Can I insure my 10 year old dog?

Asked by: Dorthy Padberg  |  Last update: December 9, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (2 votes)

Pet insurers with maximum age limits for new policies often set them at 10 years old, so if your pet is older than 10, you'll want to look for a company with a higher age limit or no limit. Pet insurance for older dogs and cats likely will also be more expensive than a policy for a younger animal.

Can you get pet insurance on a 10 year old dog?

While there are a number of companies that sell pet health insurance for senior dogs, some of the best options include ASPCA, MetLife, Fetch, Embrace, and Healthy Paws. ASPCA doesn't have an upper age limit and offers its Complete Coverage to animals of all ages.

Is it safe to get a 10 year old dog fixed?

There is no specific age that is universally too old for spaying or neutering, but older dogs may have higher surgical risks. Generally, veterinarians will assess the dogâ€TMs overall health and suitability for surgery on a case-by-case basis.

Is a 10 year old dog considered a senior dog?

Dogs are generally considered seniors around 7-10 years old, depending on their size and breed. Signs of aging include gray hair, reduced activity levels, and potential health issues. However, age is just a number, and with proper care, older dogs can lead fulfilling lives.

What is the cut-off age for pet insurance?

This is because nearly all pet health insurance companies have age limits on pets, typically between 7 and 14 years. So, in addition to the increased risk of preexisting conditions that comes with waiting to enroll, your dog's age is worth considering. Trupanion enrolls dogs and cats of any breed up to 14 years of age.

Pet insurance 101: What you should consider before buying

41 related questions found

Is my dog too old for insurance?

Is it difficult to get insurance for a senior dog or cat? The older your pet, the more difficult it may be to find insurance. Pet insurers with maximum age limits for new policies often set them at 10 years old, so if your pet is older than 10, you'll want to look for a company with a higher age limit or no limit.

What age do dogs stop being insured?

Many insurers stop offering new policies for pets once they are classed as being 'Senior'. This is often when they turn 8, but can be earlier for certain breeds of dog.

Should I put my 10 year old dog down?

Some of the common reasons to put your dog down include advanced age, terminal illness, intractable pain etc. There are some situations when putting a dog down is the only solution – and most of these reasons include when your dog is: Critically injured and won't be able to survive. In chronic pain that can't be ...

How far should you walk a 10 year old dog?

A far better approach is to take your dog on shorter walks more often. So, how long should you walk your older dog for exactly? Thirty minutes a day may be a good rule of thumb. But if this seems to tire your dog out, you can experiment with shorter strolls, perhaps twice daily.

What stage of life is a 10 year old dog?

Stage 5: The Senior Years

Most dogs reach their senior years between the ages of 8 and 10 years.

Should I put my 10 year old dog through surgery?

Age is not a disease, and your dog is never “too old” to receive the quality care he or she needs, even if it requires anesthesia and surgery. Let's discuss how to reduce the risks of surgery for your senior dog and why quality care at every age is critical.

What is the oldest you can spay a dog?

Is it Too Late? The recommended time to spay or neuter a dog is six to nine months. But if your dog is healthy, there is no specific age limit to having the procedure done.

What happens if you wait too long to neuter your dog?

In both cats and dogs, the longer you wait, the greater the risk of the surgery not doing the trick because the animal has practiced the behavior for a longer period of time, thereby reinforcing the habit. Other behavioral problems that may be alleviated by spay/neuter include: Certain types of aggressive behavior.

How to get free pet insurance?

Unfortunately, free dog health insurance doesn't exist, but you may be able to get free, deferred, or reduced-cost veterinary care through charitable grants, . The good news is there are other options you can look into, such as charitable grants, crowdfunding, pooled funds like Pawp, CareCredit financing, etc.

Should I fix my 10 year old dog?

But while the majority of discussions around this procedure focus on puppies or young adult dogs, there's another demographic to consider: older dogs. Choosing to spay or neuter an older dog can come with benefits, like reducing the risk of certain cancers—and challenges, like taking longer to heal post-surgery.

Is it ever too late to get pet insurance?

One of the many great aspects of pet insurance is that it is never too late to sign your best bud up for a plan. Whether you have a young adult dog or an elderly cat, both can still be signed up for coverage.

Is a 10 year old dog considered old?

Canine senior status varies, too. Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age.

Can a 10 year old walk dogs alone?

Most children under the age of about 13 should not walk a dog alone.

Is a 2 hour walk too long for a dog?

The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on: Breed: Some breeds need a minimum of one to two hours of exercise per day, but others, such as working breeds need significantly more. Take a look at our breed pages for more information. Age: The amount of exercise your dog needs will change throughout their life.

What is sundowning dog?

Sundowners is related to dementia or Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) and is when dogs tend to get their days and nights mixed up and end up pacing and active during the night. While it sounds like your girl is experiencing symptoms of dementia, I am not exactly sure that she is sundowning.

How to tell when a dog is nearing the end?

Common Signs a Dog Is Dying
  1. Mental and Behavioral Changes. Changes in behavior may occur before death. ...
  2. Circulatory Shutdown. ...
  3. Changes in Breathing Patterns. ...
  4. Changes in Appetite or Thirst. ...
  5. Loss of Mobility. ...
  6. Weight Loss. ...
  7. Incontinence (Urinary and/or Fecal)

Do dogs slow down at 10 years old?

A small dog is considered a senior when it hits about 11 years old, a medium-sized dog at 10, and a large dog around eight. At these ages, your canine companion may slow down, gain weight, be forgetful, and experience a dulling of the senses.

Can I insure my old dog?

Yes, it is definitely worth having pet insurance for older dogs. Vet bills are expensive, and unfortunately this price can skyrocket when your best friend gets older. Just be sure to take out the policy as early as you can – as pre-existing conditions will not be covered.

Is it worth insuring a dog?

Pet insurance can cover the costs of treating your pet if they suffer from an illness or are injured in an accident and need treatment from a vet. It could save you from an unexpected – and potentially very high – bill. Depending on what type of cover you have, pet insurance could also help with: Dental care.

At what age is pet insurance the cheapest?

Younger pets tend to cost less to insure than older ones. Since certain breeds of dogs and cats are prone to different medical issues, your pet's breed can affect your price as well. Where you live also matters, since the cost of veterinary care varies from place to place.