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The Best Pet Insurance Companies in South Dakota (2024)

Our Rankings of Pet Insurance Providers in South Dakota

Our top picks for the best pet insurance providers in South Dakota are:

Why Trust Us?

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best pet insurance companies
35
Companies Reviewed Our team reviewed over 35 pet insurance companies, collecting and comparing data on monthly premiums, customizable coverage selections and more.
1000
Quotes Collected We’ve collected more than 1,000 sample quotes from pet insurance companies for a variety of age ranges, species and breeds to give readers an accurate view of pricing and how competitors stack up in terms of rates. We update our pages regularly to reflect accurate cost information.
42
Rating Factors Our comprehensive rating system scores providers based on 42 data points in eight key rating factors: monthly pricing, plan options, covered treatments, coverage customizations, customer care, industry reputation, age limits and waiting periods.
5
Veterinary Professionals We’ve consulted several veterinary professionals to confirm the accuracy of our pet care information and pricing.

What’s the Best Pet Insurance in South Dakota?

Based on our extensive analysis, we concluded that Spot Pet Insurance is the best pet insurance for South Dakota pet owners.

Spot Pet Insurance

Most Customizable Coverage
4.5
Our Rating
Annual Limits $2.5k-Unlimited Deductibles $100-$1k Reimbursement Rates 70%-90%
MONTHLY COST $33-$79

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers multiple coverage options, including wellness care Provides up to 90% reimbursement of covered veterinary bills Discounts premiums by 10% for owners with multiple pets Cons Imposes a 14-day accident waiting period, which is longer than some competitors we reviewed Does not provide an option to pay your veterinarian directly

Why Spot Pet Insurance Is No. 1 in South Dakota

Earning 4.5 out of 5 stars, Spot is our top pick because it provides South Dakota customers with multiple ways to customize their pet’s policies. In addition, Spot does not impose an upper age limit for coverage or enrollment, making this a great option for senior pets.

Similar to other insurance providers, Spot does not cover pre-existing conditions. However, Spot may cover the condition in the future if the injury or illness is cured and the pet remains symptom- and treatment-free for 180 days or longer.

Useful Coverage and Cost Information

We requested quotes from 10 providers in South Dakota for four sample pets to calculate average monthly pet insurance costs. According to this research, the average cost of a Spot policy in South Dakota is $56 per month.

Accident and Illness Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Dogs $79
Cats $33

Spot offers South Dakota pet owners many options to customize their policy. Customers can choose a base accident-only plan or an accident and illness plan, both of which you can add wellness care if preferred. The Gold preventative care plan costs an extra $10 per month and the Platinum plan costs $25.

You can learn more about Spot in our Spot Pet Insurance Review.

Embrace

Our Pick for Savings
4.7
Our Rating
Annual Limits $5k-$30k Deductibles $200-$1k Reimbursement Rates 70%-90%
MONTHLY COST $31-$61

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides pet owners access to a free, 24/7 pet helpline Offers a dental insurance plan that covers tooth extractions, gingivitis care and root canals Plan includes prescription medications for covered conditions Cons Restricts new enrollees aged 14 years or older to accident-only coverage Does not cover pre-existing conditions or breeding and pregnancy complications

Why Embrace Pet Insurance Is a Good Option

We gave Embrace 4.7 out of 5 stars. The company provides comprehensive coverage and allows South Dakota pet owners to customize coverage to meet their pet’s needs and their budget. It also covers veterinary exams and extends discounts to members of the military and people with multiple pets.

Embrace requires a longer six-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions, but the company may reduce the time to as few as 14 days if your pet undergoes an orthopedic examination after enrollment.

Useful Coverage and Cost Information

Based on sample quotes we obtained for four representative pets, the average cost of an Embrace insurance policy in South Dakota is $46 per month.

Accident and Illness Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Dogs $61
Cats $31

Policyholders can also pay for add-on wellness coverage, which is available in three different benefit amounts — $250, $450 or $650. 

  • $250 in annual wellness benefits: $19 per month for dogs and cats
  • $450 in annual wellness benefits:  $35 per month for dogs and cats
  • $650 in annual wellness benefits:  $52 per month for dogs and cats

Learn more by reading our Embrace Pet Insurance Review.

Healthy Paws

Most Affordable Unlimited Coverage
4
Our Rating
Annual Limits Unlimited Deductibles $250-$1k Reimbursement Rates 50%-80%
MONTHLY COST $21-$42

Pros and Cons

Pros Allows pet owners to visit any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada Does not charge enrollment or administrative fees No maximum limit on claim payouts Cons Offers no wellness coverage options Has a lengthy 12-month waiting period for hip dysplasia and does not cover the condition if pets enroll after 6 years old

Why Healthy Paws Is a Good Option

Healthy Paws is a solid option for South Dakota pet owners worried about exceeding an annual coverage limit. The provider offers unlimited annual and lifetime payouts and processes most claims quickly, based on our review. We rated Healthy Paws 4 out of 5 stars because it provides the most affordable policies with unlimited coverage.

However, unlike competitors, Healthy Paws does not offer wellness coverage.

Useful Coverage and Cost Information

According to sample quotes we collected, South Dakota pet owners can expect to pay $32 per month for a Healthy Paws policy.

Accident and Illness Coverage Monthly Cost
Dogs $42
Cats $21

While Healthy Paws Pet Insurance does not offer wellness add-ons, you can customize your plan by choosing a reimbursement rate and deductible. If Healthy Paws sounds like a good fit, you can learn more from our Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review.

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance

Our Pick for Older pets
4.8
Our Rating
Annual Limits $3k-$10k Deductibles $200-$500 Reimbursement Rates 70%-90%
MONTHLY COST $16-$43

Pros and Cons

Pros Does not place coverage restrictions on senior pets Does not enforce preventive care requirements as a condition of claim reimbursement No extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions such as cruciate ligament injuries Cons Lists $10,000 as the highest annual coverage option when enrolling online, lower than some competitors May take as long as 30 days to process a claim

Why ASPCA Pet Health Insurance Is a Good Option

We gave ASPCA Pet Health Insurance 4.8 out of 5 stars and named it our top pick for older pets in South Dakota. Unlike other insurance providers, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance has no upper age limit restrictions for enrolling pets, and it does not limit or reduce coverage for senior pets. The longstanding provider also does not have an extended waiting period for orthopedic conditions, which sets it apart from competitors on our list.

While ASPCA Pet Health Insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, it may cover an illness or injury that is cured and symptom-free for 180 days, excluding knee and ligament conditions.

Useful Coverage and Cost Information

Based on our research, we determined the average cost of an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan in South Dakota is $30 per month.

Accident and Illness Coverage Monthly Cost
Dogs $43
Cats $16

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offers two tiers of preventative care plans. The Basic plan costs an extra $10 per month, while the Prime plan costs $25.

To learn more, read our ASPCA Pet Insurance Review.


Compare the Top Pet Insurance Providers in South Dakota

When looking for pet insurance, it’s important to shop around and gather quotes from multiple providers. Comparison shopping allows pet owners to make informed decisions based on their pet’s coverage needs and their budget. 

Company Monthly Cost Star Rating Accident Waiting Period BBB Rating Visit Site
$34-$75
4.5
14 days A- EXPLORE PLANS
$39-$73
4.7
48 hours A+ EXPLORE PLANS
$24-$54
4.0
15 days A+ EXPLORE PLANS
$18-$44
4.8
14 days N/R EXPLORE PLANS
Company BBB Rating Monthly Cost Star Rating Accident Waiting Period Visit Site
A- $34-$75
4.5
14 days EXPLORE PLANS
A+ $39-$73
4.7
48 hours EXPLORE PLANS
A+ $24-$54
4.0
15 days EXPLORE PLANS
N/R $18-$44
4.8
14 days EXPLORE PLANS
No results were found.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost in South Dakota?

Pet insurance pricing depends on multiple factors such as your pet’s breed, age and where you live. Policies for purebred pets, especially those at high risk for hereditary conditions, are generally more expensive than mixed-breed pets. In addition, you can expect to pay more to insure older pets. 

We determined pet insurance costs in South Dakota by requesting quotes from 10 trusted providers for four sample pets, including:

  • A 5-year-old medium, mixed-breed male dog
  • A 2-year-old female golden retriever
  • A 5-year-old mixed-breed male cat 
  • A 2-year-old Siamese cat

Using this information, we determined the average cost of pet insurance in South Dakota is $58 per month for dogs and $27 for cats.

ProviderDog InsuranceCat Insurance
Spot$79$33
Embrace$61$31
Healthy Paws$42$21
Fetch$61$26
Figo$56$25
Pets Best$34$16
Paw Protect$62$32
ASPCA Pet Health Insurance$43$16
ManyPets$37$19
Trupanion$105$53

What’s the Cheapest Pet Insurance in South Dakota?

Based on our findings, Pets Best is the cheapest pet insurance provider in South Dakota. The insurer provides three tiers of accident and illness coverage for dogs and cats and two tiers of wellness care add-ons. While it has the lowest base prices for pet insurance in South Dakota, pet owners may have to pay more for comprehensive coverage.

The cheapest option is not always the best, and we advise researching several providers at different price points before choosing a policy.


How To Choose the Best Pet Insurance in South Dakota

When considering what pet insurance provider is best for you and your pet, it can help to consider the following factors:

  • Coverage and plan types: The plan type you choose drives how much coverage your pet receives. Accident-only plans are typically the cheapest but provide the least amount of protection, only covering care related to accidental injuries. Accident and illness plans provide more extensive protection, including a wider array of conditions. For an additional fee, some providers allow you to add wellness packages to cover services such as vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures, and parasite prevention.
  • Fine print: Each provider has different exclusions, limitations and claims processing requirements. Ensure you obtain a sample policy and read the fine print to determine these details. You can also learn more about a provider’s waiting periods and how to file a claim.
  • Customization: Having the ability to customize your policy can help you balance coverage and price. Look for providers that allow you to choose your deductible, annual limit and reimbursement rate. For example, choosing a higher deductible and lower annual coverage limit can help lower premium prices. However, you may pay more out of pocket when you file a claim.
  • Customer satisfaction: We suggest reading customer reviews on unbiased sites, such as Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), to find out what customers like and dislike about a provider. 

What Are the Pet Laws in South Dakota?

South Dakota state laws regulate pet vaccination and sterilization, aggressive dogs and animal cruelty to help residents and animals remain healthy and better co-exist. Each city can also enact its own pet laws.

Sioux Falls Pet Laws

  • Owners must control their dog’s barking at all times or risk having their pet impounded.
  • Owners must keep pets on a leash at all times when off their property.  
  • If a dog bites a person or another animal, the owner is required to notify the police or animal control. The owner also cannot leave the scene until authorized by the responding officer.

Rapid City Pet Laws

  • Owners cannot keep potentially dangerous animals on a porch, patio or any structure that can allow the animal to exit the building.
  • No person may tease, bait or in any way bother any animal that does not belong to them. 
  • No owner can leave a dog, cat or other small animal unattended in a parked vehicle in a way that endangers its health.

Aberdeen Pet Laws

  • Residents cannot keep more than three adult dogs or four adult cats in any dwelling in the city.
  • A dwelling cannot have a mix of dogs, cats or any other type of animal — not including pigeons, chickens and fish — that exceeds four total.
  • Pets must have adequate shelter from the weather, a good water supply, and adequate food and medical care.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It in South Dakota?

Pet insurance is generally worth considering for South Dakota pet owners. Coverage can help ensure an unexpected veterinary bill does not lead to financial strain. If your pet experiences an emergency, having pet insurance allows for proper care without worrying as much about the cost. 

We determined through extensive analysis that Spot and Embrace are the best pet insurance providers in South Dakota. However, it is important to consider companies based on your pet’s needs and compare options to find the right policy for your situation.


Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Insurance in South Dakota

Pet insurance should cover veterinary fees related to rattlesnake bites, which could save you thousands of dollars in emergency care costs. If you are concerned about rattlesnake bites, read your policy’s fine print or contact customer service to inquire about coverage.

Most South Dakota pet insurance providers will cover surgery for an injury to your dog’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), also called the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), after a specified waiting period. Most providers have a six-month waiting period for cruciate ligament events, but Spot only requires a 14-day delay.

However, if the condition was present before you purchased the insurance policy or if your dog had an ACL injury in another limb, your insurer will consider the issue pre-existing and not extend coverage.

Pet insurance providers typically exclude pre-existing conditions or health issues that occurred before or during the waiting period. However, some South Dakota providers will cover curable pre-existing conditions as long as a pet remains symptom- and treatment-free for some amount of time, often 180 days or a year.

Most South Dakota pet insurance providers we reviewed cover medication prescribed to treat an accident or illness. However, some medications, such as preventive medications for fleas, ticks and heartworms, are not covered unless you purchase a wellness add-on.


How We Ranked the Best Pet Insurance Providers in South Dakota

We looked at factors including price, customer service, plan types and customization, industry reputation and customer reviews to determine a star rating for each pet insurance provider on our list. We also assessed each provider’s availability in South Dakota, considered common pet health conditions in the state and used data from our 2023 Pollfish survey of 1,000 pet owners nationwide. Combined, this information helped us determine which factors South Dakota residents may value most when shopping for pet insurance.

We calculated average pet insurance prices by obtaining quotes for representative pets including a 5-year-old mixed-breed dog, a 2-year-old golden retriever, a 5-year-old mixed-breed cat and a 2-year-old Siamese cat. To learn more about our review process, you can reference our full pet insurance methodology and editorial guidelines


Additional Pet Insurance Resources

Ryan Lasker Editor

Ryan Lasker is a financial writer and editor with bylines in Morning Brew, The Motley Fool, and several more. As a certified public accountant, he leverages his technical expertise in personal finance and tax to fuel his passion for teaching financial literacy. When he’s not writing, editing or working in a spreadsheet, he’s biking the D.C. trails or reading.

Angela Beal, DVM Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Angela Beal, DVM, loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Angela has worked in private practice and taught veterinary technicians for 15 years. Since 2020, she has worked full-time with Rumpus Writing and Editing, a veterinary-specific writing and editing company. Angela lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and their spoiled Chihuahua mix, Yogi.

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