Nearby Animal Hospital With Payment Plans
Let’s face it, pet ownership can be pricey. From routine appointments and vaccinations to emergency surgeries and treatments, costs can quickly escalate. But that’s where veterinary payment plans come in. These plans allow you to spread the cost of your pet’s treatment over time, making it more manageable and less stressful.
Top Financing Options for Veterinary Care
When it comes to payment plans, there are several options available. Let’s explore some of the most common ones:
CareCredit
CareCredit is a credit card designed specifically for healthcare services, including veterinary care. This card can be used for routine veterinary appointments, grooming services, emergency pet care, or a variety of surgeries and treatments your pet may need. The beauty of CareCredit is that it gives pet owners the peace of mind needed to care for pets big and small, without the immediate financial burden1.
Scratchpay
Scratchpay is an online platform that provides pet owners with payment options for their vet bills. It offers financing for a range of pet-related expenses, including exams, vaccines, surgeries, and emergency care. Scratchpay partners with veterinary practices around the US to provide these financing options to pet owners2.
VetBilling
VetBilling is another fantastic option for pet owners looking for a convenient payment plan. VetBilling manages payments throughout the entire lifecycle of the payment plan, including full collection services if needed. This allows the veterinary team to concentrate on providing optimal care, while you can set up a payment plan agreement in a matter of minutes using VetBilling’s web-accessible, PCI-compliant platform3.
Locating an Animal Hospital Near You
To find an animal hospital near you that offers payment plans, you can utilize the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) directory. The AAHA-accredited hospital locator can help you find your nearest accredited veterinary hospital.
AAHA-accredited hospitals are the only animal hospitals to regularly pass onsite evaluations based on more than 900 standards of veterinary care. This accreditation signifies that your veterinary practice has met or exceeded stringent standards that encompass all aspects of veterinary medicine, from pain management to medical record-keeping, and has committed to a path of continuous improvement4.
Banfield Pet Hospital: Nationwide Coverage, Local Care
Banfield Pet Hospital, owned by Mars Inc., operates over 1,050 hospitals across the country. They offer the Optimum Wellness Plan, a customizable set of preventative care plans that can be paid for in manageable, monthly installments. This proactive approach ensures your pet’s health is continuously monitored, catching potential issues before they become serious.
VCA Animal Hospitals: Comprehensive Care and Payment Plans
Also owned by Mars Inc., VCA Animal Hospitals boasts more than 925 hospitals. VCA offers CareClub, a preventative wellness plan that allows for affordable monthly payments. Additionally, VCA has partnered with Scratchpay, offering simple and affordable payment plans for veterinary bills.
National Veterinary Associates (NVA): A Blend of Quality and Flexibility
With over 700 hospitals, NVA has a reputation for high-quality care. Many NVA locations work with CareCredit, a health care credit card that provides financing options for treatments and procedures.
VetCor and Pathway Vet Alliance: Tailored Solutions for Diverse Needs
VetCor, with 336 hospitals, and Pathway Vet Alliance, with 275 hospitals, are two networks that accommodate a diverse range of budgets. Both offer flexible payment options, with VetCor working with CareCredit, and Pathway Vet Alliance offering Scratchpay.
PetVet Care Centers: Personalized Care, Personalized Payments
Operating over 200 hospitals, PetVet Care Centers offer quality care with personalized payment plans. Partnering with CareCredit, they allow pet owners to manage their veterinary costs over time.
Southern Veterinary Partners (SVP) and BluePearl Specialty: Accommodating Urgent Needs
SVP, with 90 hospitals, and BluePearl Specialty, with 75 hospitals, are known for their emergency services. Both offer payment plans through CareCredit, ensuring urgent care is accessible when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is an Optimum Wellness Plan at Banfield Pet Hospital?
Banfield Pet Hospital’s Optimum Wellness Plans are personalized packages that cover a broad spectrum of preventive care for your pet. These plans include essential services like comprehensive physical exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing, which can be split into easy monthly payments. Each package is tailor-made to meet your pet’s unique health requirements.
Q2: How does CareCredit work for veterinary care?
CareCredit is a credit card designed specifically for health, wellness, and personal care needs, including veterinary care. It allows you to pay for the cost of treatments and procedures right away and then make smaller, more manageable payments over time. Many veterinary practices accept CareCredit, including VetCor, NVA, PetVet Care Centers, and more.
Q3: What services are included in the VCA CareClub wellness plans?
VCA’s CareClub offers comprehensive, customized wellness plans for pets at every life stage. Services include routine exams, vaccinations, screenings, dental cleanings, and more. These plans aim to promote early disease detection and prevention, ensuring your pet remains healthy throughout their life.
Q4: Can I use Scratchpay at any veterinary hospital?
Scratchpay offers simple, transparent payment plans for veterinary care, but it is not accepted at all veterinary hospitals. Networks like VCA Animal Hospitals and Pathway Vet Alliance accept Scratchpay. However, always confirm with your specific veterinary practice whether Scratchpay is accepted.
Q5: Are payment plans interest-free?
Payment plans like CareCredit often offer promotional periods where no interest is charged if the full amount is paid within a specified timeframe (usually 6, 12, or 18 months). However, interest will be added if the balance is not paid within the promotional period. Scratchpay, on the other hand, offers plans with no deferred interest or hidden fees. Always confirm the terms and conditions of any payment plan before signing up.
Q6: Do all animal hospitals within a network offer the same financing options?
Not necessarily. While an animal hospital network might have a partnership with a financial service like CareCredit or Scratchpay, individual hospitals may have different policies. Always check with your local clinic about the availability of these financing options.
Q7: Can I use multiple payment options for a single veterinary bill?
In many cases, yes. Veterinary hospitals often allow clients to use a combination of payment options to cover their bills. This could mean using both a payment plan like CareCredit and traditional forms of payment like credit or debit cards. Again, policies may vary, so it’s best to discuss this with your veterinary hospital’s billing department.
Q8: Are emergency services covered in payment plans?
Yes, many veterinary payment plans can be used for both routine and emergency care. Institutions like SVP and BluePearl Specialty provide emergency services and accept CareCredit, allowing owners to manage the unexpected costs of emergency care. However, always confirm with your veterinary provider about the applicability of payment plans for emergency services.
Q9: Can I use my regular credit card for veterinary bills?
Yes, most veterinary practices accept regular credit cards as a form of payment. However, keep in mind that interest rates for regular credit cards can be higher than those of specialized healthcare cards like CareCredit, depending on your provider.
Q10: Are wellness plans and pet insurance the same?
No, wellness plans and pet insurance are not the same. Wellness plans, like Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plans or VCA’s CareClub, cover routine and preventive care, such as vaccinations, check-ups, and screenings, often for a monthly fee. Pet insurance, on the other hand, typically covers unexpected illnesses or injuries and requires a deductible and copay.
Q11: What happens if I can’t afford a payment on my veterinary payment plan?
If you anticipate difficulty with a payment, it’s best to contact the financing company (like CareCredit or Scratchpay) as soon as possible. They may be able to adjust your payment plan or offer a solution to prevent missed payments, which could affect your credit score.
Q12: What are the prerequisites for veterinary payment plans?
Requirements vary by payment plan and financial service provider. For CareCredit, a credit check will typically be conducted during the application process. Scratchpay also checks credit but claims it will not affect your credit score. Be sure to review the terms and conditions of each service before application.
Q13: Does Scratchpay cover all kinds of pet care?
Scratchpay can be used for a variety of pet care services, including veterinary care, grooming, boarding, and more. However, the availability of Scratchpay depends on whether the pet service provider has partnered with Scratchpay.
Q14: Are there any alternatives if my veterinary hospital does not offer a payment plan?
Yes, some pet owners opt for pet insurance, which covers part of the cost for significant medical procedures. Others set up a dedicated savings account for pet care. Some non-profit organizations provide assistance to pet owners in financial need. Always explore all available options if your veterinary hospital does not offer a payment plan.
Q15: How can I find out if my local veterinary hospital offers payment plans?
The best way to find out is to call your local veterinary hospital directly and ask about their payment options. Many clinics also list this information on their websites. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of any payment plan before agreeing to it.
Q16: Are there additional fees when using veterinary payment plans?
There might be additional fees depending on the terms of the specific payment plan. For instance, CareCredit charges interest if the full amount is not paid within the agreed promotional period. Always review the full terms of the payment plan for any potential fees or charges.
Q17: Can I switch between different wellness plans at Banfield Pet Hospital?
Yes, Banfield allows you to switch between their Optimum Wellness Plans to meet your pet’s changing health needs. Consult with your veterinarian to make the best decision regarding which plan suits your pet’s current health status.
Q18: Do veterinary payment plans cover prescription medications?
Typically, CareCredit can be used for various veterinary services, including prescription medications. However, this may vary based on the hospital’s policy, and it’s recommended to check with your local provider.
Q19: What happens if I move to a different city or state? Can I still use my wellness plan or veterinary payment plan?
Wellness plans like those offered by Banfield and VCA, as well as payment plans through CareCredit and Scratchpay, can usually be used at any participating location nationwide. However, it is crucial to check with the individual clinic beforehand to ensure they accept your specific plan.
Q20: Are preventive services like spaying/neutering, dental cleanings, and vaccinations included in these payment plans?
While it varies by provider and plan, many wellness plans like VCA’s CareClub and Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plans do cover preventive services. However, payment services like CareCredit or Scratchpay are typically used to finance a wide range of veterinary services, not specific to preventive care.
Q21: Can I use my CareCredit card for other family members’ pets?
Yes, your CareCredit card can be used for the veterinary care of any pet in your household, providing the veterinary clinic accepts CareCredit as a payment method.
Q22: Is there a limit on how much I can put on a veterinary payment plan?
The amount you can put on a veterinary payment plan typically depends on your credit limit for services like CareCredit or Scratchpay. This limit is determined based on information gathered during the credit check performed when you apply.
Q23: Do I have to pay a fee to apply for CareCredit or Scratchpay?
No, there are no fees to apply for either CareCredit or Scratchpay. However, interest and other fees may apply once you begin using the service, depending on the terms of your specific plan.
Q24: Can wellness plans be used in conjunction with pet insurance?
Yes, wellness plans can often be used in conjunction with pet insurance. While pet insurance usually covers unforeseen illnesses or injuries, wellness plans typically cover routine and preventive care. The combination can provide a comprehensive coverage for your pet’s health needs.
