Pet Insurance Facts!

We cite all of our facts, so you know they're real.


Gastrointestinal distress is the main reason dogs go to the ER.

The average vet bill for treating gastrointestinal distress is $3,275.

Cancer is the #1 cause of dog deaths. 1 in 4 dogs will develop cancer in their lifetimes.

Every 6 seconds, a pet parent gets a bill for $3,000.

2 million dogs have insurance.

200,000 cats have insurance.

1 in 3 pets will need emergency veterinary treatment every year.

Medical costs are the biggest expense of having a dog.

95% of pet owners consider their pets family.

25% of all dogs will develop a cancerous growth.

Cancer is the leading cause of dog deaths.

80% of dogs over age three have active dental disease.

36% of American pet owners have gone into debt for their pet.

The average dog insurance policy costs less than $50 per month.

Vet costs for medical treatments have risen over 33% in the last 10 years.

6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Pets younger than 1 year are 2.5x more likely to submit a claim for an unexpected injury or illness.

57% of pet insurance customers submit claims in their first year.

  • United States Fire Insurance Company data (March 2019)

Medical advances have made many forms of dog cancer curable, but costs can exceed $25,000 for treatment.

Chemotherapy for tumors can cost between $6,000 - $10,000.

At just 37 weeks old, 98% of Yorkies will have periodontitis in one or more teeth.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs, found in 16% of the population. Hybrid breeds are most at risk, with 22% developing it.

Hip dysplasia can lead to the need to replace a dog’s hip, at a cost of $5,000 - $6,500.

Extracting even a single tooth can cost up to $1,000.

These exam fees add up quickly, and are ~10% of the overall cost of filed claims we see.

  • Pet insurance filings accessed via SERFF CA, June 2021. Internal company data.

Do you know puppies have vet costs 50% higher than 1 to 3 year old dogs?

  • Nationwide pet insurance filings accessed via SERFF CA, June 2021. Internal company data.

The cost of veterinary care has more than doubled in the past decade

4 out 5 pets will have a medical emergency in their lifetime.

  • Pets Best claims data 2015–3/31/2021 for unexpected medical care.

According to Dr. David Vail, a veterinary oncologist who's also a professor at the University of Wisconsin, an initial cancer diagnosis can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. A standard course of chemotherapy costs between $3,000 and $5,000, and radiation treatments used for brain and nasal tumors run between $6,000 and $10,000. Costs vary by region and the type of cancer, among other factors. Just as with humans, veterinarians are able to cure some types of cancers such as soft tissue sarcoma in dogs, at a cost of about $9,000 for the surgery and follow-up radiation treatments, according to Vail.

Cost Of ACL Surgery For Dogs In 2019: TPLO Surgery: $6350 USD. This cost includes anesthesia, pre and post operative X-Rays, four home visits post operation, and the initial physical therapy session. Orange County, California: TPLO Surgery: $4300 USD. Additional costs may apply, this total will include pre and post operation X-Rays, medication, two at home visits post surgery, and does not include physical therapy. (You can expect to pay $200.00 for the initial consultation and roughly $100.00 for follow-up therapy in this region).

Surgical pocket reduction will help clean out tartar in deep pockets and eliminate or reduce those pockets. This will make the area easier to clean and prevent infections from developing in the future. This may be called “flap surgery.” During this procedure, your dentist will clean the pocket carefully, removing tartar deposits after lifting up the gums to clean underneath them. The gums will then be sutured to fit more tightly around the tooth. This procedure typically costs between $1000 and $3000 without insurance.

Cost for a Medial Patella Luxation (MPL): The average cost of MPL repair at Colorado Canine Orthopedics is $2,180 (unilateral MPL) - $3,780 (bilateral MPL) for a small to medium sized dogs.

The price tag for IVDD surgery varies from $3000 to $8000 based on the city, state, or geographic area of the United States where the surgery is performed.

At present (2017), the average cost ranges from $5,600 to $6,000. This includes the examination, laboratory work, x-rays, hospitalization fees, antibiotics, anesthesia, surgical fees, special surgical drapes and the cost of the implants (which accounts for about 35% of the fee).

Breeds susceptible to cruciate ligament injuries.

Breeds susceptible to cancer.

Breeds susceptible to IVDD.

Breeds susceptible to patellar luxation.

Breeds susceptible to hip dysplasia.

Cockapoos are susceptible to patellar luxation.

Mixed breed dogs have a higher probability of ruptured cruciate ligament.

60% of Golden Retrievers will develop cancer in their lifetimes (a rate six times higher than Chihuahuas).

Notice for California Residents
Notice for Maine Residents

Insurance plans are underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113. Morristown, NJ), and produced and marketed by Algo Technologies, Inc. d/b/a Doggo (NPN # 19332914. 450 9th St. San Francisco CA 94103. California producer license number 626248). PTZ Insurance Agency Ltd. (NPN: 5328528. domiciled in Illinois with offices at 1208 Massillon Road, Suite G200, Akron, Ohio 44306) is responsible for administration and claims adjudication. (California residents only: PTZ Insurance Agency Ltd., d.b.a PIA Insurance Agency Ltd. CA license #0E36937).

Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms and conditions visit trydoggo.com/sample. Preventive Care coverage reimbursements are based on a schedule. Accident & illness coverage reimbursements are based on the invoice. Products, schedules, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change.

* Dog training service access at no additional cost is not available in all states. Currently not permitted in Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington.