Best dog insurance in Canada | Ranking 2025
- Injuries, illnesses, dental illnesses
- Veterinary fees
- Surgeries and emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Advertising/rewards for lost or stolen pets
- Injuries, illnesses, dental illnesses
- Veterinary fees
- Surgeries and emergency care
- Cancer treatment
- Advertising/rewards for lost or stolen pets
Fetch Pet Insurance offers a single, comprehensive plan designed for pet owners seeking extensive yet flexible coverage. With annual coverage limits of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 - and the option to contact Fetch for higher limits starting at $5,000 - pet parents can customize plans to fit their needs. Reimbursement rates are adjustable at 70%, 80%, or 90%, and age-based deductibles range from $300 to $700, allowing for further personalization.
The plan covers accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and advanced treatments, though it does not include an unlimited coverage option. A standout feature is Fetch’s inclusive dental coverage, which applies to all teeth and gum disease—an area many competitors overlook. The plan also covers alternative therapies such as acupuncture and behavioral treatments, along with sick-visit exam fees that are often excluded elsewhere.
Additional benefits include reimbursement for lost pet advertising, boarding fees during the owner's hospitalization, and an optional wellness add-on for routine care. Fetch also rewards healthy pets with a Healthy Pet Credit, reducing premiums by up to 30% after two consecutive claim-free years. However, direct vet payment is not available—claims must be paid upfront and reimbursed later.
Some limitations apply: the plan does not cover pre-existing conditions, prescription food, or claims submitted more than 90 days after treatment. A six-month waiting period applies to hip and knee conditions, though this can be waived with a prompt vet exam. Fetch is currently unavailable in New Brunswick and Quebec.
Ideal Profile: Best suited for pet owners who want robust coverage for accidents, illnesses, and dental care, with flexible deductible and reimbursement options. Especially recommended for younger pets, as enrolling early can help secure lower premiums and broader coverage eligibility.
- Comprehensive accident and illness coverage
- Extensive dental coverage (includes all teeth and gum disease)
- Covers alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic care, behavioural therapy)
- Sick-visit exam fees included (saves $50–$250 per visit)
- No upper age limit for pet enrollment
- Top rate on Google
- Fast & easy reimbursements
- Use any vet in Canada
- Optional wellness add-on available
- No direct vet payment (must pay upfront and get reimbursed)
- Not available in New Brunswick or Quebec
- No per-incident or lifetime caps
- Injuries, Illnesses & Wellness Care
- Next-Day Accident Coverage
- Microchipped Pet Discount Available
- Up to 15% Multi-Pet Discount Available
- No per-incident or lifetime caps
- Injuries, Illnesses & Wellness Care
- Next-Day Accident Coverage
- Microchipped Pet Discount Available
- Up to 15% Multi-Pet Discount Available
Spot Pet Insurance offers flexible, affordable coverage with two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident-Only. Annual coverage ranges from $5,000 to unlimited, with reimbursement rates of 70% to 90% and low deductibles starting at $100 (age-based). Unlike many competitors, Spot includes behavioural treatments and pet owner assistance in its standard plans. While dental illnesses aren’t covered by default, optional wellness add-ons can provide preventive and dental care.
Spot’s Accident & Illness plan covers vet exams, diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, hereditary issues, and alternative therapies. A standout feature is its next-day accident coverage—much faster than most providers. Spot also offers a 5% discount for microchipped pets, a 5% multi-pet discount for two pets, and 10% for three or more. However, it does not include a 24/7 vet helpline, which some competitors now offer.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Dental illness coverage requires an upgrade. Spot Pet Insurance is also not available in Quebec. Still, with its fast accident coverage, customizable plans, and multiple discounts, Spot is a great fit for pet owners seeking flexible, budget-conscious insurance.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for customizable accident & illness coverage with flexible reimbursement options. Ideal for those who want quick accident coverage, lower deductibles, and discounts for multiple pets or microchipped pets. Especially recommended for younger pets, who are more prone to accidents and can benefit from fast coverage.
- Multiple annual coverage options, including unlimited coverage
- Covers alternative therapies and behavioural issues in standard plans
- Next-day accident coverage (shorter waiting periods than most providers)
- Lower deductibles ($100-$300) compared to some competitors
- Multi-pet discount (5% for two pets, 10% for three or more)
- 5% discount for microchipped pets
- Optional wellness add-ons for routine and preventive care
- Highly positive customer reviews for claim processing and affordability
- Age-based deductibles and reimbursement rates increase as pets age
- No 24/7 vet helpline
- Not available in Quebec
- No dental illness coverage in standard plans (requires add-on)
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
- Accidents and illnesses
- Exam fees and taxes
- Hereditary conditions
- Multi-pet discount
Pets Plus Us offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only—making it one of the few Canadian insurers with an accident-only option. The Accident & Illness plan comes with annual coverage limits of $7,500 or $15,000 and customizable reimbursement rates (70%, 80%, or 90%), while the Accident Only plan offers a fixed $5,000 limit and 80% reimbursement. Deductibles are age-based, starting at $100 and increasing with the pet’s age.
Coverage includes hereditary conditions, diagnostics, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, behavioural therapy, and alternative treatments like acupuncture. Both plans include extra benefits like boarding fees, trip cancellation, and end-of-life expenses. Blue Ribbon Benefits add value with 24/7 vet access, poison control, and grief counselling.
Pets Plus Us stands out with its 4Life Guarantee, which ensures lifelong coverage as long as the policy stays active, and there are no breed exclusions. However, it doesn’t cover dental care, pre-existing conditions, or preventive treatments, and lacks an unlimited coverage option.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for customizable coverage with strong accident and illness protection. The Accident & Illness plan is ideal for those wanting comprehensive care, while the Accident Only plan is a budget-friendly alternative perfect for younger and active pets. A great fit for those seeking lifetime coverage with no breed restrictions.
- Two customizable annual limits: $7,500 or $15,000
- Accident-only plan available for budget-conscious pet owners
- Reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, or 90% for Accident & Illness
- Covers hereditary and congenital conditions
- Alternative therapies and behavioral therapy included
- $1,000 in additional benefits per incident for trip cancellations, boarding, lost pet advertising, and end-of-life costs
- 4Life Guarantee ensures lifetime renewability
- No breed exclusions
- No unlimited coverage option
- Dental care and routine wellness treatments not covered
- Pre-existing conditions are excluded
- Deductible increases with pet’s age
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
- Care and intervention
- Diseases and accidents
- Advertising/reward for a lost or stolen pet
- Direct payment by veterinarians at participating veterinary hospitals
Trupanion Canada offers a simple yet robust pet insurance plan with 90% reimbursement and no payout limits—making it one of the few providers with truly unlimited coverage. Instead of annual deductibles, it uses a per-condition lifetime deductible, so you only pay once per issue, no matter how long treatment continues. Coverage begins after a 5-day waiting period for accidents and 30 days for illnesses.
The core plan includes diagnostics, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and hereditary conditions. Trupanion Pet Insurance’s standout feature is its Vet Direct Pay system, allowing the insurer to pay your vet directly at checkout (at participating clinics), avoiding out-of-pocket costs. Optional add-ons cover alternative therapies and lost pet support.
While Trupanion Canada offers excellent long-term value for pets with chronic conditions, it doesn’t cover exam fees or routine care. Premiums are generally higher, but the unlimited coverage and direct vet payment make it a strong option for owners seeking dependable, lifetime protection.
Ideal Profile: Best for pets with chronic or hereditary conditions, especially if you're worried about long-term treatment costs. A solid choice for owners who want predictable costs and peace of mind, particularly for breeds prone to specific health issues. Not ideal if you're looking for coverage on routine checkups or want to customize reimbursement levels.
- 90% reimbursement
- No annual or lifetime payout caps
- Lifetime per-condition deductible is ideal for chronic conditions
- Option to pay vets directly at checkout
- Covers congenital and hereditary conditions
- Fast claims processing
- No coverage for exam fees or wellness/routine care
- Higher premiums compared to other providers
- Limited customization
- Not ideal for owners seeking coverage for preventative care
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
- Illness and accidents
- Dental care included
- Behavioural therapy
- Exams fees
PHI Direct offers a simple, affordable pet insurance plan with two annual coverage limit options: $5,000 or $10,000. It features 80% reimbursement and a low $200 annual deductible, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious pet owners. What makes PHI Direct unique is its “New-Condition Coverage” model—any condition treated during the policy year is considered pre-existing the following year, which helps keep premiums low but limits long-term coverage for recurring or chronic conditions.
The plan covers a broad range of treatments, including accidents, illnesses, surgeries, hospitalization, prescriptions, diagnostics, and even alternative therapies like acupuncture and physiotherapy. Exam fees and taxes are also covered, and 24/7 telehealth access is included for added convenience. Pets can be enrolled from 7 weeks up to 14 years old, and a 5% multi-pet discount is available. However, PHI Direct doesn’t cover routine dental care, wellness services, bilateral conditions, or ongoing treatment for issues from a prior policy year.
PHI Direct is best suited for young, healthy pets whose owners want low-cost protection against new accidents and illnesses. Its streamlined, no-frills model offers solid short-term value, but it's not ideal for pets with ongoing medical needs or those prone to chronic conditions.
Ideal Profile: Best for young, healthy pets or pet owners looking for affordable accident and illness coverage without ongoing treatment needs. The low-cost premiums and straightforward policy make it a good option for budget-conscious pet parents. Not suitable for pets with chronic conditions, as prior-year treatments are excluded from future coverage.
- Two affordable annual coverage options: $5,000 or $10,000
- Low $200 deductible, making claims reimbursement quicker
- Exam fees, taxes, and alternative therapies included
- 24/7 Telehealth support for quick pet health consultations
- 5% multi-pet discount for households with multiple pets
- Keeps premiums lower over time with the New-Condition model
- New-Condition Coverage model means conditions covered one year are excluded the next
- No coverage for pre-existing conditions, wellness care, or preventive treatments
- Bilateral conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament issues) are not covered
- Not ideal for pets with chronic illnesses requiring long-term treatment
- Why take out pet insurance for a dog?
- What is usually covered by dog insurance?
- What Is Not Covered by dog Insurance
- How much does pet insurance cost for a dog?
- Tips for choosing the right insurance for your dog
- FAQ
Why take out pet insurance for a dog?
In Canada, veterinary care for dogs is a significant and growing investment—average healthcare expenses now range from $1,440 to $5,220 per year, with specialized treatments like orthopedic surgery or chronic illness management driving costs even higher. Since 2020, vet fees have surged by 15–20%, and bills for a single ligament repair or emergency hospitalization can climb to $2,000–$5,000—amounts that owners must cover entirely out-of-pocket without insurance protection.
Dogs face a range of health risks, including breed-specific hereditary disorders, congenital issues, and age-related conditions like arthritis or diabetes. An older dog is like an aging athlete: even minor injuries or chronic illnesses require prompt and sometimes expensive intervention. With Canadian households spending up to $435 monthly on dog care in urban areas, and only 3% of pet owners currently insured, even routine check-ups or scans can create financial strain. In this context, pet insurance stands out as a smart, strategic safeguard that transforms unpredictable hardship into manageable, budgeted care.
| Treatment/Scenario | Typical Cost (CA$) | Insurance Coverage (70–90%) | Out-of-pocket with Insurance (CA$) | Out-of-pocket without Insurance (CA$) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual checkup & vaccines | $240 | $168–$216 | $24–$72 | $240 |
| Ligament surgery | $2,000 | $1,400–$1,800 | $200–$600 | $2,000 |
| Chronic condition (arthritis, year) | $1,200 | $840–$1,080 | $120–$360 | $1,200 |
| Dental treatment (mature dog) | $700 | $490–$630 | $70–$210 | $700 |
| Hospitalization (2 days) | $3,000 | $2,100–$2,700 | $300–$900 | $3,000 |
| Advanced imaging (MRI) | $1,200 | $840–$1,080 | $120–$360 | $1,200 |
What is usually covered by dog insurance?
Veterinary insurance for a dog in Canada commonly covers three vital categories of care: surgery, emergency care, and ongoing treatments for chronic conditions.
Major surgeries, such as ligament repair (costing up to $2,000), are frequently reimbursed up to 90% with premium plans, making a crucial difference if your dog faces breed-related risks like cruciate ligament injuries—common among large and active breeds.
Emergency services, including hospitalization after accidents or sudden illnesses, are also standard; for example, a two-day hospital stay can easily reach $3,000, but with insurance, your out-of-pocket is typically only 10–30%, depending on your plan and deductible.
Chronic treatments, such as arthritis management or insulin for diabetes (averaging $1,200 per year), are especially important for aging or predisposed dogs; most policies cover these ongoing costs after a short waiting period (usually 14–15 days for illness).
Finally, regular preventive care—like annual exams and vaccines, typically totaling $240/year—is sometimes reimbursed in enhanced plans, providing tangible protection against routine and unexpected expenses alike.
| Name of coverage | 🟢 Essential / 🟠 Recommended | Coverage (Basic Plan) | Coverage (Premium Plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | 🟢 Essential | 70% reimbursement, up to $1,200/year | 90% reimbursement, up to $2,000/year |
| Emergency & hospitalization | 🟢 Essential | 70% covered, $1,000 annual cap | 90% covered, $5,000 annual cap |
| Chronic illness management | 🟢 Essential | 70% reimbursement, up to $500/year (after waiting period) | 90% reimbursement, up to $2,000/year (shorter waiting period) |
| Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI) | 🟢 Essential | 70% covered, $800 max per incident | 90% covered, $2,500 max per incident |
| Prescription medication | 🟢 Essential | 70% reimbursement, annual limit $400 | 90% reimbursement, annual limit $1,000 |
| Cancer treatment | 🟢 Essential | 70% covered, annual cap $1,000 | 90% covered, annual cap $3,000 |
| Preventive care (vaccines, exams) | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | $200–$250/year covered |
| Dental care | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | 70–90% reimbursement, up to $700/year |
| Behavioural therapy | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | 70–90% reimbursement, up to $500/year |
| Telemedicine | 🟠 Recommended | Not included | Unlimited covered |
Example of Pet Insurance Reimbursement Calculation
For example, if your dog requires cruciate ligament surgery costing $2,000, a premium plan with 90% reimbursement and a $100 annual deductible would first subtract the deductible, leaving $1,900 eligible. Insurance would then pay $1,710 (90% of $1,900), meaning your total out-of-pocket cost is just $290 ($100 deductible + $190 co-pay), while the insurer covers the rest. If you've already met your deductible for the year, your co-pay drops to just $200. This kind of plan can completely shield pet owners from financial shock when the unexpected happens.
What Is Not Covered by dog Insurance
When considering pet insurance for your dog in Canada, it is important to understand that all policies have some exclusions, which may vary depending on the provider and your dog's profile.
Most insurers commonly exclude pre-existing conditions—this means any illness or injury diagnosed before your coverage starts won’t be reimbursed, which especially impacts senior dogs or breeds with hereditary issues such as hip dysplasia or heart disease.
Routine, preventive care (like standard vaccinations or flea treatments) is often not included in basic plans, unless you upgrade to a wellness package.
Some policies exclude congenital or hereditary conditions, while others only deny coverage if the problem is diagnosed before insurance begins.
Breed-specific exclusions can also apply; for example, certain providers exclude dogs on municipal or provincial “banned breed” lists, or have stricter limits for large, high-risk breeds.
Geographically, services abroad, or any care provided outside Canada, may go uncovered. Remember, each insurer defines these terms differently—always ask for a detailed list of exclusions before signing, so your expectations match your dog's real world needs.
| Grouped Exclusion Type | Example/Context (CA) | Applies to dog? | Notes/Special Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical – Pre-existing conditions | Any illness/accident before cover begins | Yes | Especially relevant for seniors, chronic/known issues |
| Medical – Congenital/hereditary | Hip dysplasia, heart disease in high-risk breeds | Sometimes | Varied handling; check if excluded only if pre-diagnosed |
| Medical – Routine/preventive care | Vaccines, deworming outside wellness plans | Usually not (basic plan) | May be available with premium “wellness” add-on |
| Medical – Dental care | Preventive dental cleanings | Often not in basic | Covered in some premium plans |
| Legal – Banned/restricted breeds | “Pit bull” types in Ontario, municipal lists | Sometimes | Some insurers do not cover certain dog breeds |
| Legal – Unregistered dogs | Failure to license or vaccinate as required by law | Yes | May void claims if not up to date |
| Geographic – Services outside Canada | Vet treatment abroad | Usually not | Unless special travel coverage or partnership |
| Waiting periods | Illness/accident cover starts 14–15 days after sign-up | Yes | Claims within waiting period not covered |
| Ownership/intentional acts | Injuries from abuse, organized fighting, illegal acts | Yes | Any harm caused intentionally by owner is excluded |
How much does pet insurance cost for a dog?
Insurance premiums for a dog in Canada are determined by several key factors, each of which can significantly influence your monthly cost.
- Breed: Certain breeds, like French Bulldogs and Dachshunds, cost more to insure due to higher genetic risk for chronic conditions. For example, monthly premiums for a young French Bulldog can be $15–20 more than a Labrador for both basic and premium coverage.
- Age: The older your dog, the higher the premium. In CA, rates typically rise 20–30% at age 7, and for dogs over 10, premiums can nearly double due to increased likelihood of claims for arthritis, diabetes, or cancer.
- Pre-existing conditions: If your dog has already been diagnosed with a chronic illness or injury, most policies exclude those issues—and the presence of any such history can modestly increase your quoted premium, or limit options to accident-only coverage.
- Coverage level chosen: Premium plans (covering chronic conditions and dental, higher annual caps, and lower deductibles) cost more; for instance, upgrading from basic ($35/mo) to premium ($75–80/mo) can double your monthly spend but provides broader protection.
- Claim history: Insurers may raise rates by up to 20% after a major surgery or high-value claim, reflecting the risk of recurring costs.
- Location (province/urban): Urban areas (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver) see premiums 10–15% higher on average due to higher vet costs.
- Size and gender: Large-breed dogs and some male dogs are priced higher, given stats showing greater frequency of injury and age-related conditions among these profiles.
| Breed & Age | Basic Plan (monthly, CA$) | Premium Plan (monthly, CA$) |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever (Age 2) | $32 | $78 |
| Labrador Retriever (Age 10) | $55 | $120 |
| French Bulldog (Age 2) | $47 | $92 |
| French Bulldog (Age 10) | $88 | $150 |
| Australian Shepherd (Age 2) | $36 | $79 |
| Australian Shepherd (Age 10) | $58 | $112 |
Tips for choosing the right insurance for your dog
| Tips | Impact on premium |
|---|---|
| Compare offers using HelloSafe to see which plans cover your dog’s breed-specific health risks | Can reveal big savings if your breed is prone to chronic issues like hip dysplasia or allergies |
| Check for coverage of chronic conditions (e.g. allergies, diabetes), especially for senior or purebred dogs | Some plans won’t cover pre-existing or age-related illnesses, raising your future costs |
| Ask about dental and orthopedic surgery inclusion—these are among the most expensive claims for dogs in Canada | Dental cleaning can run $700+; ACL repair up to $5,000—without coverage, it’s all out-of-pocket |
| Confirm maximum enrollment age, as some policies reject new dogs over 8–10 years old | Early sign-up ensures lifelong eligibility and lower rates |
| Avoid plans with low annual caps if you have a large or active dog | Bigger dogs average higher claims and can hit plan limits quickly |
| For city dogs, verify accident and emergency coverage—urban pets face more injury risks | Accident visits can exceed $2,000; city plans sometimes cost 10–15% more |
| Check for travel/boarding coverage if your dog visits the US or stays in kennels | Out-of-country or boarding incident costs may be excluded without this add-on |
FAQ
What does dog insurance typically cover in Canada?
Most dog insurance policies in Canada cover unexpected vet visits for accidents or illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, and certain medications. Some plans also include chronic care such as diabetes management or arthritis, but preventive care like vaccines or checkups may require an add-on.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under dog insurance?
Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from coverage. If your dog already has a diagnosed health problem before enrolling, expenses related to that condition won’t be reimbursed. It’s best to sign up early when your dog is healthy to maximize your benefits.
How much does dog insurance cost per month in Canada?
Monthly premiums for dog insurance typically range from $35 for basic plans up to $80 or more for comprehensive premium coverage. The exact price depends on your dog’s age, breed, health history, and the level of coverage you select.
Are there age or breed restrictions for signing up my dog?
Yes, some insurers set age limits for new policies—often 8 to 10 years old—and may exclude certain breeds considered high-risk for hereditary diseases. It’s important to check policy terms before applying, especially for senior dogs or popular breeds like French Bulldogs.
Do insurance plans pay the vet directly, or do I get reimbursed?
In most cases, dog insurance in Canada works on a reimbursement basis. You pay the vet up front, submit the claim with your receipts, and then the insurer reimburses you for covered expenses (typically 70–90%) after any applicable deductibles.
Can I use dog insurance with any veterinarian in Canada?
Yes, most Canadian dog insurance policies let you choose any licensed veterinarian, including emergency and specialty clinics across the country. This flexibility is especially helpful in urgent or after-hours situations.
What does dog insurance typically cover in Canada?
Most dog insurance policies in Canada cover unexpected vet visits for accidents or illnesses, diagnostics, surgeries, and certain medications. Some plans also include chronic care such as diabetes management or arthritis, but preventive care like vaccines or checkups may require an add-on.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under dog insurance?
Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded from coverage. If your dog already has a diagnosed health problem before enrolling, expenses related to that condition won’t be reimbursed. It’s best to sign up early when your dog is healthy to maximize your benefits.
How much does dog insurance cost per month in Canada?
Monthly premiums for dog insurance typically range from $35 for basic plans up to $80 or more for comprehensive premium coverage. The exact price depends on your dog’s age, breed, health history, and the level of coverage you select.
Are there age or breed restrictions for signing up my dog?
Yes, some insurers set age limits for new policies—often 8 to 10 years old—and may exclude certain breeds considered high-risk for hereditary diseases. It’s important to check policy terms before applying, especially for senior dogs or popular breeds like French Bulldogs.
Do insurance plans pay the vet directly, or do I get reimbursed?
In most cases, dog insurance in Canada works on a reimbursement basis. You pay the vet up front, submit the claim with your receipts, and then the insurer reimburses you for covered expenses (typically 70–90%) after any applicable deductibles.
Can I use dog insurance with any veterinarian in Canada?
Yes, most Canadian dog insurance policies let you choose any licensed veterinarian, including emergency and specialty clinics across the country. This flexibility is especially helpful in urgent or after-hours situations.
