Pet Insurance in California

California- the land of packed freeways and perpetual summers, with pampered pooches and fancy felines. From dog beaches and fun hikes to gourmet chow and luxurious pampering, pets live like stars in the Golden State. Yet, in even the most California-loving home, our four-legged friends can face unexpected accidents and emergencies, resulting in hefty vet bills.

Luckily, the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program offers coverage that extends across the Golden State, giving you the assurance that your pet's health can be protected no matter where you are in California, the US, and Canada.

Visit Any Licensed Veterinarian in California

With an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan, you have the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian in Cali — From San Diego to Sacramento, you decide where your pet receives top-notch care.

As any local will tell you, California-living may come easy, but it doesn’t come cheap, and veterinary costs are no exception. The ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program can help you avoid the heat of rising pet care costs by reimbursing up to 90% of eligible vet bills, so your four-legged friend can get the top-notch care they deserve.

California Pet Insurance Quotes

Your cost is based on a few different things, including the age and breed of your pet and your zip code, as well as which plan you choose. Below are a few estimates to give you a better idea of what pet insurance might cost in CA.

How Much Does Pet Insurance In California Cost for Dogs?

How Much Does Pet Insurance In California Cost for Cats?

_{**Estimated premium quotes based on a $5,000 annual limit, 80% reimbursement rate, and $250 annual deductible, as of 4/1/24. Plan costs vary based on plan type, pet breed, age, and location. Take a look at a sample policy to see what’s covered.}

Why Get Pet Insurance in California?

Here are some common dangers faced by Californian pets:

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions roam all over California. Being aware of your surroundings is key to keeping your pets safe from these large, wild cats.

Make sure to keep your dog indoors at night and always take them out on a leash for any late-night or early-morning walks. Remember to switch on outdoor lights or use a flashlight for visibility. Light-up collars or clip-on lights can help you keep an eye on your pet and ward off any predators. It's also a good idea to carry a small air horn to scare away wildlife effectively. Never allow your dog to chase after animals like deer, and make sure to follow all leash regulations when hiking.

Putting up sturdy fencing around your property can stop wildlife from getting into your yard. Additionally, if you have plants, make sure they're not attractive to deer. By keeping deer away, you'll also discourage mountain lions, as they tend to hang around where deer are for a potential meal.

Wildfires 

Every year, thousands of wildfires are reported in California, causing devastation to homes and habitats of humans and animals alike. Make sure you’re prepared to keep everyone safe if a fire moves too close to home.

Swap an extra set of keys with a neighbor so you can help each other out in case of an evacuation. Get your pets to safety by being able to access each other's homes if needed. Practice evacuating with your pet to help reduce stress during a real emergency and give yourself peace of mind. Put together an emergency pet bag for your car with a few days' worth of food and medication, along with essentials like eye wash, burn ointment, and pet booties or socks.

If wildfires are nearby, you might find wildlife passing through your property in search of safety. Help them out by placing big water bowls outside your yard so the tired and thirsty animals can have a drink.

Prepare for the unexpected with our guide on disaster preparedness, and keep your pets safe, no matter the weather.

Earthquakes

Living on the West Coast really shakes things up. In fact, California experiences approximately 100 earthquakes daily, with the majority being so minor that they go unnoticed by the public. However, the Golden State typically encounters two to three earthquakes significant enough to result in moderate damage. In the event of an earthquake, you'll need to make quick decisions within seconds to ensure the safety of yourself and your pet.

If you and your furry friend are caught in an earthquake, it's best not to hold them in your arms as they could bite or scratch you out of fear. They will likely dash off to a safe spot in your home on their own. If you're outside during the quake, head to an open area away from trees and powerlines while holding onto their leash until the shaking is over. And if your pet is in a carrier, keep them inside until you're sure it's safe.

Enjoying the gorgeous West Coast comes with some risk factors, especially for our pets. By having pet insurance, you can avoid the heat of rising vet bills, and your pets can keep exploring the Golden State knowing they’re covered.

Hollywood Hounds and Famous Felines

What’s California without these famous felines and well-known hounds of Hollywood? Meet some of the most iconic and loved pets in pop culture history.

Marley (Marley & Me)

Marley, the energetic Labrador who starred in the film adaptation of John Grogan's bestselling book, “Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog,” is famous for his mischievous ways and unwavering loyalty to his humans, John and Jenna. Despite causing chaos with his antics, the “world’s worst dog” wins the hearts of many, teaching valuable lessons in love and patience along the way. Warning: if you’re a dog lover, grab the tissues before watching this film. Chances are, you’ll be hugging your pup and bawling your eyes out with its relatable and tear-jerker of an ending.

Chance, Shadow, and Sassy (Homeward Bound)

This trio from the movie “Homeward Bound" is the dream team of pets, made up of Shadow, a wise and loyal golden retriever; Chance, a playful and adventurous American bulldog; and Sassy, a smart and independent Himalayan cat. Together, they brave mountains, rivers, and rough lands on a mission to reunite with their family, encountering wild animals and even wilder situations along the way. Their journey showcases not only their individual strengths but also the power of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. The trio's courage in overcoming obstacles and their unwavering dedication to each other makes them endearing characters that leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Toto (The Wizard of Oz)

Toto is Dorothy's loyal little dog in "The Wizard of Oz." Known for his bravery, and cleverness, Toto joins Dororthy on her journey down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, overcoming obstacles and making new friends along the way. Despite his small stature, Toto plays a significant role in the story, supporting Dorothy throughout her adventures in Oz. Toto's presence reminds us of the importance of friendship, trust, and standing by those we care about. This brave little pup adds a lot of heart and humor to the story, making him a favorite character in literature and film.

Mrs. Norris (Harry Potter)

Mrs. Norris, the sharp-eyed feline in "Harry Potter," is the vigilant cat companion of Argus Filch, the caretaker at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She serves as his trusty informant around Hogwarts, frequently showing up unexpectedly to catch rule-breakers in the act. This cat, with her almost supernatural aura and eerie, glowing eyes, is famous for roaming the school's hallways on the lookout for trouble-making students. Despite her less-than-friendly demeanor, Mrs. Norris ultimately adds to the mystery, magic, and intrigue that Hogwarts is known for.

Bruiser (Legally Blonde)

Bruiser, the tiny yet trendy Chihuahua in the iconic movie “Legally Blonde,” is Elle Woods' fierce, furry, and fashionable sidekick. One of Bruiser's most iconic features is his fashionable wardrobe. From colorful sweaters to coordinated accessories, his outfits often match those of his favorite human. He's more than just a pretty face in a cute sweater though - Bruiser symbolizes Elle's determination, resilience, and unconditional love. His adorable appearance and lovable personality have endeared him to audiences worldwide, serving as a reminder of the importance of love, loyalty, and embracing one's unique spirit.

Lassie (Lassie)

And then there’s Lassie, the legendary fictional collie and household name known for her smarts, bravery and loyalty to a little boy named Timmy. From heroic deeds to unwavering loyalty to her human family, Lassie's tales have captured the hearts of many and solidified her place in popular culture, and her stories are timeless reminders of the bond between humans and their four-legged friends. Lassie is one of only four animals to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2005, she was the only animal included on Variety’s list of "100 Icons of the Century.” Lassie was even the first ever pet to be covered by pet insurance!

Whether you enjoy adventure, comedy, or magic, these legendary animal companions have made a lasting impact on the silver screen and left pawprints on countless hearts. Let's continue celebrating these tail-wagging, heart-stealing, world-renowned pets, as well as our own cats and dogs, for the joy, love, laughter, and companionship they bring into our lives.

_{*Number of veterinarians in California is based on internal data as of 4/11/24.}

_{The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}