Petco Pet Insurance Review 2025: An Honest Look
Our expert's opinion on Petco
Petco's pet insurance offering presents a straightforward two-tier approach for most U.S. pet owners: Major Medical (accident and illness) and Major Medical with Wellness (adds routine care benefits), with a Whole Pet plan referenced but not profiled in the available materials.
Coverage items such as emergency care, surgery, imaging, lab tests, specialist consultations, alternative medicine, and lifetime cover are included across the core plans, while reimbursement rates, annual limits, deductibles, and specific wellness budget amounts are determined on each policy's Declarations Page; compared with main competitors, Petco leans on a wellness add-on and age-and-breed tiered pricing strategy to differentiate on routine-care flexibility and competitive entry pricing for younger pets.
Best suited for owners of younger pets or those who want an optional wellness package plus lifetime illness coverage rather than maximum immediate payouts for chronic conditions.
Policies are underwritten and administered via DVM Insurance Agency, with a provider average rating of 3.2; marketplace feedback shows a Trustpilot score of 1.4/5 from 1,565 reviews that reflect retailer-level experiences, and customer-facing support features include a 24/7 veterinary helpline and listed contact points for claims and service.
- ✅Accident and illness coverage (Major Medical)
- ✅Optional wellness add-on for routine care
- ✅Lifetime cover for eligible conditions
- ✅24/7 veterinary helpline access
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, lab tests, specialists
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅Tiered pricing by age and breed
- ❌Reimbursement rates and limits set per policy declarations
- ❌12-month cruciate ligament/meniscal waiting period
- ❌Routine care only with wellness add-on
- ❌Pre-existing conditions excluded
- ❌Low Trustpilot score reflecting retailer-level complaints
Our expert's opinion on Petco
- ✅Accident and illness coverage (Major Medical)
- ✅Optional wellness add-on for routine care
- ✅Lifetime cover for eligible conditions
- ✅24/7 veterinary helpline access
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, lab tests, specialists
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅Tiered pricing by age and breed
- ❌Reimbursement rates and limits set per policy declarations
- ❌12-month cruciate ligament/meniscal waiting period
- ❌Routine care only with wellness add-on
- ❌Pre-existing conditions excluded
- ❌Low Trustpilot score reflecting retailer-level complaints
Score- ✅Accident and illness coverage (Major Medical)
- ✅Optional wellness add-on for routine care
- ✅Lifetime cover for eligible conditions
- ✅24/7 veterinary helpline access
- ✅Covers surgery, imaging, lab tests, specialists
- ✅Alternative medicine included
- ✅Tiered pricing by age and breed
Why trust Hellosafe?
At HelloSafe, our pet insurance experts review the terms and pricing of insurance policies available in the Canadian market each year, providing you with trustworthy and unbiased analysis.
Thanks to our careful approach, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us every month to help guide their most important financial decisions.
The Petco Guarantees
Petco offers a set of plans built around core major medical coverage, with an option that adds routine preventive care. The range includes a Major Medical plan focused on accidents and illnesses and a Major Medical with Wellness plan that combines the same core medical cover with routine care benefits; a Whole Pet option is also referenced as a distinct plan. Plan positioning ranges from a balanced core medical offering to an enhanced option that incorporates wellness services, while the Whole Pet option represents a broader configuration with details set at the policy level.
Coverage features center on accident and illness care, with consultations, surgery, imaging, and laboratory tests included under the core plans. Preventive services such as vaccinations, parasite treatments, and certain routine procedures are available when the Wellness endorsement is selected. Deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit are configurable elements tied to each individual policy and determine how much is reimbursed after eligible expenses.
Waiting periods apply to new coverages, with a specific 12‑month restriction for cruciate ligament or meniscal damage under certain terms. Lifetime cover is available across the plans, while boarding fees are excluded. Alternative therapies are acknowledged as covered under specified conditions in the core plans, and specialist consultations are included.
Plans are issued through regulated insurance structures; financial parameters (exact reimbursement percentages, annual limits, and deductibles) are set on the policy declarations for each contract. Strengths include a clear Major Medical core, an available Wellness enhancement for routine care, and inclusion of specialist services and alternative medicine options under defined terms. Limitations include conditions and procedures that are excluded from routine cover, and operational details that vary by individual policy configuration.
| Major Medical | Major Medical with Wellness | Whole Pet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan positioning | Balanced (core accident & illness coverage) | Enhanced (major medical + routine wellness) | Premium (broader configuration; specifics set per policy) |
| Type of coverage (accident/illness/both) | Accident & Illness | Accident & Illness + Wellness | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Animals covered (dogs, cats, other) | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats |
| Reimbursement rate | Stated on Declarations Page | Stated on Declarations Page | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Annual reimbursement limit | Stated on Declarations Page | Stated on Declarations Page | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Deductible (annual or per claim) | Stated on Declarations Page | Stated on Declarations Page | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Age limits for enrollment | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Pre-enrollment health questionnaire | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Waiting periods (accident / illness) | Stated on Declarations Page (12‑month specific restriction for cruciate/meniscal damage) | Stated on Declarations Page (12‑month specific restriction for cruciate/meniscal damage) | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Lifetime coverage | Yes | Yes | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Consultations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medications | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hospitalization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surgery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diagnostic tests (imaging, lab) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dental care (cleaning, procedures) | No (dental cleaning excluded) | Yes (dental cleaning included) | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Preventive care (vaccines, parasite control) | No | Yes (vaccinations, parasite treatment listed) | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Alternative medicine | Yes (under specified terms) | Yes (under specified terms) | Stated on Declarations Page |
| Travel coverage | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Civil liability | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Euthanasia | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Death & cremation coverage | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Theft or loss + search expenses | N.C. | N.C. | N.C. |
| Boarding fees | No | No | No |
Petco’s policies include standard exclusions typical of major medical pet insurance. Pre-existing conditions are excluded, and a specific waiting period applies to cruciate ligament and meniscal damage. Breeding-related care, cosmetic or elective procedures (such as dewclaw removal, ear cropping, tail docking), and training services are not covered. Dental procedures of an elective or cosmetic nature are excluded unless specifically covered by the Wellness configuration.
Other common exclusions and limits include non-medical items (boarding for non-medical reasons, grooming, toys, bedding), prescription and over-the-counter diets and supplements, experimental treatments, and treatments involving illegal substances. Costs such as administrative fees, taxes, waste disposal, and fees associated with non-veterinary services are not reimbursed. Major-event exclusions (pandemics, war, nuclear contamination) apply under policy terms.
Key limitations for buyers to note are that reimbursement rates, annual limits, deductibles, and precise waiting periods are set on each policy’s declarations page and therefore vary by contract; preventive cover is only included when the Wellness endorsement is selected; and routine hygiene services and many preventative items are excluded unless the policy explicitly states otherwise. Policyholders should review their declarations for the exact financial parameters and any specific endorsements that modify standard coverage.
Petco Exclusions
Petco’s exclusions center on clear medical boundaries: pre‑existing conditions are not covered, and there is a strict 12‑month exclusion for cruciate ligament or meniscal damage that blocks diagnosis or treatment occurring in the first year of coverage.
Breeding‑related care and elective cosmetic procedures (such as declawing, ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal except when medically necessary or preventive) are explicitly excluded, narrowing coverage for reproductive and elective interventions.
Nutritional items and routine consumables are excluded—most food, treats, and non‑prescription diets are not covered—while experimental or investigational treatments and membership or wellness plan fees are also carved out.
Non‑medical costs (boarding, transportation, grooming, bedding, crates, toys, collars), owner‑caused incidents, training, treatments involving illegal substances (for example cannabis), and major events like war or nuclear release are additional notable exclusions that set clear expectations for policy limits.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical exclusions | Pre‑existing conditions: any condition that manifested up to 12 months before the policy effective date or during waiting periods; experimental or investigational treatments; conditions in very young animals or other policy‑specified age limits where applicable. |
| Orthopedic-specific exclusions | Diagnosis or treatment of cruciate ligament or meniscal damage occurring during the first 12 months of coverage (12‑month waiting period applies). |
| Breeding & cosmetic exclusions | Any diagnosis, treatment, tests, or procedures associated with breeding, pregnancy, whelping, or nursing; elective cosmetic surgeries including declawing, ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal except when medically necessary or preventive. |
| Behavioral & training exclusions | Pet obedience training and other training costs; behavioral modification programs are excluded (diagnostic consultations may be treated separately under policy terms). |
| Food & dietary exclusions | All food and treats other than qualifying prescription pet food; over‑the‑counter therapeutic diets and raw diets are excluded. |
| Non-medical & general exclusions | Boarding, transportation, grooming services (nail trims, shampoos), bedding, crates, toys, collars, and similar non‑veterinary supplies. |
| Administrative & non-veterinary fees | Waste disposal, record access fees, taxes, bank/credit card charges, and fees for veterinary wellness clubs or similar memberships. |
| Illegal substances & investigational | Treatments involving substances illegal under federal or state law (e.g., cannabis) and procedures that fall outside standard veterinary care. |
| Major events & external causes | Conditions caused by war, rebellion, or release of nuclear radiation and other large‑scale external events. |
Petco Prices
Petco’s pricing sits broadly in the mid-range of the market: base Major Medical premiums are positioned to cover comprehensive accident and illness benefits at accessible monthly rates, while the Major Medical with Wellness option reflects a clear uplift to include routine preventive care.
The Whole Pet column, where available, often aligns with higher-tier pricing for owners seeking broader lifetime benefits, which positions Petco between entry-level, no-frills offerings and full-premium plans from legacy insurers. Reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual coverage limits are the main levers that determine value for price, and customers can typically balance monthly cost against out‑of‑pocket exposure by adjusting those settings at purchase. Petco’s inclusion of features such as 24/7 virtual vet access, lifetime cover options, and integrated wellness packages can justify slightly higher premiums versus basic products, while digital enrollment and telehealth capabilities help contain administrative costs and improve accessibility. Compared with more traditional players that carry higher legacy overheads or rely on brokered distribution, Petco’s model emphasizes bundled wellness and digital services as key differentiators without moving fully into the top‑tier premium segment.
To help you find the best match between your needs and budget, compare the monthly estimated prices below.
| Profile of the animal | Major Medical | Major Medical with Wellness | Whole Pet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Labrador 1 year | $56.99 | $80.59 | $81.26 |
| Dog Labrador 3 years | $63.26 | $86.26 | $91.09 |
| Dog Labrador 7 years | $123.10 | $146.70 | N.C. |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 1 year | $38.23 | $59.25 | $61.83 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 3 years | $42.43 | $66.03 | $67.07 |
| Dog Australian Shepherd 7 years | $87.57 | $106.17 | N.C. |
| Dog French Bulldog 1 year | $56.72 | $80.32 | $101.75 |
| Dog French Bulldog 3 years | $62.96 | $86.56 | $121.20 |
| Dog French Bulldog 7 years | $122.52 | $146.12 | N.C. |
| Cat European Shorthair 1 year | $24.59 | $48.19 | $42.66 |
| Cat European Shorthair 3 years | $25.08 | $48.68 | $53.52 |
| Cat European Shorthair 7 years | $47.45 | $71.05 | $81.37 |
| Cat Maine Coon 1 year | $27.87 | $51.47 | $40.03 |
| Cat Maine Coon 3 years | $28.43 | $52.03 | $50.23 |
| Cat Maine Coon 7 years | $53.80 | $77.40 | $76.37 |
| Cat British Shorthair 1 year | $25.18 | $48.78 | $44.04 |
| Cat British Shorthair 3 years | $25.68 | $49.28 | $55.26 |
| Cat British Shorthair 7 years | $48.60 | $72.28 | $84.02 |
Petco Promo Codes
| Petco Promo Codes | Details |
|---|---|
| HelloSafe Promo Code | -5% on your quote |
Note: Promo codes are subject to change. For the latest offers, check our comparison of the best pet insurance providers.
How much will you be reimbursed with Petco?
Petco reimburses eligible veterinary expenses after your annual deductible is applied: the insurer pays a percentage of the remaining eligible charges under the Major Medical with Wellness configuration, while routine wellness services are reimbursed through the wellness benefit. For these examples we use a Major Medical with Wellness scenario with an 80% reimbursement rate for accidents & illness, 100% reimbursement for covered wellness items, and a $250 annual deductible.
✅ Example 1: Emergency cruciate ligament repair (surgery + hospitalization + meds)
- Total vet costs: $4,500.00
- Deductible amount to subtract: $250.00
- Reimbursable amount after deductible with the Major Medical with Wellness plan: $4,500.00 – $250.00 = $4,250.00
- 80% of that amount reimbursed: $4,250.00 × 80% = $3,400.00
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $3,400.00.
ℹ️ *The annual deductible applies once per policy year; the remaining out‑of‑pocket ($1,100.00) includes the deductible plus the insurer’s coinsurance share (20% in this example) and reimbursements reduce your available annual coverage.*
✅ Example 2: Specialist consultation, bloodwork and imaging for chronic ear disease
- Total vet costs: $1,600.00
- Deductible amount to subtract: $0.00 (deductible already met earlier in the policy year)
- Amount reimbursable with the Major Medical with Wellness plan at 80%: $1,600.00 × 80% = $1,280.00
- Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $320.00
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $1,280.00.
ℹ️ *Once the deductible has been satisfied, eligible bills are reimbursed immediately at the plan’s percentage and all paid amounts count toward the plan’s annual limit.*
✅ Example 3: Annual wellness visit (routine exam, vaccinations, dental cleaning)
- Total vet costs: $240.00 (routine exam $80.00 + vaccinations $60.00 + dental cleaning $100.00)
- Deductible amount to subtract: $0.00 (wellness benefits are handled separately)
- Amount reimbursable under the Wellness benefit at 100%: $80.00 + $60.00 + $100.00 = $240.00
- Remaining out-of-pocket cost: $0.00
👉 You receive a reimbursement of $240.00.
ℹ️ *Wellness reimbursements are paid at 100% for covered services up to the plan’s wellness caps; check your declarations for per‑service or annual wellness limits.*
Petco Assistance
Petco’s assistance package includes a 24/7 veterinary helpline that allows policyholders to talk, text, or chat with veterinary experts for triage and urgent advice, which is especially valuable outside clinic hours.
Wellness integration with some plans supports routine care management and can reduce administrative friction for preventive services when enrolled.
There is no prominent advance‑payment or third‑party clinic billing solution highlighted, which can leave owners facing upfront costs at emergency visits.
Mobile app capabilities, paperless claim handling, and a formal partner clinic network are not emphasized as core assistance features for policyholders.
| Assistance Petco | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Advance payment | ❌ | N.C. |
| Payment facilities | ❌ | N.C. |
| Mobile app | ❌ | N.C. |
| Paperless claims process | ❌ | N.C. |
| Emergency vet service | ✅ | 24/7 vet helpline available. Talk, text, or chat with a veterinary expert for triage and urgent guidance. |
| Vet/clinic partner network | ❌ | N.C. |
| Coverage abroad | ❌ | N.C. |
Customer reviews on Petco
| Review platform | Rating and number of reviews |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 (1,565 reviews) |
Positive aspects: It is not possible to identify frequently mentioned positive aspects specific to Petco pet insurance from public review listings tied to the brand.
Main concerns: Likewise, there are no clearly identifiable recurring complaints or limitations specifically about Petco pet insurance available from platform reviews.
Contact Petco
| Petco Customer Service | Details |
|---|---|
| To get a quote or subscribe online | You can use the HelloSafe pet insurance comparison tool, choose the plan that suits you, and click to get a quote. For additional assistance with enrollment or product questions, contact the administrator at 1-800-540-2016. |
| To request and track a reimbursement | Contact the plan administrator (DVM Insurance Agency) by phone at 1-800-540-2016 or by postal mail to obtain claim submission instructions. Follow the administrator’s directions to submit any required claim form and supporting documents. Exact required documents, claim deadlines, and submission channels are N.C. Reimbursements are paid to the policyholder in accordance with the policy Declarations Page; timing and payment method are N.C. |
| To obtain a certificate of insurance | Request a certificate by contacting DVM Insurance Agency by phone (1-800-540-2016) or by postal mail; provide identifying information such as your policyholder name and policy number to facilitate the request. The administrator will advise available delivery channels and any additional information required. Processing time and specific documentation requirements are N.C. |
| To contact assistance | Phone: 1-800-540-2016 or 1-714-989-0555. Postal mail: DVM Insurance Agency, 1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821. Vet helpline: 24/7 access — talk, text or chat with a veterinary expert at the vet helpline. Email address, online portal contact details, and live chat hours are N.C. |
| To cancel my policy | To cancel, contact the administrator by phone or send a written cancellation request to DVM Insurance Agency at 1800 E. Imperial Highway, Suite 145, Brea, CA 92821. Provide your policyholder name, policy number, and desired cancellation date when requesting cancellation. Refunds or prorated premium handling are managed per the policy terms and Declarations Page; specific notice periods and refund rules are N.C. |
FAQ
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petco?
Most Petco plans operate on a reimbursement basis: you typically pay the veterinarian at the time of service and then file a claim for reimbursement.
Save the itemized invoice and medical records from the clinic to submit with your claim.
Reimbursement is processed according to your policy’s deductible, coinsurance and annual limit as shown on your Declarations Page.
Contact DVM Insurance Agency or your Petco claims contact to confirm available electronic submission methods or any direct‑billing arrangements that may apply.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petco?
To cancel, call DVM Insurance Agency at the customer service numbers provided for Petco insurance and request policy termination.
Be ready to provide your policy number, pet’s name, and the effective date you want for cancellation.
The representative will confirm the cancellation effective date and explain any prorated refund or outstanding premium due.
If the insurer requires written confirmation, follow their instructions and keep proof of the cancellation for your records.
What waiting periods apply before I can claim for accidents or illnesses?
Waiting periods vary by plan and are specified on your policy’s Declarations Page, so check those dates when enrolling.
Generally, shorter waits apply for accidents and longer waits for illnesses; Petco applies a 12‑month waiting rule for cruciate ligament or meniscal damage.
A condition that appears during a waiting period will typically be excluded from coverage.
Schedule non‑urgent care outside the waiting period when possible and confirm exact effective dates at purchase.
How do reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual limits work?
Your reimbursement percentage, deductible structure, and annual limit are chosen at purchase and are listed on the Declarations Page.
After your deductible is met, the insurer pays the agreed percentage of eligible veterinary expenses, up to the annual cap.
Lower deductibles and higher reimbursement percentages increase premiums, while higher limits reduce the risk of out‑of‑pocket costs.
Review how these three levers interact so you understand typical claim outcomes before selecting a plan.
What are the main exclusions I should be aware of?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded, including conditions with signs or treatment before your policy effective date or during waiting periods.
Routine preventive care, breeding and cosmetic procedures are not covered unless you have a wellness add‑on that specifically includes them.
Experimental treatments, illegal‑substance treatments, and costs from war or radiation events are excluded.
Note condition‑specific exclusions such as the cruciate/meniscal waiting rule and any breed‑specific or hereditary limitations listed in your policy.
Do I have to pay upfront for veterinary fees with Petco?
Most Petco plans operate on a reimbursement basis: you typically pay the veterinarian at the time of service and then file a claim for reimbursement.
Save the itemized invoice and medical records from the clinic to submit with your claim.
Reimbursement is processed according to your policy’s deductible, coinsurance and annual limit as shown on your Declarations Page.
Contact DVM Insurance Agency or your Petco claims contact to confirm available electronic submission methods or any direct‑billing arrangements that may apply.
How do I cancel my pet insurance policy with Petco?
To cancel, call DVM Insurance Agency at the customer service numbers provided for Petco insurance and request policy termination.
Be ready to provide your policy number, pet’s name, and the effective date you want for cancellation.
The representative will confirm the cancellation effective date and explain any prorated refund or outstanding premium due.
If the insurer requires written confirmation, follow their instructions and keep proof of the cancellation for your records.
What waiting periods apply before I can claim for accidents or illnesses?
Waiting periods vary by plan and are specified on your policy’s Declarations Page, so check those dates when enrolling.
Generally, shorter waits apply for accidents and longer waits for illnesses; Petco applies a 12‑month waiting rule for cruciate ligament or meniscal damage.
A condition that appears during a waiting period will typically be excluded from coverage.
Schedule non‑urgent care outside the waiting period when possible and confirm exact effective dates at purchase.
How do reimbursement rates, deductibles, and annual limits work?
Your reimbursement percentage, deductible structure, and annual limit are chosen at purchase and are listed on the Declarations Page.
After your deductible is met, the insurer pays the agreed percentage of eligible veterinary expenses, up to the annual cap.
Lower deductibles and higher reimbursement percentages increase premiums, while higher limits reduce the risk of out‑of‑pocket costs.
Review how these three levers interact so you understand typical claim outcomes before selecting a plan.
What are the main exclusions I should be aware of?
Pre‑existing conditions are excluded, including conditions with signs or treatment before your policy effective date or during waiting periods.
Routine preventive care, breeding and cosmetic procedures are not covered unless you have a wellness add‑on that specifically includes them.
Experimental treatments, illegal‑substance treatments, and costs from war or radiation events are excluded.
Note condition‑specific exclusions such as the cruciate/meniscal waiting rule and any breed‑specific or hereditary limitations listed in your policy.
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