6 Best West Virginia (WV) Dog Insurance Plans Compared in 2024
Updated on May 17, 2024 by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent
Dog owners throughout West Virginia want the best for their canine companions, especially when it comes to veterinary services. The good news is that dog insurance can offset most emergency veterinary costs, so your little friend can get the care they deserve whenever they need it. As a nationally licensed insurance agent and proud dog parent, I understand that policy language can be confusing and countless plans can be difficult to sort through. Therefore, my team and I researched the best West Virginia dog insurance plans to help you along. From Charleston to Huntington and Clarksburg to Lewisburg, this article has you covered. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.
Top WV Dog Insurance Scored, Ranked & With Cost
Use our below table to quickly compare the best dog insurance providers in West Virginia. The average monthly West Virginia specific prices shown are based on a healthy 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement amount who is located in West Virginia with a 25311 zip code. Costs may vary based on age, location, coverage amount, and depending on the breed of your puppy. Prices are accurate as of January 2024 and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the provider website.
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to West Virginia pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN WEST VIRGINIA
$27.75/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Odie has several options available to suit any pet parent’s budget including: complete coverage, injury & illness, and accident only plans
- They also offer a free 24/7 video chat with vets
- Founded in 2019 and underwritten by Trisura Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to West Virginia pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN WEST VIRGINIA
$28.55/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with West Virginia vets via video chat 24/7
- They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
- Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to West Virginia pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN WEST VIRGINIA
$33.71/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Fetch makes it easy to use any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
- Once your claim is approved, you’ll be paid back up to 90% of your unexpected vet bill in as little as 2 days via direct deposit
- Protecting 400K+ dogs and cats (and counting) & rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to West Virginia pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN WEST VIRGINIA
$45.18/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Their “Healthy Pet Deductible” allows your annual deductible to go down by $50 each year that you don’t receive an insurance claim reimbursement
- Embrace paid 93% of claims in 2019 and their member portal is user-friendly
- Founded in 2003 and underwritten by American Modern Insurance
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN WEST VIRGINIA
$63.56/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have extensive coverage and they always have a 90% reimbursement rate
- They have no breed or upper age restrictions, and dental illness and hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
- Founded in 2020 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to
West Virginia pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN WEST VIRGINIA
$66.16/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
Unlimited
- Trupanion is the only provider on our list that has an unlimited annual benefit with no payout limits
- They are unique in that they offer “Vet Direct Pay” instead of reimbursements
- Founded in 1999 and underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to West Virginia pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN WEST VIRGINIA
$27.75/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Odie has several options available to suit any pet parent’s budget including: complete coverage, injury & illness, and accident only plans
- They also offer a free 24/7 video chat with vets
- Founded in 2019 and underwritten by Trisura Insurance Company
How much does dog insurance cost in West Virginia for the 15 most popular breeds?
The price for West Virginia dog insurance varies depending on where you live. To give you an idea we’ve collected costs for three cities shown below. The prices will also 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 2024 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of dog insurance in West Virginia we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Odie.
- Mixed Breed – $20.94/ mo
- Labrador Retriever – $28.55/ mo
- Golden Retriever – $28.48/ mo
- German Shepherd – $30.78/ mo
- Goldendoodle – $24.78/ mo
- Chihuahua – $13.03/ mo
- Siberian Husky – $28.61/ mo
- Yorkshire Terrier – $17.99/ mo
- American Pit Bull Terrier – $31.69/ mo
- Australian Shepherd – $19.70/ mo
- Dachshund – $18.59/ mo
- Shih Tzu – $16.56/ mo
- French Bulldog – $39.19/ mo
- Boxer – $39.33/ mo
- Labradoodle – $24.78/ mo
Not finding your specific dog breed? Odie pet insurance is our #1 recommendation for West Virginia and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.
West Virginia Dog Insurance FAQs
As a West Virginia dog owner, why does dog insurance matter to me?
Much like an unexpected hospital visit can create a hefty dent in one’s wallet, many pet owners have encountered stressful and unexpected veterinary costs. Pet insurance helps reduce the severity of those unforeseen vet expenses. Typically, pet insurance works in that you pay the vet bill ahead of time and then submit a claim to your insurance company, which will then reimburse a certain amount of the cost. Once you have paid your deductible, this reimbursement rate typically runs around 80%, depending on your insurance company and plan.
What does dog insurance exclude?
Because insurance companies often won’t cover a pre-existing health condition, we recommend that you get your dog insurance while your dog is still young. Further, insurance often does not cover routine wellness exams, vaccinations, and spay/neuter procedures. However, you may be able to pay extra for add-ons to your insurance plan that do cover these. Ultimately, this means that you will be spending a little more each month so that you can pay less money in the case of a sudden, expensive accident or illness. A broken bone, an allergic reaction, an infection, or ingesting something your dog shouldn’t have all go under the umbrella of what your dog insurance will typically cover.
What factors influence how much I will have to pay each month?
Factors that can affect the cost of your pet insurance plan include pet size (height, weight), breed, and age; common risks in your specific area of West Virginia; your deductible and reimbursement rate; your insurance plan; and your insurance provider.
The typical age requirement for dog insurance is at least 6-8 weeks old. Accordingly, it is cheaper to purchase insurance for a puppy than a dog, so we recommend getting insurance for your pup before their first birthday.
In West Virginia, how much will dog insurance cost me?
If you purchase a basic insurance plan for a puppy, the average monthly payment for a small dog is around $15 and about $25 for a bigger puppy. If, however, you are purchasing a basic plan for an adult dog, the average will be approximately $20 for a small adult and about $35 for a large adult dog. By location, Charleston, WV in general, has higher monthly rates for dog insurance than areas like Huntington and Morgantown.
How do I know which vet will take my pet insurance?
Pet insurance doesn’t pay your vet directly the way we think of with our medical insurance. Instead, your insurance company will now reimburse you after you have paid the vet and submitted a claim to your insurance, thereby freeing you to pick the vet of your choice! The one exception we have found is Trupanion who will pay your vet directly if they are within their network. This is great for those who cannot come up with the money to pay the vet first and then get reimbursed later.
Which is better, a high or low deductible?
Typically, if your insurance plan has a lower deductible, you will be paying more each month. However, it also means you will be paying less when that sudden emergency arises. Thoughtfully consider your financial situation and do the math to determine what you can afford. Your insurance company may offer a convenient, easy-to-use quote calculator to help decide between a high or low deductible.
Are there any restricted dog breeds for homeowners insurance in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, there are breed-specific laws against pit bulls and wolf hybrids. On average, though, many homeowners insurance companies will have restrictions regarding some or all of the following breeds:
- Pitbulls
- German Shepherds
- Akitas
- Staffordshire terriers
- Chow Chows
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Doberman pinschers
- Great Danes
- Siberian Huskies
- Rottweilers
- Presa Canarios
- Wolf hybrids
We suggest you contact your local home insurance provider to inquire whether your policy excludes a particular dog breed and if you will need a specific liability rider.
5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Dog Safe & Healthy in West Virginia
Beyond emergency illnesses and injuries, you want to keep your pup safe. Listed below we have 5 strategies for maintaining your dog’s health and safety in West Virginia:
1. Add Title
Animal shelters in West Virginia are frequently posting missing pet information on Facebook, so make sure your dog is wearing a collar and consider having them microchipped, just in case they get lost.
2. Don’t Leave Your Dog Unattended
West Virginia summers can reach upward of 95 degrees, so be sure to avoid leaving your dog unattended in your car
3. Beware of Snakes
If you suspect there are snakes near your location, steer you and your dog clear, as West Virginia has 2 types of venomous snakes: the northern copperhead and the timber rattlesnake
4. Keep Food and Toxins Away
Don’t share your food and keep your food waste secured out of pup’s reach–dogs can have allergic reactions to many of our everyday household foods and can be poisoned by others
5. Always Leash Your Dog
Use a leash to prevent accidental escapes while at West Virginia’s renowned local trails and riverside parks
5 Unique Dog Rescue Shelters in West Virginia
If you’re looking to introduce a new canine friend into your family, we recommend checking out these five unique animal shelters in West Virginia. We believe that adopting a dog is one of the best ways to find your new companion.
1. Huntington Cabell Wayne Animal Shelter in Huntington, WV
Featuring dedications to foster families and their special “Second Chance Program”, this Huntington shelter goes above and beyond to prevent the rapid population spread of homeless, unwanted animals. The Huntington Cabell Wayne shelter partners with its surrounding communities to educate current and future pet owners, thereby saving countless animal lives.
2. Little Victories Animal Rescue in Ona, WV
Another proud no-kill shelter, Little Victories shares its inspirational beginnings of how its founder, Sue Brown, started the shelter back in 2003 after the death of a beloved cocker spaniel named Chloe. Confronted with an abandoned, mistreated stray dog lovingly dubbed “Biscuit”, Brown knew she had to start the rescue.
3. Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association in Charleston, WV
The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association has determined not to see another animal euthanized under its roof, partly due to its dedicated animal behavior programs. Further, its unique “Care-a-Van” serves pet owners in hard-to-reach places, broadening its outreach with lifesaving animal services and disaster response.
4. Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia in Morgantown, WV
Passionate against unwarranted euthanizations, Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia was born out of the plight of a special big dog named Lucky. Lucky needed significant medical assistance after cruel mistreatment done by his owner and it was his recovery that inspired the creation of this animal-loving shelter.
5. Briggs Animal Adoption Center in Charles Town, WV
A devoted no-kill shelter, the Briggs Animal Adoption Center seeks to change the trajectory of our nation by improving how we treat, in the words of founder Anna Briggs, our helpless companion animals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog insurance in West Virginia doesn’t have to be a hassle and, even more, it can mean the difference between your pet’s health and costly financial pressure. Though it is cheaper to start your pup with health insurance once they’re over the 6-8 week age requirement, getting dog insurance at any stage of your best friend’s life can be a helpful decision for both your dog and your wallet. You may not prevent sudden emergencies, but you can avoid needless euthanization due to financial inability. Through our extensive research, we found that Odie pet insurance consistently performed the best with the lowest monthly premiums.
SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for West Virginia
We ranked the best pet insurance policies in West Virginia 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 West Virginia with a 25311 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
Other state dog insurance resources
Alabama (AL) | Alaska (AK) | Arizona (AZ) | Arkansas (AR) | California (CA) | Colorado (CO) | Connecticut (CT) | Delaware (DE) | Florida (FL) | Georgia (GA) | Hawaii (HI) | Idaho (ID) | Illinois (IL) | Indiana (IN) | Iowa (IA) | Kansas (KS) | Kentucky (KY) | Louisiana (LA) | Maine (ME) | Maryland (MD) | Massachusetts (MA) | Michigan (MI) | Minnesota (MN) | Mississippi (MS) | Missouri (MO) | Montana (MT) | Nebraska (NE) | Nevada (NV) | New Hampshire (NH) | New Jersey (NJ) | New Mexico (NM) | New York (NY) | North Carolina (NC) | North Dakota (ND) | Ohio (OH) | Oklahoma (OK) | Oregon (OR) | Pennsylvania (PA) | Rhode Island (RI) | South Carolina (SC) | South Dakota (SD) | Tennessee (TN) | Texas (TX) | Utah (UT) | Vermont (VT) | Virginia (VA) | Washington (WA) | West Virginia (WV) | Wisconsin (WI) | Wyoming (WY)