Cat and dog wellness plans are 'packages' that include routine vet care services offered at a discounted rate. Today, our Carroll County Animal Hospital team discusses the benefits of wellness plans, and some things to take into consideration.
What are some benefits of dog & cat wellness plans?
Although every pet owner should have insurance for their pets, there are a few things to consider. Cost, type of coverage, and your pet's health at the time of policy initiation can all have a significant impact on your monthly payments.
In addition, many pet insurance policies do not cover preventive and wellness care, such as veterinary checkups and routine vaccinations, which are crucial for maintaining your pet's health and avoiding costly procedures and treatments.
Convenience & budgeting
Due to the fact that Wellness Plans are 'bundles' of veterinary services, you will experience less financial strain when bringing your pet in for recommended preventive care services. This payment option enables more pet owners to afford comprehensive veterinary care and avoid potentially expensive treatment costs associated with undiagnosed preventable conditions.
- Can be paid monthly or annually
- Usually includes discounts on certain products and services
- Makes budgeting for pet care easier
Customization & Flexibility
At Carroll County 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.
Senior cats and dogs, new puppies and kittens, and pets with chronic or recurring issues all benefit from routine veterinary care, which includes early detection screenings, essential preventative vaccinations, and physical exams.
What Do Wellness Plans Cover?
Wellness Plans cover routine veterinary care for your cat or dog including routine exams, parasite prevention medications, annual blood testing, and vaccines.
With Wellness Plans, maintaining and improving the standard of your cat or dog's overall health during their lifetime is made easier by spreading out the cost of routine vet care.
What are some potential downsides of 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.
Frequency of use
If your pet is young, healthy, or otherwise appears to be in good health, enrolling in a wellness plan may seem counterintuitive. We recognize that healthcare decisions, whether for humans or their companion animals, are intensely personal and should be made with the patient's best interests in mind, in consultation with a medical professional, even though it is preferable for the majority of people to have coverage and not need it.
Need for additional coverage
You should understand what your veterinarian's wellness plans cover, just as you should understand what pet insurance does and does not cover. Wellness plans are intended to provide ongoing preventative and wellness care, but do not cover illness, surgery, or other acute or chronic healthcare needs. Lastly, discussing your pet's needs and your budget with your veterinarian can be a helpful way to learn more about what may be best for you and your pet.
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.