Pet insurance for rescue dogs & cats: What Fetch covers from day one

Does pet insurance cover adopted dogs or cats with pre-existing conditions?

Fetch Pet Insurance is the first and only pet insurance that covers 7 common pre-existing conditions beginning on day one of your policy’s effective date (there’s no waiting period for newly adopted pets). No other pet insurance provides this protection.

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Chrissy D.

Fetch Pet shelter employee

Fetch Pet Insurance offers Pre-Ex Protection for shelter and rescue pets.

#1 pet insurance for shelter & rescue pets

Fetch Pet is a trusted partner of 70+ shelter and rescue organizations across the U.S. and Canada.

Only Fetch Pet covers 7 common pre-existing conditions for adopted pets beginning on day one — at no extra cost

Over 50% of adopted pets suffer from one or more health issues just two days after leaving the shelter. That’s why Fetch Pet gives rescue and shelter pets Pre-Ex Protection™ at no extra cost. This includes coverage to treat 7 common pre-existing conditions starting on day one of your policy’s effective date, with no waiting period for newly adopted pets. No other pet insurance gives this protection to adopted dogs and cats.

7 common pre-existing conditions covered by Fetch Pet

Upper Respiratory Infection

Dog + Cat

Avg. vet bill: $567

Ear Mites

Cat

Avg. vet bill: $312

Kennel Cough

DOG

Avg. vet bill: $403

Feline Herpes

Cat

Avg. vet bill: $280

Conjunctivitis

Cat + DOG

Avg. vet bill: $261

Ringworm

Dog + Cat

Avg. vet bill: $229

Puppy Pyoderma
(skin infection)

DOG

Avg. vet bill: $317

A cat and dog sitting next to each other.A cat and dog sitting next to each other.

Fetch Pet also covers curable pre-existing conditions

Curable pre-existing conditions are medical issues that can be completely resolved with no recurrence of signs or symptoms (think: urinary tract infections, bite wounds and more). In order for the condition to be considered curable by Fetch Pet, your pet must go 1 policy year completely symptom-free from the issue.

Fetch Pet gives rescue dogs & cats the most complete coverage for the unexpected

Shelter and rescue pets come with unknowns. That’s why Fetch Pet covers what other pet insurance providers charge extra for, or don’t cover at all — including for the unique needs of shelter pets.

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Comparison of coverage is based on core policy coverage and the information is accurate as of June 2026. All coverage is subject to policy limit.

Behavioral issues, dental & meds: Fetch covers what others don’t for adopted dogs & cats

4.2 million pets were adopted from U.S. shelters and rescues in 2025, according to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Fetch Pet is built for the needs of these pets.

  • Over 74% of pet parents report that their pet’s prescription cost is burdensome

    • Fetch Pet reimburses 100% on hundreds of qualifying pet meds† when you order from our online pharmacy, Fetch Pet Rx.

    • Others don’t do this.

  • Over 76% of rescue pets
    exhibit signs of a behavioral disorder

    • Fetch Pet reimburses 100% for behavioral therapy — up to $1,000/yr. No copay or deductible.

    • Others don’t do this.

  • Up to 90% of pets get periodontal (gum) disease

    • Fetch Pet covers injury and disease in every adult tooth, plus gums.

    • Others only cover the canines or don’t cover dental disease at all.

With Fetch Pet, there’s no waiting period for pets from participating shelters

A waiting period is the set time between your policy's effective date and when your coverage begins. Any injury, illness or condition that occurs during this period won’t be covered.

Fetch Pet waives the waiting period for newly adopted pets from participating shelters. This means these pets can get the veterinary care they need the day after signing up, and their parents can get reimbursed for approved claims. You’d wait up to 15 days with other pet insurance providers.

Fetch Pet Members Kali & Kelsey

Kali & Kelsey

Mast cell tumors and lymphoma:

$4,839

Fetch paid back:

$3,497

Cost of insurance for shelter & rescue pets

Fetch Pet Insurance costs $35/mo. for dogs and $22/mo. for cats, on average. Your price will depend on 3 factors: your pet’s age, their breed and where you live. You can also customize your price to fit your pet and your budget — when you get your quote, simply adjust the annual deductible, reimbursement rate and max annual payout to find what’s right for you.

  • Annual deductible

    What is a deductible?

    Your deductible is the amount of veterinary care you need to pay for yourself each year before your insurer starts reimbursing you.

    Example: If your pet insurance annual deductible is $300, you have to pay for $300 worth of approved veterinary care before you can start getting paid back for claims.

    How does my deductible affect price?
    Choosing a higher deductible will make your price lower.

  • Max annual payout

    What is a max annual payout?
    The maximum dollar amount you can get paid back each year (sometimes this is called an “annual limit” in insurance-speak).

    Example: If your max annual payout is $15,000, the maximum amount your pet insurance can reimburse you is $15,000.

    How does my max payout affect price?

    Choosing a lower max annual payout will make your price lower.

  • Reimbursement rate

    What is a reimbursement rate?
    Your reimbursement rate is the percentage of your vet bill that your insurance will cover.

    Example: If your reimbursement rate is 80% and you submit a claim for $500, we can cover up to $400.

    How does a reimbursement rate work?
    Choosing a lower reimbursement rate will make your price lower.

Reviews from shelter & rescue pet parents

Don’t take our word for it — read stories from Fetch Pet Members

  • Fetch Pet Members Elaine & StormiFetch Pet Members Elaine & Stormi

    Elaine & Stormi

    Pancreatic issues:

    $7,225

    FETCH PAID BACK:

    $5,632

    “Not having to worry about the cost — thousands of dollars — is huge.”

    — Elaine, Stormi’s mom

  • Fetch Pet Member SparkleFetch Pet Member Sparkle

    Sparkle

    15 years of care:

    $41,434

    FETCH PAID BACK:

    $32,300

    “If something happened without Fetch, I’d have to put her to sleep — I don’t have that kind of money.”

    — Lee Ann, Sparkle’s mom

  • Fetch Pet Members Ellie & BrydonFetch Pet Members Ellie & Brydon

    Ellie & Brydon

    Bacterial infection:

    $5,896

    FETCH PAID BACK:

    $4,688

    “Would’ve been a lot more financially & emotionally difficult without Fetch.”

    — Brydon, Ellie’s dad

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$14.6 million+ raised for pets in need

Fetch Pet has raised over $14.6 million (and counting) to help dogs and cats get veterinary care, find forever homes and recover from natural disasters. Read about our philanthropic initiatives.

See what leading shelters & rescues say about Fetch, the most complete pet insurance

  • Gary Weitzman, CEO, San Diego Humane SocietyGary Weitzman, CEO, San Diego Humane Society

    Fetch is the first pet insurer I’ve seen to truly address pre-existing conditions and remove real barriers to adoption. That’s why they’re our insurer at San Diego Humane Society.

    Gary Weitzman

    CEO, San Diego Humane Society

  • Alison Cross, Senior Director, Ontario SPCA & Humane SocietyAlison Cross, Senior Director, Ontario SPCA & Humane Society

    We take a holistic approach to caring for an animal and pet insurance is part of that. We advocate for emergency preparedness and for being a responsible animal caregiver. Fetch has the same approach.

    Alison Cross

    Senior Director, Ontario SPCA & Humane Society

  • Sherry Silk, CEO, The Humane Society of TampaSherry Silk, CEO, The Humane Society of Tampa

    I am thrilled to have partnered with Fetch Pet Insurance. They ease the transition for pet parents, providing peace of mind knowing that their new family members are protected with the most comprehensive coverage.

    Sherry Silk

    CEO, The Humane Society of Tampa

  • Adam Lamb, CEO, Brandywine Valley SPCAAdam Lamb, CEO, Brandywine Valley SPCA

    It’s important to us that these pets and their families have the best possible resources for the rest of their lives, including pet insurance. Fetch is the best security we can give them.

    Adam Lamb

    CEO, Brandywine Valley SPCA

  • Dr. Steven Hansen, President & CEO, Arizona Humaine SocietyDr. Steven Hansen, President & CEO, Arizona Humaine Society

    Providing affordable and accessible veterinary care is essential for keeping pets out of overcrowded shelters. Fetch Pet Insurance keeps pets and people together.

    Dr. Steven Hansen

    President & CEO, Arizona Humane Society

  • Anna Neubauer, President & CEO, Hawaiian Humane SocietyAnna Neubauer, President & CEO, Hawaiian Humane Society

    With Fetch... we’re setting the foundation for lasting, healthy relationships... this holistic approach to animal welfare is what truly makes Fetch the #1 pet insurance provider in our eyes.

    Anna Neubauer

    President & CEO, Hawaiian Humane Societye Valley SPCA

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Your questions about pet insurance for shelter & rescue pets, answered

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Fetch is on a mission to help you give your pet a longer, healthier life.

Making the best veterinary care accessible to your dogs and cats — no matter the cost — is just the beginning. When you join Fetch, you’re getting the most complete pet insurance and unlocking a world of exclusive Member Deals on products and services that help you enjoy more good days with your pet.

Fetch Pet Insurance | Love Longer.™