healthy minimizes the chances of them developing chronic conditions that an insurer could list as an exclusion. Nevertheless, getting a plan in place for your pet, regardless of age, will be worthwhile. Check with your preferred provider whether they have an age limit for issuing new policies.

Is Tennessee pet insurance beneficial?

Accidents and injuries are bound to happen at one point or another in most pets’ lives, which means steep vet bills from urgent care. In such circumstances, pet parents often end up with charges over $2,000 and even as high as $10,000. Therefore, you must decide if it’s more beneficial to pay small monthly premiums over time or cover large, lump-sum bills out-of-pocket as your pet incurs them. With veterinary services being costly and continuously rising, many pet owners find that having a pet insurance plan makes sense.

What do standard pet insurance policies cover and exclude?

While benefits differ between providers and plans, you can count on a baseline of coverage from all standard policies for sudden and catastrophic injuries and ailments. Some issues that may fall under coverage include eye infections, skin problems, urinary blockages, bloat, broken bones and more.

Be aware that most standard plans do not extend coverage to pre-existing conditions, routine dental care, behavioral therapy, elective procedures and preventative care. That said, you can get coverage for much of the care mentioned above, along with annual exams and vaccinations, via your insurer’s optional wellness package add-ons.

How do insurers calculate reimbursement?

If your pet’s veterinary care and treatment qualify for benefits under the terms of your policy, they will reimburse you according to your deductible, reimbursement rate and maximum annual benefit. Let’s use a hypothetical scenario to understand the process.

Imagine your pet needs surgery urgently, for which the animal hospital bills you $4,000. If your policy has a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement amount and a maximum annual benefit of $20,000, your insurer will reimburse you $3,600 minus your $250 deductible, making your share only $650 and theirs $3,350. As long as you still have enough annual benefits available (of the $20,000 total) and your pet’s treatment falls under coverage, you can expect reimbursement of $3,350.

For those who find the idea of paying such large vet bills upfront and waiting for an insurer to reimburse you, Trupanion is a better option. If you take your cat or dog to a vet within their network, Trupanion will pay their portion of the bill directly to the animal clinic, saving you from the potential stress of the reimbursement process.

Is a higher deductible more advantageous than a lower deductible?

Both types of deductibles have their advantages. However, your financial situation will determine whether you choose a lower or higher deductible. For example, a higher deductible comes with lower monthly premiums but requires much higher out-of-pocket payments for urgent veterinary care. On the other hand, a lower deductible means higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs in emergencies. Since only you can know what works best for your situation, we encourage you to use a quote calculator that many providers offer on their websites. My team and I have found that most Tennessee pet parents pick either a $250 or $500 deductible.

Do homeowners insurance providers have breed restrictions in their policies?

If you have a dog or are planning to get one, verify with your homeowners insurance provider regarding breed restrictions, as there are some, and they may vary from state to state. However, this is usually not the case for cats. For small or exotic animals, consult your policy or contact your insurer to see if restrictions of any sort apply.

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

1. Feed your pet quality food

When feeding your pet, there are two things to consider: its quality and whether it’s species-appropriate. Dogs are omnivores, eating meat, poultry, fish, fruit and vegetables, whereas cats are carnivores, best suited to eating poultry and fish. The best foods are hydrating, species-appropriate and free from cheap fillers, including gums, meals, wheat, other grains, soy and corn. Raw or high-quality canned foods are ideal. Keep in mind that kibble dehydrates, so do not make it the central part of your pet’s caloric intake. Diets of other small animals vary depending on species, so do your research.

2. Make sure they consume plenty of water

Keeping your pet hydrated is essential to their health. Proper hydration supports the healthy function of their organs, particularly their kidneys, ensuring that toxins get flushed from the body. In addition to the dietary recommendations above, you can do a couple of things to help your pet consume enough water. The first is to keep a bowl of fresh water available to them and wash and refill it at least twice daily. Cats and dogs will not drink water if hair and dust collect on the water’s surface. Daily bowl washing is vital to prevent bacteria from building up too. The other thing you can do is mix water into their meals. For cats, a teaspoon should be enough, but for dogs, you may need a tablespoon or two. Just be careful not to make it soupy, or your pet might refuse to eat it.

3. Establish a grooming routine early on

The more you get your pet used to grooming when they are younger, the easier the rest of their years will be for both of you. Brushing their teeth and fur, cleaning their ears and trimming their nails are all essential to your cat or dog’s health. Be sure to ask your veterinarian to explain and demonstrate how to do these things safely so that you don’t inadvertently cause lifelong injury. Dogs will also need to be bathed but only use products made specifically for dogs as other products can irritate their skin and strip it of its natural oils. Avoid bathing cats unless they get sprayed by a skunk or something to that extreme. After all, cats are excellent self-groomers when living in a safe, happy, healthy environment. Just brush them, and then let them do the hard work.

4. Keep your pet active and happy

Engaging and playing with your pet is key to their overall mental, emotional and physical well-being. If they get daily exercise, it will help prevent them from gaining excess weight and from developing some of the many diseases that stem from obesity. Whether playing fetch with your dog or having your cat jump and chase a feather wand, keeping them active also strengthens their bond with you.

5. Treat your pet for parasites

Parasites can cause your pet serious health problems if not treated immediately. These ailments include Lyme disease, tapeworms, anemia, Bartonella, flea allergy dermatitis and more. Making sure you use a regular spot-on flea and tick treatment for your dog or cat (if it goes outdoors) is a must. Ask your vet for their recommendation regarding brands. Also, be sure your vet tests for heartworms and worms and treats them accordingly.

5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Tennessee

1. Fayette County Animal Rescue in Rossville, TN

FCAR is a non-profit, no-kill, no-cage shelter that provides veterinary support, food, shelter, love and refuge for abused, abandoned, injured and neglected animals of Fayette County. Their shelter is located on a 5-acre property, allowing animals to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Any dog or cat you adopt will be examined by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, vaccinated appropriately and microchipped.

2. Critter Cavalry Rescue in Franklin, TN

Critter Cavalry is a volunteer/foster-based rescue organization serving dogs and some special needs cats from middle Tennessee. They also provide transport services, rescuing animals facing euthanasia from high-kill shelters to other states that want to adopt healthy animals in need of a home. In addition, they spay/neuter, vaccinate, microchip, deworm, treat for fleas/ticks on all animals and do 4-way heartworm tests for dogs that are old enough.

3. Smoky Mountain Humane Society in Newport, TN

SMHS is a dynamic, no-kill rescue shelter for cats, kittens, dogs and puppies. They operate a thrift store called Wags to Wiggles, whose profits support the shelter and a beautiful RV campground in the Smoky Mountains. All animals receive necessary veterinary care and plenty of love and attention until they find their forever homes.

4. Pet Placement Center in Chattanooga, TN

PPC is Chattanooga’s longest-running, no-kill shelter. They are animal advocates that not only rescue neglected, abused, homeless and injured cats and dogs in need of safety, shelter and love but also educate the community on animal welfare, care and respect. Moreover, PPC runs a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program for feral cats, otherwise known as “community cats,” to control the population. They provide this service to cats not interested in being socialized and that will best thrive living freely outdoors. All adopted pets come spayed or neutered, vaccinated and treated for parasites.

5. Rural Animal Rescue Effort in Columbia, TN

RARE serves cats and dogs in rural communities with an overpopulation of abandoned, abused and neglected animals. They spay/neuter, vaccinate, microchip, treat for parasites, test for diseases, and find foster and forever homes for these animals, in addition to all essential veterinary care depending on each animal’s condition. All adoptions require a home-based interview to determine the suitability of an animal-home match.

Conclusion

With this information under your belt, finding the best Tennessee pet insurance plan for your fur baby should be straightforward. Remember to insure your pet while they are still young, particularly before they turn a year old. Doing so will get you broader coverage and lower monthly premiums, but getting a plan for your pet at any age will prove worthwhile. The right pet insurance policy will give you a financial safety net for veterinary emergencies and support their overall wellness. Throughout our research, my team and I found that Lemonade provides the most flexible coverage at competitive rates.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Tennessee

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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