What California throws at your pet
There are risks to living anywhere, even in the Golden State.
Reimbursement Rate
Foxtails
Barbed grass seeds burrow into paws, ears, and noses in the spring and summer – often needing vet attention.
Reimbursement Rate
Rattlesnakes
Bites on trails and in backyards can mean emergency antivenom and a hospital stay.
Reimbursement Rate
Wildfire smoke
Poor air quality triggers respiratory and eye issues, especially in late summer and fall.
Reimbursement Rate
Valley Fever
Dogs can contract this fungal infection in California’s Central Valley and other areas where the fungus lives in soil.
Example city | Average monthly premium³ |
|---|---|
Palo Alto | $40 |
Santa Monica | $70 |
San Diego | $50 |
Los Angeles | $50 |
How much does pet insurance cost in California?
From
$51
/mo² for dogs
There's no single price. What you pay depends on:
Your pet's age, breed, and species – older pets and some breeds cost more to insure
Where you live – vet prices in LA and the Bay Area run higher than inland
The plan you build – your annual limit, annual deductible and reimbursement rate

*Every purchase includes a $2 transaction fee
Accidents & illnesses
Dental illness treatments
Prescription medicines
Advanced care (stem cell)
Emergencies & hospitalization
Sick visit exam fees
Alternative therapies
Eye & ear infections
Behavioral issues
Hereditary & congenital conditions
Cancer & growths
Prescription food & supplements⁴
The most common claims in California, covered
Most claims are for digestive issues, allergies, swallowed objects, and skin conditions – plus, in California, wildfire smoke and valley fever. Pumpkin's accident & illness coverage can help.
The best time to enroll is now.
Pumpkin plans feature key benefits that other providers exclude or charge extra for – including dental illness care. Pre-existing conditions are not covered though, so it pays to enroll your pet young and (hopefully) healthy.
What California pets can expect from Pumpkin
No upper age or breed restrictions
Enroll any breed from 8 weeks and up.
Any vet, anywhere
Visit any licensed vet, specialist, or ER in the US and Canada.
Up to 90% back
Choose an 80% or 90% reimbursement rate for eligible vet bills.
More pets, more savings
Get up to 10% off a Pumpkin plan for each additional pet you enroll.⁵
Fiona
$2,734 paid in 8 minutes
“We didn't have to stress about the cost. Pumpkin took the financial aspect off the table while we dealt with the gut-wrenching experience of seeing our helpless baby girl in pain.”
– Linette, Fiona's parent⁶

Bandit
$1,263 paid in 13 minutes
“Bandit needed emergency care, which isn't always affordable. We rushed him to urgent care to get him the gold standard, knowing Pumpkin would also take care of us.”
- Katie, Bandit's parent⁶

Teddy
$4,043 paid in 11 minutes
"Teddy is just the best boy. I am so thankful for PumpkinNow – because of it, he was able to have his surgery right away. And the claim was done super fast."
– Brenda, Teddy’s parent⁶

Real claims covered by Pumpkin
Love from parents up and down the state
Does pet insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
No pet insurer covers pre-existing conditions, including Pumpkin – that's true nationwide, not just here. That's exactly why it pays to enroll your pet while they're young and healthy, before anything comes up.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans cover diagnostics, treatment, surgery, and prescriptions for new injuries and illnesses. That includes common claims like digestive issues, allergies, swallowed objects, and skin conditions, as well as hereditary and dental conditions.
Where does pet insurance work?
Anywhere. With Pumpkin you can use any licensed vet, specialist, or emergency clinic in California – or anywhere else in the US and Canada. There are no networks and no in-network or out-of-network providers to worry about.
How much does pet insurance cost in California?
The cost of a Pumpkin pet insurance plan varies by your pet's age, breed, species, home zip code, and the plan you build. You can adjust your deductible, annual limit, and reimbursement rate to fit your budget. Get a free quote.
Is pet insurance worth it in California?
For many California pet parents, yes. The state has some of the highest veterinary costs in the country, plus year-round outdoor risks like foxtails and rattlesnakes. If a surprise four-figure vet bill would be hard to cover, a plan that pays back up to 90% can be well worth it.
What does pet insurance cover?
Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans cover diagnostics, treatment, surgery, and prescriptions for new injuries and illnesses. That includes common claims like digestive issues, allergies, swallowed objects, and skin conditions, as well as hereditary and dental conditions.
FAQs





