💳 20 Vets With Monthly Payment Plans
Veterinary emergencies and routine care alike can quickly strain a pet owner’s budget, especially when unexpected procedures or chronic health conditions arise. If you’ve ever asked, “Can I pay my vet bill monthly?” the answer is: yes—at the right clinic. From third-party financing tools like CareCredit and Scratchpay to interest-free programs like VetBilling, monthly payment plans are no longer rare—but they are not always advertised. This guide helps you locate 20 trustworthy clinics and understand exactly how to access flexible payment options.
🔑 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Common Questions
| Question ❓ | Quick Answer ✅ |
|---|---|
| Do all vets offer payment plans? | No—you must ask or confirm online. |
| Which providers offer payment plans? | CareCredit, Scratchpay, VetBilling, and some in-house. |
| Is credit required? | Yes for CareCredit, not always for Scratchpay or VetBilling. |
| Are emergency vets more likely to offer payment plans? | Yes, especially 24/7 or Sunday clinics. |
| Can I use pet insurance with payment plans? | Yes—they can work together to reduce upfront costs. |
💸 What Are the Most Common Veterinary Payment Plan Providers?
CareCredit remains the most widely accepted financing solution in vet clinics, offering 0% interest for 6–24 months on qualified purchases. Scratchpay appeals to those without high credit scores, offering no hard checks and short-term interest-free or long-term fixed-rate plans. VetBilling helps clinics offer in-house interest-free plans with automatic withdrawals.
📊 Comparison of Monthly Vet Payment Options
| Provider 💳 | Interest-Free Plans? 🌟 | Credit Check? 🧾 | Availability 🔍 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Yes (6–24 months) | Hard check required | Over 250,000 providers |
| Scratchpay | Yes (short-term); fixed for long-term | Soft check only | 10,000+ clinics |
| VetBilling | Yes (via clinic approval) | Often no credit check | Depends on vet policy |
| In-House Plans | Sometimes | Based on relationship | Clinic-specific; rare |
💡 Pro Tip: Always confirm whether CareCredit is accepted BEFORE the visit, and apply online to avoid in-office processing delays.
📍 Where Can I Find Vets That Accept Monthly Payments?
These 20 clinics across the U.S. accept at least one of the major financing options and allow qualified clients to split veterinary costs over time. Each example includes contact info and notable services for emergencies, surgeries, and routine care.
📊 Top 20 Vets Offering Monthly Payment Plans
| Clinic Name 🏥 | Location 📍 | Payment Plan Options 💳 | Key Services 🐾 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic | Scottsdale, AZ | CareCredit, Scratchpay | 24/7 ER, dental, surgery |
| Center Veterinary Clinic | San Diego, CA | CareCredit, Scratchpay | Acupuncture, urgent care |
| East Bay Vet Clinic | Oakland, CA | CareCredit, Scratchpay | Wellness, surgery |
| Pets on Broadway | Denver, CO | CareCredit, Scratchpay | General + emergency care |
| Animal Emergency PLLC | Raleigh, NC | CareCredit, VetBilling | ICU, trauma, open Sundays |
| Loop 410 Veterinary | San Antonio, TX | CareCredit, Scratchpay | Preventative + surgical |
| White Rock Animal Hospital | Dallas, TX | CareCredit | Diagnostics, ER |
| SPCA of Texas | Dallas, TX | VetBilling | Low-cost treatments |
| Orchards Veterinary Clinic | Vancouver, WA | CareCredit, Scratchpay | Dental, imaging, surgery |
| Family Friends Vet | Grand Rapids, MI | CareCredit | Full-service + pet insurance support |
| Quakertown Vet Clinic | Quakertown, PA | CareCredit, Scratchpay | Large/small animal care |
| Clinton Hill Animal Clinic | Brooklyn, NY | CareCredit | Routine, minor emergency |
| Bronx Veterinary Center | Bronx, NY | CareCredit, All Pet Card | Surgery, walk-ins |
| All Creatures Vet Hospital | Brooklyn, NY | CareCredit | Dental, internal medicine |
| Central KY Vet Services | Lexington, KY | CareCredit, Scratchpay | Exams, ER |
| Affordable Care Clinics | Various (USA) | Scratchpay, CareCredit | Spay/neuter, urgent care |
| AZPetVet | Multiple AZ cities | In-house, CareCredit | Wellness + urgent care |
| Lake Road Animal Hospital | Dyersburg, TN | CareCredit, VetBilling | Emergency and general |
| Lovet Pet Health Care | National | CareCredit, Scratchpay | Walk-in services |
| VCA Animal Hospitals | Nationwide | CareCredit, VCA CareClub | Full-service; many open Sundays |
💡 Bonus Tip: VCA’s CareClub is ideal for pet parents looking to pay monthly for preventative care, while using CareCredit for unexpected emergencies.
🧾 What Are the Terms and Requirements for Veterinary Payment Plans?
Terms vary widely depending on the type of plan and provider. Some require a deposit or setup fee, while others offer instant approvals or zero down options.
📊 Breakdown of Payment Plan Features
| Plan Type 🧾 | Interest-Free? ✅ | Upfront Requirements 💲 | Payment Duration ⏳ |
|---|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Yes (6–24 mo. for $200+) | Credit check + approval | 6 to 60 months |
| Scratchpay | Yes (60-day plan) | 20% down (for some plans) | 2–24 months |
| VetBilling | Yes (clinic decides) | 25% deposit + $25 setup | 3–12 months |
| In-House Plans | Sometimes | Based on relationship | Clinic-determined |
💡 Realistic Expectation: Approval isn’t guaranteed for every option, so pre-apply online to check offers—especially if visiting for high-cost procedures.
🛠️ How Can I Make the Most of Monthly Payment Options?
The smartest approach combines financing, pet insurance, and proactive care:
📊 Veterinary Financing + Care Strategy
| Cost Management Step 💡 | Description | Why It Works 💼 |
|---|---|---|
| Use CareCredit/Scratchpay at time of service | Covers unexpected costs | Keeps treatment timely |
| Submit to pet insurance afterward | Reimbursement softens total cost | Frees future cash flow |
| Enroll in wellness plans (VCA/Banfield) | Pays monthly for basics | Eases budget strain |
| Ask clinic about VetBilling or local plans | Explore low-interest or no-credit options | High success in local/regional clinics |
💡 Critical Insight: Combine a wellness plan for routine care with Scratchpay or CareCredit for emergencies—creating a structured, multi-tiered pet care budget.
🧠 Insights and Industry Trends
📊 What the Data Reveals
| Trend 📊 | Impact on Pet Owners 🐕 |
|---|---|
| Veterinary care costs have risen 160% since 2000 | More pet parents rely on payment plans than ever |
| 40% of U.S. pet owners cannot afford a $1,000 vet bill | Financing offers crucial access to care |
| In-house plans declining | Clinics favor third-party solutions to reduce risk |
| Wellness plans growing | Preventative care now seen as budgetable subscription model |
| VetBilling reports 98% repayment rate | Clinics are more open to biweekly autopay programs |
✅ Final Tips for Pet Owners Seeking Monthly Vet Payments
📊 Do This, Not That: Navigating Vet Financing
| Do ✅ | Don’t ❌ |
|---|---|
| Pre-apply for CareCredit/Scratchpay online | Wait until you’re in the exam room to ask for help |
| Ask if VetBilling is available—even if not advertised | Assume all clinics list financing on their websites |
| Pair financing with pet insurance for full coverage | Expect insurance to cover everything upfront |
| Explore multi-clinic chains (VCA, Banfield) for consistency | Rely solely on small private practices for financial flexibility |
FAQs
💬 “Can I use CareCredit and pet insurance at the same time?”
Yes, and doing so can dramatically ease your out-of-pocket burden. Think of CareCredit as the bridge to get your pet the care they need immediately, while insurance reimburses you later, sometimes within days. Most policies don’t pay clinics directly, so you’re typically responsible for upfront costs—but CareCredit lets you avoid delays and get reimbursed without financial disruption.
📊 Coordinating CareCredit with Pet Insurance
| Step 🧾 | Who Pays First 💳 | When You Get Reimbursed 💵 |
|---|---|---|
| Vet visit + treatment | You, via CareCredit | Within 5–14 days (typical insurance processing) |
| Submit claim + invoice | You or clinic | Insurance sends reimbursement to you |
| Use reimbursement to pay CareCredit | Optional | Avoid interest before 6–24 mo. term ends |
💡 Tip: Submit your claim the same day using your provider’s app (e.g., Trupanion, Pets Best) to maximize turnaround time—especially important for higher bills.
💬 “Which plan is best if I have poor or no credit?”
Scratchpay and VetBilling are designed for broader accessibility. Unlike CareCredit, which performs a hard credit check, Scratchpay uses a soft check—and still offers a range of payment options. VetBilling, by contrast, is approved by the vet clinic, so your relationship with the clinic matters more than your credit score.
📊 Low-Credit Veterinary Financing Options
| Provider 🔎 | Credit Requirement 📉 | Approval Odds 👍 | Special Note 📝 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratchpay | Soft pull only | High | Approval in seconds, no credit impact |
| VetBilling | Usually no check | Varies by vet | Based on vet-client trust, deposit often required |
| CareCredit | Hard check | Moderate | Lower scores may face denial |
| In-house plans | Case-by-case | Clinic discretion | May require references or payment history |
💡 Real-World Strategy: Apply for Scratchpay first—if denied, ask your vet about VetBilling or short-term installment plans, especially for known clients.
💬 “Do these plans cover elective or non-emergency treatments like dental cleaning or spay/neuter?”
Yes—most payment plans apply to both routine and urgent care, as long as the service is performed by a participating clinic. This includes spay/neuter surgeries, dental prophylaxis, vaccinations, and diagnostics like X-rays or bloodwork. Some wellness plans even bundle these into monthly preventative packages, but third-party financing gives you flexibility across any eligible procedure.
📊 Payment Plans: Eligible Veterinary Services
| Service Type 🩺 | Covered by CareCredit/Scratchpay? ✅ | Covered by Wellness Plans? 📅 |
|---|---|---|
| Dental cleaning (non-emergency) | ✅ Yes | 🟡 Sometimes |
| Spay/neuter | ✅ Yes | 🟡 Depends on plan |
| Vaccinations, deworming | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (in wellness plans) |
| Emergency surgery | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Chronic illness management | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not typically included |
💡 Tip: Use financing for one-time costs and monthly wellness plans for recurring care—this maximizes budget flexibility while reducing surprise bills.
💬 “Is there a limit to how much I can finance through these plans?”
Yes—each provider has unique thresholds. For example, CareCredit’s limit is based on your creditworthiness and can range from $500 to over $10,000. Scratchpay tiers its offers depending on what you’re approved for. VetBilling limits are set by each clinic—typically around $500–$2,500, with higher approvals possible for established clients or emergencies.
📊 Veterinary Financing Limits at a Glance
| Provider 💳 | Max Amount Financed 💲 | Influencing Factor 🧠 |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | $500 – $10,000+ | Credit score, income |
| Scratchpay | $150 – $10,000 | Payment tier offered |
| VetBilling | Clinic-dependent | Deposit, service cost |
| In-house plans | Varies | Loyalty, repayment history |
💡 Critical Advice: If your estimate exceeds your financing limit, ask about splitting payments across multiple sources (e.g., CareCredit + personal card).
💬 “Can I still get help if I was denied financing?”
Yes—but you’ll need to pivot quickly. If denied by CareCredit or Scratchpay, don’t panic. Ask your vet about:
- Partial deposits + delayed services
- VetBilling enrollment with setup fee
- Sliding scale pricing (some nonprofit clinics)
- Short-term local charity funds or grant programs
📊 Post-Denial Options for Pet Owners
| Option 🛠️ | Who Offers It 🐾 | What It Requires 📋 |
|---|---|---|
| VetBilling plan | Participating vets | 25%+ down, stable income |
| Local animal charities | Humane Societies, pet aid orgs | Income documentation |
| Staged treatment plan | Any accommodating vet | Deposit + phased procedures |
| Crowdfunding or GoFundMe | Independent | Sharing your pet’s story 📢 |
💡 Empowering Move: Have a backup funding plan ready before appointments, especially if your credit score is under 600 or if you’ve had recent denials.
💬 “Do wellness plans help reduce emergency vet bills or just cover basics?”
Wellness plans are preventative—not emergency-focused—but they can indirectly reduce future high-cost events. By covering routine care such as exams, bloodwork, and parasite control, wellness plans help detect problems early, potentially avoiding costly ER visits. However, they do not cover unplanned surgeries, trauma, or hospitalizations.
📊 Wellness Plans vs. Emergency Costs
| Covered Service 🩺 | Included in Wellness Plans ✅ | Included in ER Visit ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual exam, vaccines | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Heartworm/fecal tests | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Emergency surgery | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Overnight hospitalization | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound) | 🟡 Possibly discounted | ✅ Full fee required |
💡 Strategic Tip: Pair a monthly wellness plan (like VCA CareClub) with a financing line (like CareCredit) to balance predictable care and emergency readiness.
💬 “Is it safe to delay veterinary treatment just to apply for financing?”
Delays should be based on your pet’s condition—not your finances. If your pet is stable and the procedure is elective (like a routine dental), it’s okay to wait 24–72 hours to get financing in place. But if your pet is in pain, vomiting, bleeding, or experiencing rapid decline, delaying treatment to apply for a credit line could result in clinical deterioration or higher treatment costs later.
📊 Treatment Timing: When You Can Safely Wait
| Condition ⚠️ | Can You Delay? 🕒 | Risk of Waiting ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Broken nail, minor limp | ✅ Short wait is okay | Mild discomfort only |
| Dental tartar, no pain | ✅ Delay for financing is reasonable | No immediate risk |
| Seizures, toxin ingestion | ❌ Seek care immediately | High risk, life-threatening |
| Vomiting for 24+ hrs | ❌ Delay not advised | Risk of dehydration or obstruction |
💡 Real-Time Tip: Most emergency clinics let you apply for CareCredit or Scratchpay on-site or by mobile in under 5 minutes—never wait if symptoms escalate.
💬 “Can I use multiple payment plans at once for a large vet bill?”
Yes—with clinic approval, you can combine payment sources. For large invoices (e.g., $2,500+), many clinics allow you to split payments between CareCredit, Scratchpay, personal credit cards, and even VetBilling, if available. This approach spreads the burden across multiple tools and may improve approval odds if one provider only approves partial funding.
📊 Combining Multiple Veterinary Payment Plans
| Payment Source 💳 | Use Case 💡 | Approval Method 🧾 |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Covers large costs with 0% interest (if eligible) | Pre-apply or in-clinic |
| Scratchpay | Adds flexible terms without hard credit check | Online or via clinic link |
| VetBilling | Balances remaining balance with small deposits | Clinic-administered |
| Credit card/personal loan | Covers any residual | Use if shortfall remains |
💡 Insider Tip: Ask the clinic to process multiple payment methods in one transaction—they often handle this, especially for surgeries or multi-day stays.
💬 “Are these plans available for senior pets or those with pre-existing conditions?”
Yes—but approval is based on financials, not your pet’s age or health history. Payment plans don’t discriminate by breed, age, or diagnosis—unlike insurance, which may exclude pre-existing conditions. You can finance cancer treatments, orthopedic surgeries, or hospice care, as long as the provider accepts financing and you qualify.
📊 Eligibility for Pet Financing Plans by Health Status
| Pet’s Condition 🐶 | Eligible for CareCredit/Scratchpay? ✅ | Eligible for Insurance Coverage? ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Senior dog with arthritis | ✅ Yes | ❌ Often excluded if pre-diagnosed |
| Pet needing dental surgery | ✅ Yes | 🟡 Partially covered with premium plan |
| Emergency tumor removal | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not if diagnosed before enrollment |
| Wellness bloodwork | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (if routine and policy allows) |
💡 Best Practice: Use financing for large, uncovered treatments, and maintain basic insurance for long-term cost protection.
💬 “Can payment plans be used at mobile vet clinics or low-cost vaccine events?”
Rarely. Most mobile or pop-up clinics don’t accept payment plans. These services focus on affordability and speed, offering fixed low-cost fees that require same-day payment, usually by card or cash. Since the cost is low ($20–$100), payment plans are not integrated into their billing model.
📊 Mobile & Pop-Up Clinic Financing Realities
| Clinic Type 🚐 | Accepts Payment Plans? 💳 | Common Payment Accepted 💵 |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile vaccination units | ❌ No | Debit, credit, cash |
| Tractor Supply PetVet Clinics | ❌ No | Online registration, pay on-site |
| Local shelter-based pop-ups | ❌ No | Cash/card only, often under $50 |
| Independent mobile wellness trucks | 🟡 Occasionally | Depends on affiliation with CareCredit |
💡 Budgeting Tip: If you plan on routine services only, preload a prepaid debit card or use FSA/HSA funds (some clinics accept them) instead of expecting financing.
💬 “How do I know if my vet offers payment plans if it’s not listed on their website?”
Most clinics don’t openly advertise financing—even if they offer it. Many small and mid-sized practices participate in CareCredit or Scratchpay but choose not to list it publicly to avoid misuse. Others provide discretionary in-house payment options only to existing, trustworthy clients.
📊 How to Confirm If a Vet Offers Payment Plans
| Method 🕵️♂️ | What to Ask or Say 📞 | Why It Works ✅ |
|---|---|---|
| Call front desk directly | “Do you accept CareCredit or Scratchpay?” | Confirms third-party acceptance |
| Email or chat | “Can you break up payments for emergencies?” | May reveal in-house or flexible policies |
| Ask during check-in | “Do you offer payment options for larger procedures?” | Opens door to payment discussions |
| Visit financing provider sites | Search zip on CareCredit.com or Scratchpay.com | Verifies enrolled locations in seconds |
💡 Insider Strategy: Even if a clinic says no to in-house plans, they may help with treatment staging, offering installment-based care without using formal credit.
💬 “Do I need to be approved for CareCredit before the vet visit, or can I apply on the spot?”
Both are possible—but pre-approval speeds things up. Most clinics that accept CareCredit can process an in-office application in 5–10 minutes, but it’s better to apply ahead of time. Pre-approval lets you walk in with spending power already secured, especially important if your pet’s condition is time-sensitive.
📊 When and How to Apply for CareCredit
| Application Timing ⏱️ | Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Before visit | Know your limit, compare options | Requires planning |
| During visit | Immediate use, staff assistance | Risk of delay if denied |
| Via mobile device | Fast approval, 24/7 access | Need stable Wi-Fi/cell signal |
💡 Smart Step: Download the CareCredit app to manage limits, check transactions, and request increases without needing clinic staff to assist.
💬 “What happens if I miss a payment on a vet payment plan?”
It depends on the provider—but all plans have consequences. Missing a payment with VetBilling may trigger a service fee and could send the account to collections. For CareCredit, missing payments during a promotional 0% interest period can retroactively add interest from day one—often at rates over 26%.
📊 Missed Payment Consequences by Provider
| Provider 💳 | Consequence of Missed Payment ❌ | How to Recover 🔄 |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Interest applied retroactively, late fees | Call ASAP, pay overdue balance to avoid penalty |
| Scratchpay | Late fees, account lockout, possible collections | Contact support, request deferment |
| VetBilling | $3–$10 late fee, possible termination of plan | Ask clinic to reset auto-pay or reschedule |
| In-house plan | Depends on clinic; may lose client status | Communicate proactively to preserve trust 🤝 |
💡 Damage Control Tip: Most providers offer grace periods—but only if you reach out early. Set reminders or auto-pay to avoid unpleasant surprises.
💬 “What if I need ongoing treatments—do payment plans work for chronic conditions like diabetes or cancer?”
Yes, and they’re often the only way many pet owners afford long-term care. Financing tools can cover repeat visits, medications, diagnostics, and even chemo cycles—but you’ll need to budget carefully and coordinate claims if you’re also using pet insurance.
📊 Financing Ongoing Veterinary Treatments
| Condition 🩺 | Payment Plan Recommended? ✅ | Special Consideration 📌 |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes (monthly insulin, testing) | ✅ Yes | Ask for bundle pricing or recurring plan |
| Cancer treatment (chemo, surgery) | ✅ Yes | Scratchpay’s long-term tiers useful here |
| Arthritis therapy (laser, rehab) | 🟡 Partial | May need out-of-pocket + wellness add-ons |
| Chronic kidney disease | ✅ Yes | Combine insurance + CareCredit for best results |
💡 Proactive Approach: Ask your vet to create a “care map” with cost projections—this can help you request the right financing term length (6 vs. 24 months).
💬 “Can I use CareCredit at more than one veterinary clinic?”
Absolutely—CareCredit is multi-practice and multi-pet compatible. As long as the clinic is part of the CareCredit network, you can use your available credit there—even if it’s not where you originally applied. It also works for multiple pets, allowing you to finance care for all your animals under one account.
📊 Using CareCredit Across Clinics and Pets
| Use Case 🐕🦺 | CareCredit Allowed? ✅ | Tip 💡 |
|---|---|---|
| Two different pets at two clinics | ✅ Yes | Notify each clinic you’ll use CareCredit |
| Emergency visit to new clinic | ✅ Yes | As long as they accept CareCredit |
| Routine care + dental at separate locations | ✅ Yes | Can use same line of credit if within limit |
| Grooming, food, or boarding | ❌ Not unless clinic offers those with medical service |
💡 Efficiency Hack: Track spending in the CareCredit portal to avoid maxing out when rotating between specialists and general vets.
