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

The price for Vermont dog insurance is almost always the same throughout the state including in Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Rutland City, Bennington, or Milton, 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 January 2023 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of dog insurance in Vermont we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Trupanion.

1. Mixed Breed – $24.19/ mo
2. Labrador Retriever – $32.93/ mo
3. Golden Retriever – $32.87/ mo
4. German Shepherd – $35.53/ mo
5. Goldendoodle – $28.60/ mo
6. Chihuahua – $15.05/ mo
7. Siberian Husky – $33.03/ mo
8. Yorkshire Terrier – $20.77/ mo
9. American Pit Bull Terrier – $36.56/ mo
10. Australian Shepherd – $22.73/ mo
11. Dachshund – $21.45/ mo
12. Shih Tzu – $19.11/ mo
13. French Bulldog – $45.22/ mo
14. Boxer – $45.41/ mo
15. Labradoodle – $28.60/ mo

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

Vermont dog insurance FAQ’s

What is and isn’t covered?

Depending on the provider you choose, there will most likely be exclusions to your policy. This would include pre-existing conditions. Cancer or kidney disease is an example of a pre-existing condition. If your dog already had the ailment before your policy began, that is pre-existing. However, things that are not pre-existing, like allergies, a broken bone, or an infection, will most likely be covered. An option that most providers offer is a “wellness” package that takes care of preventative and routine care. Think shots and checkups.

Is there an age requirement for dog insurance?

A lot of providers have a minimum age requirement of 8 weeks before eligibility is allowed. On the other hand, some companies do not have this rule, so it varies. I would, however, apply for insurance as soon as possible because, generally speaking, it is much cheaper to insure a younger animal, and it increases your chances of helping your puppy have a better quality of life.

What is dog insurance and why is it useful?

A dog insurance policy will pay in part or in full for veterinary treatment. As with car or life insurance for humans, you need to shop for a policy and make payments monthly to keep your policy active and in good standing. Typically, if your dog gets sick or injures himself, you will pay the upfront cost of the vet visit. The next step will be to submit your claim for reimbursement from your chosen provider.

In Vermont, having dog insurance is very useful because if not insured, your out-of-pocket cost for a visit to your veterinarian can run you upwards of $5,000 and sometimes more when it comes to specific cancer treatments or therapies. It is also useful to have dog insurance because you don’t want to decide between putting your dog down or paying an expensive vet bill.

How will I get reimbursed for upfront costs?

If the policy you go with, for example, has a reimbursement amount of 80%, a $200 deductible, and a maximum yearly benefit of $20,000 then it would work like this: If your vet bill was $1,000, your insurer would give you $800 back after your $200 deductible. Instead of paying $1,000, this particular vet visit would end up costing you $400.

I’ve made my decision, and I’m going to purchase dog insurance. Should I look for a plan with a low deductible?

The most frequently purchased plans come with a deductible of $200 – $500. Keep in mind that a low deductible means more money coming out of your own pocket when something goes wrong. Lower deductibles also come with higher monthly premiums. To do the math for yourself and to help you decide what’s right for you, there are companies out there that offer a simple-to-use calculator when looking into policies. My advice is to make a choice based on your current financial situation.

When it comes to Vermont homeowners insurance, are there any excluded dog breeds?

Most home insurance companies will have restrictions that might include:

• German Shepherds
• Bull Mastiff
• Cane Corso
• Chow Chow
• Great Dane
• Rottweiler
• Boxer

This may not be a complete list as restricted breeds will vary from provider to provider. Contact your insurer for a complete list of exclusions and see whether you will need a specific liability rider.

Is it worth it to buy dog insurance in Vermont?

The short answer is yes. A large veterinary bill is usually unavoidable at one time or another for a dog owner. Even a minor accident or illness can get expensive. The benefits majorly outweigh the disadvantages when it comes to being insured. Most pet owners I know have spent thousands of dollars on their pet’s healthcare. Vermont on average is more expensive than other states in terms of vet bills. In my opinion, the peace of mind that insurance provides is worth it on its own; however, the choice is up to you as you best know your financial situation.

5 Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe & Healthy In Vermont

1. Proper nutrition goes a long way

Proper nutrition is essential when it comes to the health and well-being of your pup. It is best to find one brand of dog food that your dog likes and stick with it. Inconsistency and changing up his food can upset your dog’s stomach or cause diarrhea.

2. Be careful during the cold winters

Vermont winters can be especially rough and if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors you should pay attention to temperature and wind chill to avoid hypothermia. Generally, if the temperature is above 20 degrees, your dog will be safe for extended periods like overnight. Your dog’s coat and acclimation to the cold weather will determine his ability to remain safe and comfortable outside in the winter. Use common sense and don’t subject your dog to freezing or below-freezing temperatures for extended periods of time.

3. Keep your trash cans secured

Dogs are curious and can be natural foragers getting into things they shouldn’t. Always make sure your dog doesn’t get into any trash cans, especially when you know you’ve just thrown away something that can be harmful like chemicals, chocolate, or chicken bones.

4. Wildlife can cause problems

In Vermont, raccoons and foxes are the most likely carriers of rabies among wildlife. If your dog spends a considerable amount of time outside, consider having him vaccinated. A good offense is the best defense in this case.

5. Get your pup spayed or neutered

Spay or neuter your dog. On top of the added benefit of not adding to the homeless dog population, your pet can even benefit from the procedure in general. Spayed females have lower odds of getting breast cancer and uterine infections later in life, and neutered males have a lower risk of prostate disease and testicular cancer. The procedures are generally safe, but you can talk to your vet about any risks for your pup.

5 Great Dog Shelters In Vermont

If you’ve decided to add a dog to your family, please consider adopting from one of these great locations:

1. All Breed Rescue – Williston, VT

Whether you’re looking to foster or adopt, this place has got you covered. Their website offers educational articles and videos about foods poisonous to dogs, info on crate training, how to introduce your dog to a new baby, and more! They also have a section with their professional recommendations for dog groomers and trainers, veterinarians, pet supply stores, and doggy daycares in the area. You can even volunteer your time at All Breed Dog Rescue and become one of their dog walkers.

2. Rutland County Humane Society – Pittsford, VT

The Rutland County Humane Society has lots of events that benefit homeless animals, including their 15th annual duck derby, a rubber duck race complete with a cash prize for the winning duck. If you’re a cat person as well, they even have an event called Kitten Noses & Yoga poses, which is what it sounds like. You can buy tickets to attend a yoga class AND pet and play with kittens simultaneously. 100% of proceeds go to helping the shelter animals. Schedule a tour of this humane society and find your new dog today!

3. Central Vermont Humane Society, East Montpelier, VT

If your dog is friendly to people and other pets, this shelter offers resources and a training program to become a therapy pet. The Central Vermont Humane Society also provides bereavement resources for the unfortunate times when a pet parent experiences the loss of their animal. They understand the emotional needs of individuals dealing with this sad and tragic event and will point you in the right direction if you need some help.

4. Justice For Dogs – Wolcott, VT

This shelter has unique gifts for purchase on its website. My favorite is their book, “Four Seasons In Vermont With A Pet By Your Side”, the perfect gift for any dog owner complete with homemade dog food and treat recipes in a 4-seasons theme. 100 % of the profits from sales go directly to the shelter to help feed and house homeless animals. They have foster and volunteer opportunities as well.

5. Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society, West Windsor, VT

Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society is one of the oldest continuously operating no-kill humane societies in the United States. This non-profit shelter offers a variety of dog training programs in 6 week, 1 hour sessions all year round and has an on-site spay and neuter clinic. They are open by appointment only so take a look at their website to find the information you need on making that appointment to find your new best friend.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has been helpful in shedding some light on dog insurance. If you decide to insure your pup, the best time is after they are 8 weeks old, although, it’s beneficial to procure dog insurance if your dog is more senior as well. After performing extensive research, our conclusion is that Figo pet insurance is consistently the best performer and had the lowest monthly premiums amongst the competition.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Vermont

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Vermont 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 Vermont with a 05408 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

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