Pet Insurance in Florida

Living in sunny Florida means enjoying a lifestyle packed with sunshine, ocean breezes, and countless adventures for both you and your pets. Whether you're walking along Miami's famous beaches, discovering the lush Everglades, or immersing yourself in Key West's lively neighborhoods, there's always something exciting happening in the Sunshine State. That’s why it pays to be prepared for the unexpected when it comes to your pet’s health. With sunny weather all year round and lots of outdoor fun, having pet insurance gives you peace of mind so you and your pet can make the most of your Florida escapades.

Visit Any Licensed Veterinarian in Florida

With an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan, you have the freedom to visit any licensed veterinarian in the state— whether you live in Orlando, Miami, Tallahassee, along the panhandle, or down the coast, you decide where your pet receives top-notch care.

The Cost of Pet Care in Florida

From routine veterinary visits to unexpected emergencies, the cost of veterinary care can add up quickly. The ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program can help ease the financial burden by reimbursing up to 90% of covered conditions, so you can help ensure that your four-legged friend gets the top-notch veterinary care they deserve anywhere within the state.

Florida 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 Florida.

How Much Does Pet Insurance In Florida Cost for Dogs?

How Much Does Pet Insurance In Florida Cost for Cats?

_{**Estimated premium quotes based on a $5,000 annual limit, 80% reimbursement rate, and $250 annual deductible, as of 3/10/24. 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 Florida?

Despite its beautiful landscape, the Sunshine State is home to many hidden dangers to pets. Here are some common dangers faced by Floridian pets:

Heat-related illnesses: With its scorching temperatures, Florida poses a significant risk to pets, with increased odds of heatstroke, dehydration, or the risk of burnt paws from hot asphalt, especially during the summer months. Dogs or cats if over-exercised, left unattended in cars, or out in the sun for a long time may get over-heated, which can lead to heat stroke.

Wildlife encounters: Florida is teeming with wildlife, including snakes, alligators, and venomous spiders, which can be dangerous threats to pets. Unsupervised outdoor activities may increase the risk of encounters, leading to potentially dangerous situations.

Parasites: Florida's warm and humid climate provides an ideal breeding ground for parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. These pests can also transmit diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease to pets.

Toxic plants: Many common plants found in Florida, such as sago palms, oleander, and azaleas, are toxic to pets if ingested. Pet parents should be aware of these plants and take precautions to prevent toxic ingestion. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous plant, contact your vet immediately, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Water hazards: With its extensive coastline and numerous bodies of water, there are many water-related hazards for pets in Florida, including drowning, toxic algae blooms, and marine life like jellyfish and stingrays. And with an abundance of beaches, who can resist a nice swim on a warm sunny day? Most dogs are natural swimmers, but salt water can cause problems for even the best doggy paddlers, including salt-water poisoning and dry drowning.

By knowing the risks and having pet insurance, you can protect your pets and your wallet, helping ensure they stay healthy and happy despite the state's unpredictable conditions.

Five Breeds That Thrive in Hot Weather (And Three That Don’t)

Dogs are adaptable companions, but some breeds can handle higher temps better than others. Breeds that do well in hot weather usually have coats that are just right for the heat (or no fur at all) and bodies built to keep cool even in high temperatures. Let's explore 5 breeds built for the hot Florida weather (and 3 who aren’t).

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are tiny, adaptable pups that love soaking up the sun. Their thin fur and small stature don't mix well with the cold, so they're perfect for the high heat of Florida. Originating in Mexico, these little pups feel right at home when it's warm outside.

Chinese Crested

Chinese crested dogs are mostly hairless and are believed to have originated in Asia from African dogs that were hairless and used to hot temperatures. The bare skin of a Chinese crested, as well as other hairless, short-haired, or thinly-haired dogs, can easily get sunburned, so it’s important to apply a veterinarian-approved sunscreen to your dog (and yourself!)

Italian Greyhound

The Italian greyhound's slim build and short coat don't offer much defense against snowy and icy weather; making them better suited for warmer climates. With minimal body fat, these pups often require sweaters, jackets, and extra layers to stay cozy in the cold. They definitely thrive in sunny, warm conditions.

Dachshund

The Dachshund is known for its lively personality and adaptability, and with a sleek, short-haired coat version, they're a great pick for hot weather. They love a good snooze in the sun so much that you’ll need to monitor how long they’ve been lounging outside in the sun’s hot rays.

Great Dane

The Great Dane is a top pick among large breed dogs for hot weather. They're natural energy savers, so they won't push themselves too hard in warm temperatures. However, while they may thrive in warm climates,they are still at risk for overheating faster than smaller breeds, simply due to their large body frames. Ensure they have shady spots to cool off and never let them bask in the sun’s rays for too long.

Breeds to avoid

Although many dog breeds can adapt to different environments, canines from cold weather climates may have a more challenging time adjusting to hot weather environments. Breeds like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and Bernese Mountain Dog may struggle with the heat in tropical settings, so it’s best to keep them in cooler climates. Florida may not be the best place for many brachycephalic breeds as well, such as French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers. Brachycephalic breeds can be prone to heat-related illness simply due to their airway anatomy.

Note: Even though some breeds are more warm-weather tolerant than others, all dogs require basic safety precautions on hot days to avoid heatstroke. Never leave your dog in a hot car, always make sure your dog has access to fresh water, and don't leave your dog outside for extended periods. Finally, help protect their health (and your wallet) by enrolling them in a pet insurance plan!

_{*Number of veterinarians in Florida is based on internal data as of 3/10/24.}

_{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.}