Pet insurance can be a smart way for pet parents to prepare for the unexpected — from emergency surgeries to ongoing health conditions. But one of the first questions many people ask is, “How much does it actually cost?” The answer depends on several factors, including your pet’s breed, age, and coverage level. That said, to give you a starting point, the average cost of pet insurance for dogs in Canada is about $39 per month1.
In this guide, we’ll break down what influences the cost of pet insurance, what types of coverage are available, and how you can find a plan that fits both your budget and your pet’s needs.
What Affects Pet Insurance Prices?
Multiple factors can affect the premium you pay for pet insurance, including:
Pet breed: Some breeds are more prone to certain health issues than others. For example, GDV or gastric dilation volvulus is common in breeds like your Great Dane and German Shepherd. Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Boxers are said to be more prone to kidney problems. For such breeds, the insurance cost may be higher5,2.
Age of your pet: Just like people, young pets are usually less prone to illness, but as they age, the risk of injury or illness increases, and insurance prices increase.
Location: Certain locations, especially urban ones, tend to lead to average vet expenses, therefore increasing the amount you will have to pay in insurance, and vice versa.
Coverage type: You pay for the coverage you choose. For instance, coverage that includes only accidents will cost less than coverage that includes both accidents and illnesses. The premium will be higher if you opt for a preventive add-on as well.
Deductible and reimbursement rates: The deductible amount is the amount you pay, irrespective of the amount of your vet bill. After you pay that, the insurance company reimburses you for the pending amount based on the percentage you’ve opted for. A higher deductible amount and a lower reimbursement rate mean lower premium costs and vice versa.
Which dog breeds are the most expensive to insure?
The dog breed plays a very big role in determining the monthly premium amount. It is usually the larger dogs that cost more to insure. Here are some of the dog breeds that usually demand a higher premium than others –4
If you own one of these dogs, there is a high chance that you will have to pay a higher premium than others.
Which dog breeds are the cheapest to insure?
Some dog breeds are just low maintenance due to their overall lower risk of health and behavioral problems. They include –
Pomchi
Patterdale Terriers
If these dog breeds are low maintenance, should you even be getting pet insurance for them?
Is Pet Insurance for Dogs Worth it?
According to Rover, 45% of Canadian dog parents are concerned about the rising cost of pet care over their pet’s lifetime — and for good reason3. Veterinary service prices have gone up significantly in recent years, withroutine costs like office visits, preventatives, and vaccinations increasing by up to 50%3.
Beyond everyday care, unexpected illnesses or injuries can lead to major expenses. Here are some average costs of common treatments for pets6:
Cancer treatment - $4,000
Diabetes - $1,600-$2,900
Kidney disease - $1,318
Heart murmur - $1,140
Hernia - $700-$2,500
Urinary tract infection - $1,053
These numbers can feel overwhelming, especially when they come up unexpectedly. Dog insurance can help relieve some of that financial pressure by helping cover eligible veterinary costs, giving pet parents peace of mind and allowing them to focus on what matters most—getting their dog the care they need.
FAQs
Are mixed dog breeds cheaper to insure? Yes. Purebred dogs stand a higher chance of getting affected by genetic problems that can be costly to treat. So, if you have a small, spayed, female mixed-breed dog, your monthly insurance premium will be on the lower end7.
Which is the cheapest purebred dog to insure? A study found that English Springer Spaniels are the cheapest to insure, with a premium cost of around $33.56 per month. It may not be the case every time, though, as the quote can depend on various other factors7.
Which is the best insurance company for dogs? Spot Pet Insurance. Of course, we are going to mention our name there. But we say that because our extensive plans help cover things like alternate therapies, prescription diets, specialist vet visits, microchipping and much more.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!
Mostly a tech person, always a pet person. I am dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their humans with technology. Off-duty, I enjoy writing about the misbehaving of computer programs and my two Aussiedoodles, Calvin and Hobbes.
BrokerLink. “How Much Is Pet Insurance?” BrokerLink, 22 Mar. 2023, www.brokerlink.ca/blog/how-much-is-pet-insurance.
Chronic kidney disease in dogs. (n.d.). PDSA. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease-in-dogs
“Cost of Dog Parenthood in Canada | Rover.com.” The Dog People CA, 2025, www.rover.com/ca/blog/cost-of-dog-parenthood/.
Danise, A. (2023, March 27). 20 most expensive dog breeds to insure. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/most-expensive-dog-breeds/
Gastropexy | VCA Animal Hospitals. (n.d.). Vca. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gastropexy
How much does a vet visit cost? Average pricing by procedure. (2024, August 5). https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/costs/
Yale, A. (2023, February 3). Considering pet insurance? These are the cheapest dog breeds to insure. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cheapest-dog-breeds-to-insure/
