Numerous factors come into play when assessing the cost of home insurance, from the age of the house to its location and the homeowners credit score. However, pet ownership is often overlooked, particularly when that pet is a dog. Owning a dog brings joy and companionship but can also bring unexpected financial considerations, particularly regarding home insurance costs. As a dog owner, its important to be aware that insurance providers may adjust premiums based on the presence of a pet in your household.
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Let’s face it – we love our furry friends, but our insurance companies might not share the same enthusiasm. As a dog owner myself, I was shocked when I discovered how my four-legged buddy could impact my homeowners insurance premiums.
If you’re wondering “does owning a dog increase your homeowners insurance?” – the short answer is yes, it often does But there’s much more to the story that every pet parent needs to understand
How Dogs Impact Your Homeowners Insurance in 2025
Your beloved pooch can absolutely affect your homeowners insurance in several important ways:
- Higher premiums – Adding a dog to your policy typically increases your monthly costs
- Coverage restrictions – Some breeds face serious limitations or outright exclusion
- Liability concerns – Dog bites represent a significant portion of homeowners insurance claims
According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 1/3 of all home insurance claims come from dog bites, with insurers paying over $500 million in dog bite claims in a single year The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that nearly 350,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal dog-related injuries in 2017
These statistics explain why insurance companies pay close attention to your pets when determining your coverage and rates.
Do You Have to Add Your Dog to Your Homeowners Insurance?
Absolutely yes! You must add your dog to your homeowners insurance if you want coverage for potential incidents. Being transparent about pet ownership is crucial for several reasons:
- If you don’t disclose your dog and it bites someone, your claim will likely be denied
- Your entire policy could potentially be canceled for non-disclosure
- You’ll be personally responsible for all medical and legal expenses without coverage
Most insurance companies will ask about pets during the application process. If you adopt a dog after purchasing your policy, you need to inform your insurer immediately to maintain proper coverage.
How Much Does Adding a Dog to Your Homeowners Insurance Cost?
The cost of adding your dog to your homeowners insurance varies widely depending on several factors:
- Your state of residence
- Your dog’s breed
- Your insurance provider
- Your claim history
Based on data from 2025, the monthly cost to add a dog to your homeowners insurance ranges from as low as $25 in states like Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah, and Washington to as high as $50 in states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the costs in some states:
| State | Monthly Home Insurance Cost | Cost to Add Dog | Breed Discrimination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $150 | $50 | Allowed |
| California | $110 | $30 | Not Allowed |
| Texas | $140 | $50 | Allowed |
| New York | $120 | $40 | Not Allowed |
| Michigan | $95 | $35 | Allowed |
Dog Breeds Insurance Companies Consider High-Risk in 2025
Insurance companies maintain lists of dog breeds they consider high-risk. These breeds often face restrictions or may be blacklisted entirely. The most commonly restricted breeds include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Doberman Pinschers
- Chow Chows
- Akitas
- Wolf Hybrids
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
- Mastiffs
- Great Danes
- Staffordshire Terriers
Why are these breeds singled out? According to Dr. Courtnye Jackson, a veterinarian cited by Business Insider, “Any dog breed can be aggressive.” However, insurance companies focus on these breeds because of their physical strength and the potential severity of injuries if they do bite – not necessarily because they bite more frequently.
States That Ban Breed Discrimination in Homeowners Insurance
Good news for owners of restricted breeds – some states have taken action to protect all dogs regardless of breed. As of 2025, several states have banned breed-specific discrimination in homeowners insurance:
- Alaska
- California
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan (partially)
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
If you live in one of these states, insurers cannot deny you coverage based solely on your dog’s breed. They must evaluate dogs on an individual basis rather than make blanket exclusions.
What’s Covered When You Add Your Dog to Your Policy
When you add your dog to your homeowners insurance policy, here’s what’s typically covered:
Personal Liability
If someone files a lawsuit against you because your dog bit them, your homeowners policy’s personal liability coverage will help pay for:
- Legal defense costs
- Court-ordered judgments
- Settlements
Medical Payments
If your dog injures someone, your policy can help cover:
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor’s appointments
- Surgeries or procedures
- Medications
- Other medical expenses
Most policies provide liability coverage limits between $100,000 and $300,000, including for dog-related incidents.
What’s NOT Covered by Your Dog Insurance
It’s equally important to understand what isn’t covered when you add your dog to your homeowners policy:
- Damage to your own property – If your dog chews through your drywall or destroys your furniture, homeowners insurance won’t cover it
- Injuries to you or family members – Your policy only covers injuries to others, not household residents
- Certain breeds – If your dog is on the restricted list, your insurer may deny coverage
- Previous bite history – Dogs with a history of aggression may be excluded
Dog-Friendly Insurance Companies in 2025
Not all insurance companies view dogs the same way. Some are more accommodating than others when it comes to covering all breeds. Based on the most recent information, these companies are known to be more pet-friendly:
- State Farm
- USAA (for military families)
- Nationwide
- Chubb
- NJM
State Farm, in particular, stands out for evaluating dogs on an individual basis rather than making blanket exclusions based on breed.
How to Save on Homeowners Insurance if You Own a Dog
Owning a dog doesn’t have to break the bank when it comes to insurance. Here are some strategies to keep your costs down:
- Shop around – Different insurers have different policies regarding dogs
- Complete obedience training – Some companies offer discounts for certified training
- Consider a separate canine liability policy – This can be cheaper than increasing your homeowners coverage
- Get the Canine Good Citizen certification – This AKC program may help reduce your premiums
- Maintain a clean claim history – Avoiding claims helps keep your rates down
- Increase your deductible – This lowers your premium but means you’ll pay more out of pocket for claims
- Bundle policies – Combining home and auto insurance often leads to discounts
What to Do if Your Dog’s Breed is Restricted
If you own a restricted breed, don’t panic! You still have options:
Option 1: Find a Pet-Friendly Insurance Company
As mentioned above, some companies are more accepting of all breeds. An independent insurance agent can help you find the right fit.
Option 2: Canine Liability Insurance
This specialized insurance specifically covers dog-related incidents and is available for all breeds, even those on restricted lists.
Option 3: Umbrella Insurance
An umbrella policy provides additional liability coverage beyond your standard homeowners policy and typically doesn’t have breed restrictions.
Preventing Dog Bites and Insurance Claims
The best way to keep your insurance costs down is to prevent incidents in the first place. Here are some essential tips for responsible dog ownership:
- Proper training – Socialize your dog and teach basic commands
- Regular exercise – A tired dog is less likely to be aggressive
- Supervision – Always monitor interactions with children and strangers
- Spaying/neutering – This can reduce aggression in many dogs
- Health care – Regular vet visits help identify and address behavioral issues
- Know your dog’s body language – Learn to recognize signs of stress or fear
Final Thoughts: Be Honest and Proactive
When it comes to dogs and homeowners insurance, honesty is always the best policy. Being upfront about your furry family member might increase your premium slightly, but it ensures you’re properly covered if something unexpected happens.
Don’t wait until after an incident to discover your policy doesn’t cover your pet. Take the time now to review your coverage, understand your options, and make sure both your home and your beloved dog are properly protected.
Remember – while certain breeds may face restrictions, every dog deserves a loving home and proper insurance protection. With the right approach, you can find coverage that works for both your budget and your four-legged friend.
Impact of Dog Ownership on Home Insurance Costs
While owning a dog brings joy and companionship, itâs important to understand how it may lead to higher home insurance costs due to increased liability risks.
Understanding Insurance Rate Increases
Insurance companies assess potential liability risks when introducing a dog into your home. A primary concern for insurers is the possibility of dog bites, which can lead to costly liability claims. Historically, claims related to dog bites have been significant enough to influence insurance premiums.
Factors Contributing to Higher Premiums
Insurance premiums may rise for dog owners for several reasons:
- Liability coverage: If your dog causes injury or property damage, this can lead to a claim against your homeowners insurance policy.
- Claim history: Previous incidents or claims related to your dog can signal higher risk to insurers, increasing rates.
- Breed-specific legislation: Certain local laws might mandate higher coverage limits for specific dog breeds, impacting your policy cost.
The likelihood and cost of claims due to dog-related incidents directly affect your insurance rate.
How Dog Breeds Affect Insurance Policies
An insurance company may adjust policy terms based on your dogs breed. Breeds considered higher risk, like Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, and Wolf Hybrids, are often tagged as “dangerous breeds” and can lead to higher insurance premiums. The table below illustrates common restricted dog breeds and their perceived risk.
Your coverage might be limited or cost more if your dog is classified under these dangerous breeds. Certain breeds may be excluded from coverage in extreme cases due to their bite history and related breed-specific legislation.
Can I get home insurance with a dog in the home? Does home insurance cover dogs?
FAQ
Do you have to tell your homeowners insurance if you get a dog?
Yes, you typically need to inform your homeowners insurance company if you have a dog. Many insurance policies require disclosure of pets, as certain breeds may be considered higher risk for liability claims. Failing to disclose a dog could lead to complications with your coverage or claims in the event of an incident.
How much more is home insurance with a dog?
How do pets affect home insurance?
… with pet-specific endorsements, most insurance companies will deny any coverage for damages inflicted by pets on your property or those covered by your policy
What is the 80% rule in homeowners insurance?
The “80% rule” in homeowners insurance is a guideline stating that for an insurance company to pay the full cost of a claim on a partial loss, you must have coverage equal to at least 80% of your home’s total replacement cost. If you are underinsured below this threshold, the insurer may only pay a proportional amount of the damage, leaving you responsible for the remainder after your deductible. This is why it’s crucial to regularly review your home’s replacement cost and adjust your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage.