Are Pet Wellness Plans worth it?

Wellness Plans are 'packages' that include routine vet care services offered at a discounted rate then spread across 12 easy payments. Here, our Thomasville Veterinary Hospital team shares some of the benefits of Pet Wellness Plans, and some things to take into consideration.

Pet Insurance Coverage

It would be ideal if every pet owner signed up for an insurance plan for their dog or cat but of course, there are a number of things to take into account. 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 routine care such as vet checkups and annual vaccinations, which are especially important for maintaining your pet's health and avoiding costly procedures and treatments in the first place. 

That's where Wellness Plans step in. While pet insurance typically helps to cover the cost of emergency care and treatment for severe illnesses once they strike, such as cancer and heart disease, a pet wellness plan can help to cover annual preventive care costs.

Great Reasons to Get a Cat or Dog Wellness Plan for Your Pet

Convenience & budgeting

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

Customization & flexibility

Our Wellness Plans at Thomasville Veterinary Hospital cover dogs and cats 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 veterinarian gets to know your cherished pet, they will be able to let you know whether a Pet Wellness Plan could help you to save money while providing your pet with the preventive care they need and deserve.

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. 

Things to Consider Before Signing Your Pet Up for a Wellness Plan

There are always important considerations when making any financial decision. Some things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing whether a wellness plan is right for you.

Frequency of use

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.  

Need for additional coverage

Just as it is important to know what pet insurance does and does not cover, you should also be aware of what your vet clinic's Wellness Plans cover. Be sure to do your research before signing up.

Every veterinary hospital's coverage is a little different although there tends to be similarities between one animal hospital's Wellness Plans and another. Since Wellness plans are for ongoing preventive and wellness care from your veterinary team they 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.

If you'd like to find out how a Pet Wellness Plan at Thomasville Veterinary Hospital could help to save you money and improve your pet's health contact our Davidson County veterinary clinic to learn more.