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

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

Dog Insurance Prices Delaware:

1. Mixed Breed – $26.83/ mo
2. Labrador Retriever – $36.55/ mo
3. Golden Retriever – $36.48/ mo
4. German Shepherd – $39.43/ mo
5. Goldendoodle – $31.73/ mo
6. Chihuahua – $16.68/ mo
7. Siberian Husky – $36.65/ mo
8. Yorkshire Terrier – $23.04/ mo
9. American Pit Bull Terrier – $40.58/ mo
10. Australian Shepherd – $25.23/ mo
11. Dachshund – $23.80mo
12. Shih Tzu – $21.20/ mo
13. French Bulldog – $50.18/ mo
14. Boxer – $50.38/ mo
15. Labradoodle – $31.73/ mo

Cat Insurance Prices in Delaware:

1. Mixed Breed – $26.83/ mo
2. American Shorthair – $40.58/ mo
3. Bengal – $25.23/ mo
4. Bombay – $50.38/ mo
5. British Shorthair – $16.68/ mo
6. Exotic – $23.80/ mo
7. Himalayan – $50.18/ mo
8. Maine Coon – $39.43/ mo
9. Persian – $31.73/ mo
10. Ragdoll – $36.48/ mo
11. Russian Blue – $31.73/ mo
12. Scottish Fold – $36.55/ mo
13. Siamese – $21.20/ mo
14. Sphynx – $36.65/ mo
15. Abyssinian – $23.04/ mo

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

Delaware Pet Insurance FAQs

What is pet insurance, and is it useful?

Pet insurance can prove incredibly useful in providing pet parents with financial protection whenever veterinary emergencies arise. It can also offer outstanding wellness support should you choose that option.

The first step is to apply for a policy from the insurer of your choice and stay current on paying your monthly premiums. Then, if your dog or cat suddenly falls ill or gets injured, most providers will require you to pay the vet bill upfront. Then, you may file a claim for reimbursement. And some providers will even pay your veterinarian directly, so you’re not left having to shoulder the financial burden until the insurance company reimburses you.

Since a single emergency visit to a vet can run several thousands of dollars, pet insurance is a sensible and practical way to offset such steep costs while ensuring your beloved furry friend can get the care they need, regardless of price.

When should I insure my cat or dog?

On the whole, pet insurance companies will insure kittens and puppies as young as 8 weeks. We encourage you to get their little pal a policy when they are as young as possible to get the most comprehensive coverage at the best rate. Keep in mind that some providers have age limits for issuing new policies, but this depends on the type of animal and their breed. Always check with your insurer of choice before you apply for a plan.

Is DE pet insurance worthwhile?

As mentioned earlier, emergency-related veterinary services are quite pricey, leaving pet parents with bills ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. For that reason, you must weigh the benefits and decide whether paying relatively small monthly premiums is more financially advantageous than being forced to pay steep vet bills out-of-pocket in a lump sum.

What does Delaware pet insurance cover and exclude?

Standard pet insurance policies usually cover “sudden and catastrophic” illnesses and ailments. In general, coverage does not extend to preventative care, routine dental work and the treatment of pre-existing conditions or behavioral problems. As a result, you can expect problems such as eye infections, urinary tract infections, intestinal blockages, broken bones and traumatic injuries to fall under coverage.

While a few insurers include overall health-related care in the standard plans, most have optional wellness packages for you to choose from that cover everything from vaccinations, deworming and routine exams to prescription food, physical therapy and chiropractic.

How much will my insurer reimburse me?

This all depends on the benefits in your policy and whether you’ve fulfilled your annual deductible yet. Let’s imagine your dog or cat needs a life-saving operation that will cost $4,500, and your policy features a $250 deductible, a 90% reimbursement rate and a $15,000 annual maximum benefit limit. In this scenario, your provider would reimburse you $4,050 minus your $250 deductible. Your share of this expensive bill will only be $450 if you have already met your deductible and $700 if you haven’t. However, if you prefer getting coverage from an insurer that pays their portion of the bill directly to your pet’s veterinarian, then you might want to consider Trupanion.

Is a higher or lower deductible more beneficial?

Your finances will largely determine the type of deductible you choose. However, you should know what to expect before selecting one. For example, with a lower deductible, you have a higher monthly premium but a lower out-of-pocket responsibility in emergencies. For a higher deductible, the reverse is true. You will need to run the numbers to determine what best works for you. It is worth mentioning that most Delaware pet parents typically opt for a $250 or $500 deductible.

Are there breed restrictions for homeowners insurance?

Most homeowners insurance companies have breed restrictions for dogs but not cats. We suggest contacting your preferred provider for further details before purchasing a policy.

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

1. Feed your pet a wholesome diet

Your cat is only as healthy as the food you feed them. Therefore, choose foods closer to their natural diets: high in protein without cheap fillers, such as soy, corn, wheat, other grains, meals and gums. Your best bet is high-quality raw or canned cat or dog food. Avoid feeding your pets table scraps or human food. Contrary to popular belief, milk is not suitable for cats and dogs unless it comes from their mothers, and many human foods, seasonings and spices can be toxic for your sweet pets.

2. Keep your pet hydrated

Hydration plays a pivotal role in your dog or cat’s well-being, particularly in healthy kidney function and that of other organs. Dogs are usually excellent water drinkers. The key is to wash their bowl with hot water and soap at least twice daily to prevent bacteria from building up and refill it with fresh water as needed. On the other hand, cats aren’t naturally inclined to drink water. While they will consume a bit, it’s rarely enough for good health. Please stick to the dietary suggestions above and mix a spoonful of water into their meals. Avoid making kibble a central part of their diet as it lacks moisture and dehydrates them. Leaving a water bowl or a cat fountain out should keep your furry friend well-hydrated.

3. Help your pet stay fit and active

While many cats and dogs will happily lounge around all day if you let them, it’s crucial to encourage physical activity and play at least twice per day. Of course, the type of exercise and play and the time spent playing will largely depend on the type of animal your pet is, their age, breed and health. Aside from consulting your veterinarian for advice, also look to your pet for guidance. They’ll let you know when they’re tired. The great news is that playing with your pets not only provides exercise but also strengthens your bond with them.

4. Develop a regular grooming routine

Establishing a grooming routine while your pet is still young will normalize it so that they don’t resist you trying to clip their nails, brush their teeth, clean their ears, bathe them (dogs only) or comb their fur. For the former three, we encourage you to ask your veterinarian to demonstrate safe techniques to prevent inadvertently injuring them. When bathing dogs, use warm water and dog-specific shampoo only. Products made for humans can burn or irritate their skin and strip it of their natural oils, so avoid them at all costs. On the other hand, cats are extremely clean creatures that take personal hygiene seriously and seldom smell. Brush them once daily or every other day, and that should be more than adequate.

5. Treat your pet for parasites

Fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites can lead to severe health problems, leaving your cat or dog distressed and uncomfortable. Some such diseases are anemia, flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworms, hot spots, Bartonella, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and more. Dogs should constantly be tested for heartworms and treated accordingly, and both cats and dogs should be dewormed and treated for fleas and ticks if necessary. Ask your veterinarian for a spot-on flea and tick treatment since flea collars and manual tick removal are not surefire prevention methods.

5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Delaware

Delaware is the first no-kill state in the U.S., meaning that the average rescue and adoption rate exceeds 90%.

1. Faithful Friends Animal Society in Wilmington, DE

Faithful Friends serves as an animal shelter and community veterinary clinic. All animals get to remain at FFAS until they find their forever homes. FFAS advocates for animal welfare and serves as a resource and support network for local pet parents and cat-colony caretakers. The shelter is home to cats, dogs and several small critters.

2. A Buddy for Life in New Castle, DE

AB4L is a foster-based group that focuses on rescuing cats and dogs in desperate need of care and shelter. They save many animals from unhealthy living environments, such as violent and abusive households, including hoarder situations in which a lack of cleanliness and hygiene jeopardize animals’ health so severely that many die. All pets they adopt out are tested for various diseases and parasites and treated accordingly, spayed/neutered, vaccinated appropriately and microchipped. In addition to forever homes, AB4L is always looking for loving, responsible foster homes.

3. Renee’s Rescues in Hockessin, DE

Renee’s Rescues concentrates their efforts in rescuing puppies and dogs from puppy mills. Despite being Delaware-based, they support rescues in surrounding states. In addition to rescues, they advocate for legislation to end puppy mills. All animals in their charge receive the necessary veterinary care and are spayed or neutered. On top of forever homes, RR is always looking for more kind and compassionate foster homes.

4. First State Animal Center and SPCA in Camden, DE

FSAC provides shelter to cats, dogs and even some exotic animals. They take great care not only to meet all the animals’ basic needs but also to socialize and shower them with love and affection. They continually remind adoptive pet parents that by adopting one animal, they’re saving the lives of two–the one they adopt and the animal who gets to join the shelter in their place.

5. Purr-Fect Haven Cat Rescue in Dover, DE

Purrfect Haven rescues cats that most other organizations will not help due to medical needs and behavioral issues. They believe these cats can easily find forever homes with the proper care and patience. PH takes a personal interest in every feline they rescue, learning each cat’s disposition, quirks and preferences. As a result, all cats receive the best veterinary care and get the privilege of living in a foster home before being adopted by their forever parents.

Conclusion

We know that you want the best for your beloved cat, dog, or cute, little critter when it comes to their health and providing them with the top veterinary care. It is our hope that this article simplifies the insurance world so that you can find the best Delaware pet insurance plan. Don’t forget that the earlier in life you insure your animal pal, the more coverage and better the rates you’ll get. Of course, insuring a pet of an eligible age will always prove beneficial in the long run when it comes to reimbursing for urgent veterinary care and supporting your pet’s wellness. Throughout our research, Odie has shown itself to offer pet parents the best service and most competitive premiums.

SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Delaware

We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Delaware 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 Delaware with a 19904 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