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.
Chrissy D.
Fetch Pet shelter employee

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


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.
$1,000/yr. in online vet visits $0 copay! $0 deductible! | ||||||||
$1,000/yr. in behavioral therapy $0 copay! $0 deductible! | ||||||||
Online pharmacy. 100% reimbursement† | ||||||||
Every tooth, plus gums up to your max limit | Less coverage than Fetch | Less coverage than Fetch | ||||||
Sick-visit exam fees | Costs extra | Costs extra | Costs extra | |||||
Covers pets of every age 6 weeks+ | ||||||||
Alternative & holistic care | Less coverage than Fetch | Costs extra | Costs extra | Costs extra | ||||
Use any vet in the U.S. & Canada | ||||||||
Vitamins & supplements | ||||||||
$1,500+ in instant savings on top pet brands1 | Costs extra | |||||||
Pre-existing conditions covered for adopted pets from day one | ||||||||
#1 pet insurance for shelter & rescue pets2 | ||||||||
#1 choice among ethical breeders3 |
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.

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.
$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.






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