Why We Recommend Pet Insurance if You Live in California
Our four-legged friends have a knack for surfing into trouble. And in California, they don’t have to wade far to find it. Trouble can come from a crazy critter encounter, gnarly weather, and more.
We don’t have to tell you that California is a pricey place to live – and vet bills certainly follow suit. Having pet insurance ensures that you can afford to give your best friend the best care no matter the cost.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common claims from Californian pet parents:
Venomous Snakes
Several kinds of snakes call California home – many of which pose no threat – but rattlesnakes are a big exception. Easily agitated and possessing a deadly venom, they’re a slithery surprise your curious pet doesn’t want to find while exploring in the backyard.
Coyotes
Known to live in all areas of California, coyotes can be predatory and territorial in nature. They often hunt early in the morning and late in the evening when it’s harder to spot them.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes and other parasite-carrying bugs are common in California’s warm climate as it is just the type of weather these pests thrive in. Heartworms are frequently carried by mosquitoes so prevention should be used all year long.
Muscle Tears and Injuries
Californians are an active bunch! And it’s common for pets to tag along on the adventure – from mountain climbs to beach runs and paddle boarding to yoga. But dogs have their limits just as humans do, so it’s important to closely monitor activity.
Earthquakes
Living on the west coast really shakes things up – sometimes literally. Earthquakes can happen more than 10,000 times a year in California1, and that can pose risks to your pals, including injuries from falling objects.
Unlucky Great Dane has 3 Rattlesnake Run-ins
Even though Aragon’s pet parents had him trained in rattlesnake avoidance, they knew that their curious canine could still be at risk. Check out how Embrace helped these pet parents, from Jamul, California, get their dog the best care.
Vet Bill: $5,157.34
Embrace Reimbursed: $3,267.92
Discover the Details
Visit Any Veterinarian or Pet Hospital in California
No networks, no hassle. With Embrace Pet Insurance you can visit any general, specialist or emergency veterinarian in California, across the United States, or even around the globe. No matter what licensed vet you see, you’re covered.

I have NOTHING but good things to say about Embrace! The app made submitting claims a breeze and everyone I have been in contact with was extremely nice and helpful.
Chassie W. | Newport Beach, CA
How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in California?
Personalize a policy for your best bud (and budget) by picking your deductible, your annual maximum, and your reimbursement percentage. The cost of a pet insurance policy varies by breed, Zip Code, and a few additional factors.
Below are a few estimates to give you a better idea of what pet insurance might cost in California.
Species |
Breed |
Age |
Premium |
Dog |
Mixed Breed |
1 |
$30-$40 per month |
Dog |
Golden Retriever |
3 |
$35-$45 per month |
Dog |
Labrador Retriever |
5 |
$45-$55 per month |
Cat |
Domestic Shorthair |
3 |
$20-$25 per month |
Estimates based on quotes by Embrace Pet Insurance
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What All is Covered by Pet Insurance in California?
Embrace’s comprehensive pet insurance covers accidents, injuries, illnesses, and a whole lot of ruff stuff. (We even cover exam fees!) Get stoked and dig into all the doggone details of our coverage.
Accidents
Illness
Dental Illnesses
Specialty Care
Cancer
Chronic Conditions
Behavioral Therapy
Breed-specific
& Genetic Condition

Let me say that the peace of mind knowing that we are 90% of meds/procedure costs back is priceless for our 4-legged family member.
Sharon | La Habra, CA
What’s Not Covered?
While no pet insurance covers pre-existing conditions – Embrace included – we do distinguish between curable and incurable pre-existing conditions and cover curable conditions after your pet is symptom- and treatment-free for 12 months.
We also do not cover cosmetic procedures (declawing, ear cropping, tail docking, etc.), breeding and whelping, DNA testing, or cloning.
For routine and preventative care, we offer a flexible Wellness Rewards plan, which is the purrfect complement to your insurance policy.
Adventure Pup Runs into Misadventure
Kada, a Tamaskan dog from Weed, CA, tore her cranial cruciate ligament amongst other issues.
But her mom didn’t fret the vet bill because she was covered.
Vet Bill: $6,190.32
Embrace Reimbursed: $4,114.66
See Kada's Story

I was able to select a custom plan that fit my preferences in terms of my deductible, monthly premium, and maximum benefit... So many pets inevitably get sick, so it makes so much sense to get pet insurance!
Jamie W. | Irvine, CA
How Does Pet Insurance Work in California?
With Embrace, pet insurance is simple: Visit any vet, submit a claim, and we get to work reimbursing you.
We make the claims process so easy your pet could practically do it. Get an itemized invoice and the diagnosis from your vet. That's all you need when you submit your claim via your MyEmbrace Customer Account – because who has time to print and fax or snail mail? Voila. You’re done!
We even offer direct deposit so you can get reimbursed quicker.