Get the Best Pet Insurance in Quebec for 2025
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Multiple low deductible options
- Dental illness coverage included
- Unlimited+ plan has no waiting periods for preventive care
- Multi-pet discount and loyalty discount after the first year
- Multiple low deductible options
- Dental illness coverage included
- Unlimited+ plan has no waiting periods for preventive care
- Multi-pet discount and loyalty discount after the first year
OVMA Pet Health Insurance offers three plans: Comprehensive, Extended, and Unlimited+, all with 80% reimbursement after the deductible. Unlike many providers, OVMA includes exam fees and taxes, reducing out-of-pocket costs. The standout Unlimited+ plan has no annual limits for accidents and illnesses, making it one of the most comprehensive options in Canada.
All plans cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, diagnostics, medications, hospitalization, and dental (up to $600/year depending on the plan). The Unlimited+ plan also includes annual wellness coverage ($450 for dogs, and $350 for cats). Additional benefits include alternative therapies, behavioural treatments, boarding fees, holiday cancellation, and cremation/burial expenses. While claims are reimbursed, OVMA does offer direct vet pay by request.
Created by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, OVMA stands out for its unlimited coverage, built-in wellness care, and non-medical perks. Lower-tier plans have condition-based annual caps, and customization is limited—reimbursement rates are fixed. Premiums for the Unlimited+ plan are higher, but the breadth of coverage and loyalty discounts (3% after year one, 5% after year two) add long-term value.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners who want premium coverage with no limits on accident and illness claims. Unlimited+ is ideal for pets with ongoing medical needs or owners who want wellness coverage included. Lower-tier plans suit pet parents seeking solid but capped protection. Not ideal for those looking for customizable reimbursement rates or lower-cost plans with unlimited benefits.
- Unlimited accident and illness coverage in the Unlimited+ plan
- Covers exam fees and taxes, reducing out-of-pocket costs
- Includes dental care ($300–$600 per year)
- Alternative therapies and behavioural training covered
- Wellness coverage is included in Unlimited+ ($450 for dogs, $350 for cats)
- Loyalty discount (3% after one year, 5% after two years)
- Direct vet-pay option available upon request
- Lower-tier plans have per-condition annual limits ($2,500–$5,000)
- No customization of reimbursement percentage (fixed at 80%)
- Wellness coverage only included in Unlimited+
- Unlimited+ premiums may be higher than basic coverage options
- Cheaper monthly premiums than most other companies
- Dental illness coverage includes cleanings
- Pet ownership coverage included
- Includes behavioural therapy and alternative therapies
- Cheaper monthly premiums than most other companies
- Dental illness coverage includes cleanings
- Pet ownership coverage included
- Includes behavioural therapy and alternative therapies
Sonnet Pet Insurance offers a single, straightforward plan that provides 80% reimbursement on eligible vet expenses, including exam fees and taxes. The plan covers accidents and illnesses, with a $2,500 per condition, per year limit. Unlike some competitors like Petsecure or Desjardins that offer multiple tiers or customization, Sonnet keeps it simple with one all-inclusive policy, making it easier for pet owners to understand their coverage.
The plan includes diagnostics, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and treatments for illnesses and injuries. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, and behavioural therapy are also included. However, preventive care (vaccinations, flea prevention, and annual exams) is not covered. Sonnet’s claims process is fully digital, making it convenient for pet parents to submit and track claims online.
Sonnet stands out for its all-in-one coverage, inclusion of exam fees, and user-friendly digital experience. However, its $2,500 per condition limit per year may not be enough for pets with chronic or high-cost medical needs. Additionally, there is no direct vet-pay option, meaning pet owners must cover costs upfront and wait for reimbursement. For those seeking affordable, no-fuss pet insurance with a smooth claims process, Sonnet is a strong option.
Ideal Profile: Best for pet owners looking for a simple, affordable insurance plan with an easy claims process. Ideal for young, healthy pets or those who need occasional medical care. Not suitable for pets requiring ongoing, high-cost treatments due to the annual per-condition limit.
- 80% reimbursement, including exam fees and taxes
- One simple plan—no complex tiers or add-ons
- Covers alternative therapies (acupuncture, physiotherapy, behavioural therapy)
- Fully digital claims process for convenience
- Competitive pricing and flexible payments
- $2,500 per condition, per year limit—no unlimited option
- No direct vet-pay option—owners must submit claims for reimbursement
- No preventive care coverage (vaccinations, wellness exams, flea/tick prevention)
- Not ideal for pets with chronic conditions requiring extensive treatment
New or experienced, searching for the best pet insurance in Quebec that fits your budget and meets your pet's needs can be overwhelming. There are many options available, and the abundance of information can make it difficult to know where to begin.
Fortunately, HelloSafe has taken the time to conduct thorough research for you. In this article, we will provide insights into the best pet insurance in Quebec, what they cover, what they exclude, pricing information, reviews, and more.
What's more, with HelloSafe's reliable partners, you can compare and obtain quotes from Quebec's best pet insurance companies within seconds. Get set to discover the best pet insurance option for you and your beloved furry companion.
Top 7 best pet insurances in Quebec for 2025
- Trupanion Pet Insurance: Policy with 90% reimbursement
- PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance: Best for Extensive Benefits
- OVMA Pet Health Insurance: Best for Local Expertise
- Sonnet Pet Insurance: Best for Simple Coverage
- Desjardins Pet Insurance: Affordable with good coverage
- Peppermint Pet Insurance: Best for Budget-Friendly Basic Coverage
- Petsecure Pet Insurance: Best for Comprehensive Dental Coverage
Our 2025 ranking of the best Quebec pet insurances
Trupanion Pet Insurance: Policy with 90% Reimbursement
Overview: Trupanion offers a single comprehensive plan with unlimited annual coverage and a 90% reimbursement rate. Deductibles range from $0 to $1,000 per medical condition for the pet's lifetime. Coverage includes new injuries, illnesses, hereditary and congenital conditions, and advanced treatments such as surgeries and hospital stays. The Vet Direct Pay system allows for direct payment to veterinarians, reducing out-of-pocket costs by a huge margin.
Pros:
- Unlimited coverage with no annual or lifetime limits.
- 90% reimbursement rate, lowering out-of-pocket costs.
- Direct Vet Payments via Vet Direct Pay system.
- Customizable deductibles per condition.
- High Trustpilot rating of 4.1.
- Covers advanced treatments including surgeries and hereditary conditions.
Cons:
- Routine care and exam fees are not included.
- More expensive than some competitors.
- Does not cover wellness treatments.
Read: Our full Trupanion Pet Insurance Review.
PetsPlusUs Pet Insurance: Best for Extensive Benefits
Overview: PetsPlusUs offers two main plans: Accident & Illness and Accident Only. The Accident & Illness plan provides coverage options of $7,500 or $15,000, while the Accident Only plan has a $5,000 limit. You can choose reimbursement rates of 70%, 80%, or 90% for Accident & Illness, and 80% for Accident Only. Deductibles range from $100 to $700 based on your pet's age, and the 4Life Guarantee ensures continuous benefits renewal throughout your pet's lifetime. Coverage includes boarding fees, trip cancellations, and lost pet advertising. Additional benefits feature 24/7 access to PetHelpFone and a Compassionate Care Line.
Pros:
- Unique benefits like 24/7 PetHelpFone and Compassionate Care Line.
- Up to 15% discount for insuring multiple pets.
- Shorter waiting periods compared to many competitors.
- Coverage for breed-specific hereditary conditions.
- Includes boarding fees and trip cancellation due to pet emergencies.
- Offers an Accident-Only plan option.
Cons:
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Age-based deductibles increase costs as pets age.
- No unlimited coverage option.
- Does not cover wellness or preventive care, unless Flex Care is added.
You can get a free quote from our partner Pets Plus Us right here. You get results instantly and online.
OVMA Pet Health Insurance: Best for Local Expertise
Overview: OVMA Pet Health Insurance offers three plans: Comprehensive ($2,500), Extended ($5,000), and Unlimited+. The Unlimited+ plan provides unlimited annual coverage with an 80% reimbursement rate. Coverage includes hospitalization, surgery, diagnostics, alternative therapies, dental illness, and boarding fees. Designed by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, OVMA provides extensive benefits with fewer waiting periods for preventive care.
Pros:
- Comprehensive benefits, including dental illness and alternative therapies.
- Unlimited coverage option available.
- Multi-pet and loyalty discounts offered.
- No waiting period for preventive care on the Unlimited+ plan.
- Local expertise from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.
Cons:
- Six-month waiting period for dental coverage.
- Higher premiums compared to some competitors.
- Age-based deductibles may increase costs over time.
Read: Our full OVMA Pet Health Insurance review.
Sonnet Pet Insurance: Best for Simple Coverage
Overview: Sonnet offers a straightforward plan with a maximum annual coverage of $5,000, divided into $2,500 per accident and $2,500 per condition. The plan features an 80% reimbursement rate and deductibles of $100 or $300, depending on the pet's age. Coverage includes vet exam fees, surgeries, diagnostics, dental work, and alternative and behavioural therapies.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward plan structure.
- Affordable premiums.
- Includes coverage for dental illnesses.
- High Trustpilot rating of 4.3.
- Covers boarding fees and trip cancellations due to pet emergencies.
- Offers $100 or $300 deductible options.
Cons:
- Maximum coverage of $5,000 per year.
- No routine care or wellness coverage.
- Six-month waiting period for certain conditions.
Desjardins Pet Insurance: Affordable with Good Coverage
Overview: Desjardins offers three plans: Bronze Paw, Silver Paw, and Gold Paw, with coverage limits ranging from $4,000 to unlimited. The reimbursement rate is 80%, with a $100 deductible adjusted for pet age. Coverage includes vet exams, surgeries, diagnostics, dental care, alternative and behavioral therapies, and preventive care in the Gold Paw plan.
Pros:
- Flexible coverage options with three plan levels.
- Comprehensive benefits including dental care and preventive treatments.
- Multi-pet discount up to 15%.
- Covers alternative and behavioral therapies.
- Insure a pet at any age.
Cons:
- Age-based deductibles can increase costs.
- Preventive care coverage is only in the Gold Paw plan.
- No customization options for reimbursement rates or deductibles.
Read: Our full Desjardins Pet Insurance review.
Peppermint Pet Insurance: Best for Budget-Friendly Basic Coverage
Overview: Peppermint offers four plans: Lite ($1,500 per accident (Accident-Only Plan)), Base ($3,000), Plus ($5,000), and Prime ($10,000). The reimbursement rate is 80%, and the deductible is $100, adjusted based on the pet's age. Coverage includes vet exams, surgeries, diagnostics, medications, and alternative therapies.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly premiums suitable for essential coverage.
- Includes alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care.
- Low $100 deductible.
- Covers boarding fees and trip cancellations due to pet emergencies.
- Offers an Accident-Only plan option.
Cons:
- No unlimited coverage option; maximum coverage is $10,000.
- No vet-direct payment.
- Does not cover dental illnesses or preventive care.
Read: Our full Peppermint Pet Insurance Review.
Petsecure Pet Insurance: Best for Comprehensive Dental Coverage
Overview: Petsecure offers four plans: Secure 1 ($2,000), Secure 2 ($5,000), Secure 3 ($10,000), and Secure 4 (Unlimited). The reimbursement rate is fixed at 80%, and deductibles range from $100 to $400 based on pet age. Coverage includes vet bills, alternative treatments, dental care, accidents and illnesses, medications, and behavioral therapy. The Secure 4 plan includes wellness coverage.
Pros:
- Comprehensive dental coverage including annual cleanings and treatments.
- Flexible plan options with four levels of coverage.
- Wellness coverage available in the unlimited plan.
- Multi-pet discount up to 15%.
- Extensive coverage for various treatments and emergencies.
- Covers behavioral therapy.
Cons:
- Six-month waiting period for certain conditions.
- Higher premiums than some competitors.
- Trustpilot rating of 2.0 indicates mixed customer experiences.
Read: Our full Petsecure Pet Insurance Review.
How does pet insurance work in Quebec?
Like in the rest of Canada, Quebec pet insurance helps pet owners by paying for a significant portion of unexpected veterinary costs for their animals. The comparison tool above can help you choose the best pet insurance in Quebec for you and your companion, so you can rest assured knowing that you are empowered to act on your pet’s needs when the time comes.
Once you’ve chosen the best health insurance that suits your pet, the insurance provider will calculate a premium (based on several factors such as the type of animal, age and breed) that you will pay each month.
Watch out!
Most pet insurance policies include a waiting period after the purchase, so make sure to wait until the end of this period (if you can) for any veterinary treatment.
Normally, you will have to pay for any veterinary expenses yourself and then the insurance kicks in with a reimbursement. Rates of reimbursement are typically between 80% and 100%. For example, Desjardins pet insurance offers 80% of expenses covered and a 10% discount if you insure 3 or more pets with them.
Some insurers do offer to pay the vet directly but keep in mind that in these cases, you will have to look for a vet that partners with your insurance provider. If your preferred vet clinic or animal hospital is a part of their network, then it might be worth considering for your policy.
Occasionally, providers also offer a 24-hour helpline that you can call for advice or help to find a vet.
Expert advice
Do you know the OMVQ? The Ordre des Médecins Vétérinaires du Québec (OMQV) regulates the professional practice of Québec’s 2,600 veterinarians, be it in clinics or hospitals. Although they don’t offer insurance themselves, they provide plenty of information on adopting, owning and caring for animals in Quebec. Additionally, you can also contact them when selecting your vet as registration with the OMQV is mandatory for vets in Quebec.
How much does pet insurance cost in Quebec?
The average premium for pet insurance in Canada is reportedly somewhere around $29 a month for a cat and $39 a month for a dog.
Quebec pet insurance varies based on multiple factors. These include the type of your animal, their age, the extent of coverage provided, your chosen reimbursement rate, the deductible amount, and the annual payout limit.
Each of these elements contributes to determining the monthly premium you will pay for your pet insurance policy. By considering these factors carefully, you can customise your coverage to suit your pet's needs and your budget. Whether you're looking for pet insurance in Montreal or Gatineau or Quebec city, the pet insurance prices are roughly the same.
Dog pet Insurance cost in Quebec
Below, you can see how much pet insurance for a dog costs for Quebec’s most beloved breed, the German Shepherd. It is important to note that the cost and expenses mentioned here are an average and may differ from one provider to another.
| Age | Max annual payout | Max annual deductible | Reimbursement rate | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <11 months | $5,000 | $700 | 70% | $58.12 |
| <11 months | $15,000 | $300 | 90% | $130.40 |
| 5 years | $5,000 | $700 | 70% | $92.42 |
| 5 years | $15,000 | $300 | 90% | $211.80 |
Good to know
Some cities in Quebec have deemed certain dog breeds aggressive, and the German Shepherd is often on that list. In such a case, you’ll usually need a special permit and additional rules may apply when walking your dog.
Cat pet Insurance cost in Quebec
If it’s a cat you’re looking to insure, here is an example of pet insurance for a cat in Quebec, using Trupanion pet insurance and the most common breed in La Belle Province, the Domestic Shorthair, as an example.
| Age | Deductible per condition | Reimbursement rate | Monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| <11 months | $700 | 90% | $16.46 |
| <11 months | $0 | 90% | $38.21 |
| 5 years | $700 | 90% | $27.38 |
| 5 years | $300 | 90% | $74.17 |
Good to know
Many pet insurance providers offer an annual deductible, but Trupanion’s deductible is per condition, meaning you only pay the deductible for every new condition diagnosed.
Is pet insurance more expensive in Quebec?
No. Pet insurance is private, which means it doesn’t change from province to province. Most pet insurance companies offer coverage to anyone living anywhere in Canada, and often even include the U.S.
Therefore, pet insurance in Montreal, for example, will be no more expensive than Pet Insurance Toronto or BC pet insurance or Nova Scotia pet insurance — though the pets and their conditions themselves may differ significantly.
For example, basic pet insurance in Toronto generally starts at around $39 per month for a dog and $29 per month for a cat. But it might change based on the age, lifestyle of the pet, and other factors.
Sometimes, there are differences between rural, suburban and rural areas because pet ownership in different places comes with different risks. Cat insurance is, however, typically less expensive than insurance for dogs.
What does pet insurance cover in Quebec?
Pet insurance in Quebec covers a variety of accidents, sickness and longer-term conditions for your pet, whether it’s a cat, dog, bird, reptile or other. The availability of the treatments and the amount reimbursed will depend on your policy’s coverage.
Accident and illness coverage
If your pet has an accident or becomes unwell, most insurance policies will cover the costs of:
- X-rays
- Short stays for monitoring
- Emergency diagnosis
- Prescriptions
- Any surgery they may need
- MRI and other scans
- Chemotherapy
For example
Pushkin is a one-year-old German Shepherd who lives with Sophie, her owner. Sophie has got another 2 dogs and 2 cats, and that’s why she got multi-pet insurance in her native Montreal. While Sophie was at the dog park with her 3 dogs, Pushkin suddenly started acting strangely, wobbling around and looking disoriented. Worried that Pushkin may have eaten something toxic at the park, Sophie rushed her to the nearby animal hospital where Pushkin was diagnosed with a toxin ingestion. The vet told Sophie it was probably the end of a marijuana joint, a common issue in dog parks. Thankfully, Pushkin fully recovered.
The total bill at the animal hospital was $650, including a few tests and medicine. Sophie’s insurance covers 90% of the bill without a deductible, so she only ends up paying $65.
Preventative care coverage
Preventative medicine is always more effective (and cheaper in most pets’ lifetimes) than reactive medicine. However, only the best pet insurance in Quebec will cover these kinds of treatments, including:
- Annual examinations
- Vaccines
- Flea treatments
- Urinalysis and fecal analysis
- Parasitic treatment
Pet insurance does not typically cover routine trips to the vet, but some insurers offer wellness add-ons or separate policies that cover common, recurring tests and procedures.
Watch out!
Pet insurance providers almost never cover pre-existing conditions, which means it’s better to get insurance when your pet is young!
Is pet insurance worth it in Quebec?
The simple answer is yes, pet insurance is almost always worth it. If you have a young, healthy animal who will only need to see the vet for routine visits, then you might be well able to pay for these by putting aside some money from your paycheck.
However, many animals run into health problems at least once in their lifetime, and the vet bills in these cases can grow quickly.
Pet insurance becomes even more worthwhile if you have an older animal or one that is prone to health problems. In that case, you are unlikely to be able to save enough to pay for long-term care without suffering financial stress yourself.
Not having adequate protection can mean having to pay hefty, unexpected fees (that are difficult for any budget) or, in a worst-case scenario, not being able to pay for treatment for your pet at all.
Although the cost of treatments differs slightly from animal to animal, let’s have a look at some typical costs associated with healthcare for dogs, as an example:
| Veterinary services for an adult dog | Cost |
|---|---|
| Routine visit | $120 |
| Vaccines | $150 |
| Parasite prevention | $200 |
| Dental x-rays | $245 |
| Teeth cleaning | $531 |
| Tests and screening | $250 |
As you can see, the cost of routine visits and normal, preventative care is not negligible. If you imagine a situation, perhaps with an older pet, where routine care needs to be more frequent and health can suddenly deteriorate and cause other problems, you can see the need for more comprehensive insurance.
Meanwhile, a younger dog, from a relatively healthy breed might only need accident insurance to cover them if they are injured. Either way, it is better to have insurance you don't use than not to have insurance and need it!
Good to know
Pet insurance policies rarely cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s best to get insured before your pet runs into health problems.
Is there CAA Pet Insurance in Quebec?
If you are a member of CAA-Quebec then you might be eligible for the CAA pet insurance discount in Quebec. It may seem odd, but Quebec’s affiliate of the Canadian Automobile Association also offers pet insurance, though they focus primarily on car insurance and assistance.
If you’re already a CAA-Quebec member, it may be worth having a look. Keep in mind that it is always useful to compare policies to choose the best pet health insurance in Quebec for your four-legged family member.
Where to adopt a pet in Quebec?
Several institutions in Quebec have shelters where you can easily adopt an animal. The Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec (caacQ) groups adoption centres under one cruelty-free banner.
These adoption centres do not impose a time limit for adoption on their residents and offer sterilisation, and often even vaccination, as a part of their adoption process.
Good to know
In addition, almost every city in Quebec has an SPCA centre that you can adopt from. All you have to do is visit one of their shelters and bring all household members with you, including children, roommates and other dogs, to make sure it’s a match.
As a dog or cat owner, most cities in Quebec have certain rules you must abide by. These usually include:
- Having a valid pet license that can be renewed annually
- Ensuring your dogs or cats wear their tags
- Making sure your pets are neutered/spayed and microchipped
- Maintaining them on a leash in public spaces (except dog parks)
- Picking up your pet’s droppings and dispose of them appropriately
- When using dog parks, make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date
Expert advice
Puppies should not visit dog parks until their vaccination is complete, which is usually when they are 4 months old at the earliest. It is also important to treat them against parasites.
The rules for other pets, such as birds, rodents, rabbits or reptiles, are largely unregulated, but the owner or caretaker is always responsible for their animal’s actions.
What should I consider when choosing pet insurance in Quebec?
Pet owners in Quebec have many options when it comes to pet insurance to protect their animal family members and prevent an unpleasant financial shock.
Here are the main factors to consider when choosing the best pet insurance for you:
- Animal: Not all animals carry the same risks, so pet insurance differs from animal to animal. Larger animals tend to be more expensive to insure than smaller animals.
- Age: Generally, the younger the animal, the cheaper the premium and overall insurance will be. Also, an older animal is more likely to develop a health condition, and insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Breed: Some breeds are more expensive to insure than others. For example, dog insurance for Great Danes costs significantly more than cat insurance for an American Shorthair.
- Gender: Male animals are more expensive to insure than female animals. Also, spayed females have the lowest premiums in cats and dogs.
- Deductible: The higher the deductible, the cheaper the premium. However, keep in mind that your insurance will only reimburse your vet expenses after you’ve paid the deductible from your own pocket.
- Location: Where you live with your pet will influence how much you pay. Certain regions and environments carry more outdoor risks than others.
- Add-ons: You can purchase additional coverage such as wellness plans or preventive medicine, though these will increase the cost of your policy.
Compare the best pet insurance plans on the market!
