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

The price for Vermont pet 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 June 2022 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in Vermont we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Trupanion.

Dog Insurance Prices in Vermont:

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

Cat Insurance Prices in Vermont:

1. Mixed Breed – $14.06/ mo
2. American Shorthair – $16.61/ mo
3. Bengal – $16.61/ mo
4. Bombay – $16.61/ mo
5. British Shorthair – $16.61/ mo
6. Exotic – $16.61/ mo
7. Himalayan – $16.61/ mo
8. Maine Coon – $17.53/ mo
9. Persian – $17.53/ mo
10. Ragdoll – $17.53/ mo
11. Russian Blue – $16.61/ mo
12. Scottish Fold – $17.53/ mo
13. Siamese – $17.53/ mo
14. Sphynx – $16.61/ mo
15. Abyssinian – $16.61/ mo

Not finding your specific pet 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 Pet Insurance FAQs

What is pet insurance? Why is it useful in Vermont?

Protecting your pet to the fullest with pet insurance requires you to apply for a policy and pay the monthly premiums to keep the policy active. Should your furry friend get sick or injured, you will most likely need to pay for the treatments upfront. Then, you submit a claim for reimbursement from your pet insurance provider. It’s good to note that most companies exclude pre-existing conditions, which is all the more reason to get pet insurance while your little friend is still a juvenile.

While routine vet services tend to be reasonable in Vermont, emergency surgeries can cost upwards of $2,500 and cancer treatments $10,000. Pet owners who don’t have insurance often have to make the saddening decision to put their pets down because they cannot afford the necessary treatments. Insurance makes sure you never have to be in that position.

At which age can I get my pet insured?

The majority of pet insurance companies require that all cats and dogs are at least 8-weeks-old before you can put a policy in place. For other animals, be sure to check with your insurer. That said, there is no age limit when it comes to insuring your pet. Of course, younger animals tend to get much better rates, which is why we suggest insuring your pet before they turn one year old.

Is it worth getting pet insurance in Vermont?

As noted earlier, emergencies are to be expected as a pet owner. When these occur, the vet bills pile up. Many pet owners spend upwards of $3,000 for an urgent trip to the vet. The decision you need to make is whether or not paying monthly premiums will offset potentially exorbitant out-of-pocket bills in the future. Life in Vermont, like all states, is not hazard-free for animals, which is why purchasing pet insurance can be helpful.

What does pet insurance include and exclude?

Coverage differs between pet insurance providers. In general, most illnesses or accidents are covered unless expressly excluded in your policy. Your insurance will cover any event deemed “sudden and catastrophic.” This could include broken bones, urinary tract issues, allergies, or infections, to name a few. However, if your pet has diabetes when you apply for a policy, this will be considered a pre-existing condition and not eligible for coverage. The same is true for other ailments at the time of application. The good news is that providers now have “wellness” packages that you can add to your policy. Such packages will cover the expenses for routine care such as vaccinations, annual physical exams, heartworm prevention, and more.

How does reimbursement work?

For this hypothetical scenario, let’s say your pet’s policy allows for 90% reimbursement and an annual maximum benefit of $20,000, along with a $250 deductible. If your pet needs an urgent surgery that costs $8,000, the insurance company will reimburse you $7,200 minus your $250 deductible. As a result, you would only pay $1,050 instead of the total $8,000. However, Trupanion pays vets within their network directly, so you don’t have to pay for everything upfront.

Which is better: a higher or lower deductible?

The answer to this question depends on two things: personal preference and your financial circumstances. Lower deductibles mean you pay more each month for your premium, and in the case of a catastrophe, you would pay less out-of-pocket. As you may suspect, the opposite is true of a high deductible. You will have a lower monthly premium and pay more in an emergency. Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. You have to decide what’s best for you. Most people, though, choose either a $250 or $500 deductible.

Does Vermont have any restricted breeds for homeowners insurance?

Most states have restrictions in place regarding certain dog breeds, but generally not cats. For other animals, it’s best to inquire with your home insurance company. Some restrictions may include the following, but keep in mind this is by no means an exhaustive list:

• Akitas
• Chow Chows
• Doberman Pinschers
• Great Danes
• German Shepherds
• Bull Mastiffs
• Pit Bulls
• Rottweilers
• Wolf-hybrids

It is always best to speak with your home insurance provider to find out what your policy does and does not cover and if you will need to get a specific liability rider.

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

With Vermont’s four-season climate, there is a lot to consider regarding your pet’s health and safety.

1. Keep your pets indoors during winter

Temperatures regularly hit freezing during a Vermont winter, which is why keeping your pets inside is a good idea. If you have an older pet or one with a weak immune system, they can be more susceptible to the cold. Despite the bone-chilling weather, be sure your dog gets plenty of bathroom breaks outdoors. Consider getting your dog boots to prevent the burning and irritation salt often causes if you live where the roads and sidewalks are regularly salted. In winter, cats seek out the warmest spots possible, which sometimes includes the undercarriage of a car. In such circumstances, starting the car could badly injure or kill the cat. Should you decide to let your cat out, be sure to knock on the hood of your vehicle loudly and call its name before turning on the ignition.

2. Treat your pet for fleas and ticks

Fleas and ticks are rampant in the northeast, and they only seem to worsen with each passing year. Vermont is no exception. Deer ticks transmit Lyme disease, which can = adverse effects on the health of dogs and cats. Natural and conventional flea and tick repellents can be purchased as collars or spot-on treatments. Consult your vet for more advice and the recommended application frequency.

3. Register your pet

Vermont requires pet owners to register their dogs or cats by April 1st of each year. Registering your pet is especially useful in case it goes missing at any time. And it helps reduce the potential transmission of rabies since Vermont requires all cats, dogs, wolf-hybrids, and ferrets to be vaccinated against the disease.

4. Keep your pet hydrated

Being a landlocked state means Vermont’s summers can be hot and humid. Be sure to have plenty of fresh water on hand throughout the entire year, but especially in summer, to keep your furry friend healthy and hydrated. Feeding your dog or cat hydrating foods is also essential. Cats are natural carnivores, so feeding them juicy meats, poultry, or fish is helpful. And dogs are omnivores, so fresh meat, poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables will aid in the hydration process. It is easier for your pet’s body to absorb moisture from food than it is from straight water. If you feed your cats and dogs kibble, consider putting a little bit of water in with it. Doing so enhances the natural flavors and adds some moisture to otherwise dehydrating food.

5. Change your grooming habits based on the seasons

During the warmer months in Vermont, it is OK for your pet to have slightly shorter hair. Remember: shaving your dog or cat has the opposite effect you think it might. An animal’s fur serves as a thermal regulator that keeps them warm in the winter and slows heat absorption in the summer. In the colder months, be sure to keep your pet’s hair longer. Daily brushing is beneficial as it helps prevent hairballs, stimulates hair follicles, and keeps coats shiny and smooth.

5 Unique Animal Rescue Shelters in Vermont

1. North Country Animal League in Morristown, VT

NCAL provides shelter, food, affection, and medical treatment for cats and dogs in need. In addition to facilitating adoptions, they are incredibly active in the community by supporting cruelty prevention, offering spay and neuter programs, and providing education and outreach.

2. Passion 4 Paws in Shelburne, VT

Passion 4 Paws rescues abused, neglected, abandoned, and homeless dogs. All dogs get the necessary medical treatment, and the dogs are rehabilitated in loving foster homes until they find their forever homes.

3. Windham County Humane Society in Brattleboro, VT

The Windham County Humane Society is unique in that they have incredibly high adoption and save rates, which typically exceed 90%. They also assist pet owners who are struggling to afford pet care or food.

4. Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter in Orleans, VT

Also known as Northeast Kingdom Animal Shelter, it is home to unwanted, abused, neglected, and injured dogs and cats. They get all the necessary care and are adopted out into loving, responsible homes.

5. All Breed Rescue in Williston, VT

ABR rescues dogs of any age, size, and breed from high-kill shelters all across the country. They offer the dogs loving foster homes, basic training, and socializing until they find homes to live out the rest of their lives.

Conclusion

Finding the right pet insurance in Vermont is far easier than you may have expected. We suggest getting your cat or dog insured once it is 8 weeks of age. For other animals, consult your insurance provider of choice when it is best to put a policy in place. Insuring your pet can lead to a longer and higher quality of life, and it can be vital in saving your pal’s life in an emergency. Our comprehensive research shows that Figo pet insurance performs the best and with the lowest monthly premiums.

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