Pet ownership in Canada has surged in recent years, with millions of households welcoming dogs, cats, and other animals into their families. According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute, over 60% of Canadian households owned a pet in 2024, with dogs and cats being the most popular. However, the rising cost of veterinary care—estimated at $3,999 annually for dogs and $2,796 for cats by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association—has made pet insurance a critical consideration for many pet owners. In 2025, finding the best pet insurance companies in Canada is essential to ensure your furry friends receive the care they need without breaking the bank.
Why Pet Insurance Matters in Canada
Veterinary care costs in Canada have risen significantly over the past decade, driven by advancements in medical technology and the increasing demand for specialized treatments. A single emergency vet visit can cost upwards of $1,000, while chronic conditions like cancer or hip dysplasia can lead to bills exceeding $10,000 over a pet’s lifetime. Pet insurance acts as a financial safety net, covering unexpected expenses such as accidents, illnesses, surgeries, and sometimes even preventive care.
Despite its benefits, pet insurance adoption remains low in Canada, with only 1.2% of pet owners insured, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). This gap highlights the need for greater awareness about the best pet insurance companies in Canada and the value they offer. Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, or a rural area, the right pet insurance plan can provide peace of mind, ensuring your pet gets the best care without straining your finances.
How We Selected the Best Pet Insurance Companies in Canada for 2025
To compile this list, we evaluated pet insurance providers based on several key criteria, drawing from industry data, customer reviews, and expert analyses:
- Coverage Options: We prioritized companies offering comprehensive accident and illness coverage, with additional points for wellness plans, alternative therapies, and coverage for hereditary conditions.
- Cost and Value: We compared average premiums, deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits to identify plans that balance affordability with robust coverage.
- Customer Experience: We considered customer reviews, claims processing speed, and the availability of features like direct vet payments and 24/7 support.
- Flexibility and Customization: Companies that allow policyholders to tailor deductibles, reimbursement rates, and coverage limits scored higher.
- Availability: We focused on providers available across most Canadian provinces, noting any regional restrictions.
Full List of Best Pet Insurance Companies in Canada for 2025
Below is the full list of best pet insurance companies in Canada for 2025, featuring top providers that cater to a variety of needs and budgets. Each company is evaluated based on its offerings, pricing, and customer feedback.
1. Trupanion Canada
Overview: Trupanion Canada is widely regarded as one of the best pet insurance companies in Canada, known for its comprehensive coverage and innovative features. Founded in 1998, Trupanion has insured nearly 1 million pets and paid out over $2 billion in claims, making it a trusted name in the industry.
Coverage:
- Accident and Illness: Covers 90% of eligible expenses for injuries, illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, and medications.
- Hereditary and Congenital Conditions: Includes conditions like hip dysplasia, which many providers exclude.
- Unique Features: Offers a lifetime per-condition deductible, meaning once you meet the deductible for a condition (e.g., allergies), it’s covered for life without resetting annually.
- Direct Vet Payment: Trupanion can pay veterinarians directly at checkout, eliminating the reimbursement wait time.
- No Payout Limits: Provides unlimited annual coverage, ensuring you’re never capped on claims.
Cost:
- Average monthly premiums range from $60 to $100 for dogs and $30 to $50 for cats, depending on breed, age, and location.
- Deductibles are customizable from $0 to $1,000, allowing you to adjust premiums to fit your budget.
Pros:
- High reimbursement rate (90%).
- No annual or lifetime payout limits.
- Direct vet payment option.
- Covers pets up to 14 years old at enrollment, with lifetime coverage thereafter.
Cons:
- Higher premiums compared to some competitors.
- No wellness plan for routine care like vaccinations.
Customer Feedback: Trupanion consistently receives high praise for its customer service and quick claims processing. Many pet owners appreciate the direct vet payment feature, which reduces financial stress during emergencies.
2. Fetch Canada (Formerly Petplan Canada)
Overview: With over 40 years of experience, Fetch Canada is a leading provider known for its comprehensive coverage and flexibility. It’s endorsed by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, reflecting its commitment to pet welfare.
Coverage:
- Accident and Illness: Includes emergency vet visits, surgeries, prescription medications, diagnostic tests, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.
- Dental Care: Covers injury and disease in every adult tooth, not just canines—a feature not all providers offer.
- Hereditary Conditions: Covers breed-specific conditions like kidney stones in Burmese cats.
- Travel Coverage: Valid across Canada and the U.S., with no restrictions on vet choice.
Cost:
- Average monthly premiums are around $50 for dogs and $30 for cats, based on $5,000 annual coverage with a $100 deductible and 80% reimbursement.
- Annual coverage limits range from $5,000 to $15,000, with reimbursement rates of 70% to 90%.
Pros:
- No upper age limit for enrollment.
- Comprehensive dental coverage.
- Covers alternative therapies and behavioral treatments.
- Optional wellness add-ons for routine care.
Cons:
- Not available in Quebec.
- Pets over six years old require a veterinary screening within 30 days of enrollment.
Customer Feedback: Fetch is praised for its inclusive coverage and ease of use, with many customers highlighting the ability to use any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Some users note that claims processing can take longer than expected.
3. Furkin Pet Insurance
Overview: Launched in 2021, Furkin is a newer player in the Canadian pet insurance market but has quickly gained popularity for its straightforward plans and added benefits. It’s designed by a team with over 20 years of combined experience.
Coverage:
- Accident and Illness: Covers up to 80% of vet fees for accidents, illnesses, cancer treatments, and respiratory infections.
- Additional Benefits: Includes lost pet advertising, boarding fees if you’re hospitalized, and 24/7 telehealth support.
- Annual Limit: Up to $20,000 per year, which renews annually as long as you remain enrolled.
Cost:
- Average premiums are approximately $40 for dogs and $25 for cats, with a choice of three deductible options.
- Claims must be submitted within 90 days of treatment.
Pros:
- Affordable premiums compared to competitors.
- Includes exam fees in coverage, saving $50–$250 per sick visit.
- Flexible deductibles to suit different budgets.
- No per-condition limits within the annual cap.
Cons:
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions.
- 180-day waiting period for cruciate ligament conditions.
Customer Feedback: Furkin is lauded for its transparency and customer service, with pet owners appreciating the educational approach of its agents. Many highlight the peace of mind provided by the $20,000 annual limit.
4. Petsecure Canada
Overview: Founded in 1989, Petsecure is a 100% Canadian-owned company and claims to be the #1 pet insurance provider in Canada. With 150 employees and bilingual services, it’s a well-established option for pet owners.
Coverage:
- Accident and Illness: Covers surgeries, diagnostic tests, medications, and hereditary conditions.
- Extra Benefits: Includes boarding kennel fees, holiday trip cancellation coverage, lost pet advertising, and burial services.
- Wellness Add-On: Covers routine care like dental cleanings, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering.
Cost:
- Average premiums are $39 for dogs and $29 for cats, though costs can increase with add-ons.
- Offers four plans with varying annual limits, typically ranging from $1,500 to $10,000.
Pros:
- Multi-pet discounts for insuring three or more pets.
- Comprehensive coverage with wellness options.
- Bilingual customer support.
Cons:
- 6-month waiting period for ligament and intervertebral disc injuries.
- Higher premiums for older pets.
Customer Feedback: Petsecure is well-regarded for its extensive coverage and additional benefits, though some customers note that the waiting periods for certain conditions can be a drawback.
5. Spot Canada
Overview: Spot Canada is known for its customizable plans and inclusive approach to pet age, making it a top choice for owners of older pets. It’s part of a global network committed to helping pets live longer, healthier lives.
Coverage:
- Accident and Illness: Covers diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, medications, and behavioral therapy.
- Customizable Plans: Offers over 100 combinations of deductibles, reimbursement rates (70%–100%), and annual limits (up to unlimited).
- Additional Perks: Provides a 5% discount for sharing your pet’s microchip information.
Cost:
- Average premiums are $93 for mixed-breed dogs and $117 for purebred dogs, higher than the industry average of $76 and $90, respectively.
- Offers a low $100 deductible option to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Pros:
- No age restrictions for enrollment.
- Full coverage option with 100% reimbursement.
- Covers microchip implantation and prescription food.
Cons:
- Higher-than-average premiums.
- No direct vet payment option.
Customer Feedback: Spot customers are highly satisfied with the claims process and the ability to customize plans, though some find the premiums expensive compared to other providers.
6. Pets Plus Us
Overview: A subsidiary of Pethealth Inc., Pets Plus Us is a newer entrant but has quickly become a favorite for its flexible plans and educational resources. It focuses on making the insurance process seamless for pet owners.
Coverage:
- Accident and Illness: Includes alternative therapies, behavioral treatments, and hereditary conditions.
- Wellness Add-On: Covers preventive care like dental care, microchipping, and spaying/neutering.
- Plan Options: Offers Accident and Illness or Accident-Only plans, with customizable deductibles and reimbursement rates.
Cost:
- Average premiums are around $50 for dogs and $30 for cats, depending on the plan.
- Reimbursement rates range from 70% to 90%.
Pros:
- Flexible coverage options.
- Educational resources for pet owners.
- Covers alternative therapies.
Cons:
- Limited annual coverage limits compared to competitors like Trupanion.
- Wellness plan is an add-on, increasing costs.
Customer Feedback: Pets Plus Us is appreciated for its flexibility and customer support, though some users wish for higher annual limits.
7. PHI Direct
Overview: PHI Direct focuses on budget-friendly pet insurance, offering new-condition coverage that keeps premiums low while providing essential protection for unexpected health issues.
Coverage:
- Accident and Illness: Covers new conditions for the first 12 months after diagnosis, up to $10,000 annually.
- Telehealth: Includes telehealth coverage as standard.
- Annual Limit: $5,000 or $10,000 options available.
Cost:
- Average premiums are $38.66 for dogs and $21.87 for cats—significantly lower than the industry averages of $78.41 and $40.73, respectively.
- Low $200 annual deductible.
Pros:
- Most affordable premiums on this list.
- Low deductible ensures faster payouts.
- Telehealth support included.
Cons:
- New-condition coverage means conditions are only covered for 12 months.
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions after the first year.
Customer Feedback: PHI Direct is a popular choice for budget-conscious pet owners, though some users note the limitation of new-condition coverage as a drawback for pets with chronic issues.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance Company for Your Needs
Selecting the right pet insurance provider depends on your pet’s specific needs, your budget, and your risk tolerance. Here are key factors to consider:
- Coverage Needs: If your pet is prone to hereditary conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia in Great Danes), choose a provider like Trupanion or Fetch that covers these conditions.
- Budget: For affordable options, PHI Direct and Furkin offer competitive premiums, while Trupanion and Spot provide more comprehensive coverage at a higher cost.
- Age of Pet: Spot and Fetch have no upper age limits, making them ideal for older pets, while most providers require enrollment before age 14.
- Claims Process: Trupanion’s direct vet payment feature is a game-changer for those who prefer not to wait for reimbursements.
- Additional Benefits: Look for extras like telehealth support (Furkin, PHI Direct) or wellness plans (Petsecure, Pets Plus Us) if you value preventive care.
Average Cost of Pet Insurance in Canada in 2025
According to a Forbes Advisor Canada analysis of 12 pet insurance providers, the average monthly cost of pet insurance in 2025 is approximately $76 for dogs and $40 for cats, based on $5,000 annual coverage with a $100 deductible and 80% reimbursement. However, costs vary widely based on several factors:
- Breed: Larger breeds or those prone to health issues (e.g., Great Danes) cost more to insure.
- Age: Older pets have higher premiums due to increased health risks.
- Location: Urban areas like Toronto and Vancouver have higher vet costs, which can increase premiums.
- Coverage Level: Plans with higher annual limits or lower deductibles are more expensive.
For example, Trupanion’s unlimited coverage plans can cost $100+ per month for a dog, while PHI Direct’s budget-friendly plans average $38.66.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It in Canada?
Pet insurance is a worthwhile investment for most Canadian pet owners, particularly given the high cost of veterinary care. A single surgery for a broken leg can cost $3,000–$5,000, and chronic conditions like cancer can lead to expenses exceeding $10,000 over a pet’s lifetime. With pet insurance, you can avoid making difficult decisions about your pet’s care due to financial constraints.
However, pet insurance may not be necessary if you have significant savings to cover emergency vet bills or if your pet is young and healthy with minimal risk of serious health issues. It’s also worth noting that pet insurance typically does not cover pre-existing conditions, so enrolling your pet early is key to maximizing coverage.
The best pet insurance companies in Canada for 2025 offer a range of options to suit different budgets and needs, from Trupanion’s unlimited coverage to PHI Direct’s budget-friendly plans. By choosing a provider that aligns with your pet’s health needs and your financial situation, you can ensure your furry friend receives the best care without the burden of unexpected vet bills. Review the full list of best pet insurance companies in Canada, compare quotes, and secure a plan today to give your pet the protection they deserve.
