Pet insurance for dogs and cats: peace of mind… at what cost?
Pet insurance for dogs and cats: peace of mind… at what cost?
As veterinary costs continue to climb, an increasing number of pet owners are turning to insurance for their dogs and cats. However, a survey by Protégez-Vous reveals that this peace of mind can come at a high price, and coverage options are sometimes difficult to compare. Monthly premiums range from $23 to $197 for a cat and from $35 to $540 for a dog.
To obtain these results, the organization contacted nine insurers, including Desjardins, CAA-Québec, Costco, and Trupanion, requesting over 120 online quotes for two fictional healthy cats and two dogs, covering all available plans (accident-only and accident-and-illness). The results revealed significant price differences and a wide variety of coverage, making direct comparisons challenging.
“For some families, insuring a dog can cost more than $1,200 per year,” explains journalist Jean-Luc Lavallée, author of the report. “This is an important factor to consider, especially since two policies that appear similar can cover very different situations.”
Beyond premiums, exclusions play a major role. Pre-existing conditions, hereditary illnesses, and low annual limits can greatly reduce the actual value of a policy. Frédéric Perron, editor-in-chief of Protégez-Vous, notes: “The true cost of insurance is not measured only by the monthly premium, but also by exclusions and coverage limits. It’s essential to know exactly what you are buying to avoid unpleasant surprises.”
Despite these considerations, veterinarians continue to strongly recommend pet insurance. It provides significant peace of mind and can sometimes save lives, as most costs are covered by the insurer in the event of an accident or illness. The full report includes a comparative chart of plans, practical tips for shopping around, and strategies to handle unexpected expenses.
The detailed results are now available on the Protégez-Vous website and will also be published in the March-April issue of the magazine, on newsstands from March 13th 2026. 
