The invention provides a method for preparing a beta, gamma-unsaturated carboxylic acid compound. The method comprises the steps of making an allylic alcohol compound of a formula 1 or a formula 2 react with formic acid in the presence of a palladium catalyst, a phosphorous ligand, acid anhydride and an organic solvent to obtain the beta, gamma-unsaturated carboxylic acid compound of a formula 3 or formula 4, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are defined in the description. Formic acid is utilized as a carboxylation reagent, and the beta, gamma-unsaturated carboxylic acid compound is low in price, safe, stable and low in toxicity; the yield is high, the operation is simple, and the economy is high; compared with an existing compounding method, the use of toxic gas carbon monoxide and/or an equivalent quantity of reactive metal reagents is avoided, and the method meets requirements for environment-friendly chemistry; in addition, the dose of catalysts is small, the reaction condition is mild, the reactant is high in conversion rate and product yield, and the method has a very good industrial prospect.