Wellness plans are ideal to help spread out the cost of pet care for your cat or dog, but are they worth it? Today, our Nashville vets discuss the benefits of wellness plans, why you should get one and if they are really worth it for routine pet care.
What are Pet Wellness Plans?
While every pet owner should be sure to have insurance for their dog or cat to help cover the cost of veterinary services in the case of emergency or urgent care. Most pet owners could also benefit from signing up for a pet wellness plan for their dog or cat. These pet wellness plans are usually paid monthly and can help spread out the cost of routine veterinary care such as routine exams and vaccinations.
This routine care is especially important for maintaining your pet's health and avoiding costly procedures and treatments in the first place and so being able to provide this care without worrying about large payments is beneficial to any pet owner.
Pet Wellness Plans Help to Make Pet Care More Affordable
Since Wellness Plans are 'bundles' of veterinary services, that means less financial pressure when taking your pet in for their vet-recommended preventive care services. This payment option enables more pet parents to afford comprehensive vet care and avoid potentially expensive treatment costs from preventable conditions going undiagnosed.
- Can be paid monthly or annually
- Usually includes discounts on certain products and services
- Makes budgeting for pet care easier
Pet Wellness Plans Can Be Customized for your Pet's Unique Needs
At Belle Forest Animal Hospital, our Wellness Plans cover canine companions and feline friends of all sizes, shapes, and ages. Most wellness plans have options for small, medium, large, XL, and giant dogs, as well as cats, and offer a range of preventive annual and biannual wellness procedures (e.g. wellness exams, bloodwork, parasite testing). As your vet team gets to know your unique pet, they will be able to recommend wellness plans to keep them happy and healthy - and potentially spare your wallet in the long run.
Animals with special needs such as senior cats and dogs, new puppies and kittens, and pets with chronic or recurring issues benefit from routine vet care including early detection screenings, important preventive vaccinations, and physical examinations.
What Are Some Things to Keep in Mind with Pet Wellness Plans?
As with just about any decision, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing whether a wellness plan is right for you.
How often you might visit the vet and utilize the services of your pet wellness plan
It may seem counter-intuitive to subscribe to a wellness plan if your pet is young, healthy, or otherwise seems fine. Although for most, it is better to have coverage and not need it than otherwise, we understand that healthcare decisions - whether for humans or their companion animals - are intensely personal and should be made with the patient's best care in mind, with the advice of a medical professional.
You may require veterinary care that goes beyond the pet wellness plan
Just as it is important to know what pet insurance does and does not cover, you should be aware of what your vet clinic's wellness plans cover. Wellness plans are for ongoing preventive and wellness care from your veterinary team and do not cover illness, surgeries, or other emergency or chronic healthcare needs. Ultimately, discussing your pet's needs and your budget openly and honestly with your veterinarian can be a good opportunity to find out more about what could suit you and your pet best.Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.