When you have a pet in the family the cost of routine veterinary care can sometimes catch pet parents off guard, luckily pet wellness plans are available to help manage the cost. Today, our Baton Rouge vet team shares some information about pet wellness plans for dogs and cats and why they are worth it.
Pet Wellness Plans For Dogs & Cats
Although ideally, every pet owner would have insurance for their pets, there are a number of things to consider. Factors such as cost, type of coverage, and your pet's health at the time of starting a policy can all greatly affect your monthly payments.
In addition, many pet insurance plans exclude preventive and wellness care such as vet checkups and routine vaccinations, which are especially important for maintaining your pet's health and avoiding costly procedures and treatments in the first place.
How Pet Wellness Plans Can Help You Budget
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
The Benefits of Pet Wellness Plans For Your Pet's Unique Needs
At Kleinpeter Veterinary 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). Your vet knows your pet and the care that they need so they will be able to share whether a wellness plan is right for your pet and which one would benefit them specifically.
These pet wellness plans can be especially useful for pets that require special attention and routine care in certain areas. 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.
Are There Any Cons To Pet Wellness Plans?
Just as with anything in life, these pet wellness plans may not be exactly what you need. It is important to learn what your pet may need and discuss the various options for care and what may be best for your situation.
How Often Will Your Pet Need Veterinary Care?
You may be hesitant if your pet appears to be healthy and you don't anticipate visiting the vet often. 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.
Will The Pet Wellness Plan Cover Everything?
Just as it is essential 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 your veterinary team's ongoing preventive and wellness care 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.