Why You Should Consider a Pet Wellness Plan

When your animal family member needs pet surgery, and you are not financially prepared, it can be a difficult and sudden expense. A pet wellness plan helps you budget for routine and necessary care and unexpected expenses like surgeries. Read on to learn how it may benefit you and your pet.

What Is a Pet Wellness Plan?

A pet wellness plan is prepaid veterinary care that covers your pet’s routine and necessary health care expenses. It is not insurance but rather a way to budget for the annual or semi-annual maintenance that keeps your animal companion healthy and happy.

The coverage and cost of a pet wellness plan will vary depending on the provider and the type of animal, but most plans cover the following:

• Routine vaccinations. These include the core vaccines recommended for all animals and any non-core vaccines that may be recommended based on your pet’s risk factors.
• Routine screenings and tests. This help identifies health problems early when they are easier and less expensive to treat. This includes diagnostic tests like fecal testing, urinalysis, bloodwork, and radiographs (x-rays).
• Routine deworming. Deworming helps prevent parasites like heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms, which can cause serious health problems in animals. Typically, this is done on a semi-annual or annual basis.
• Spaying or neutering. This important surgical procedure helps control the pet population and can also have health benefits for your animal companion, such as reducing the risk of certain cancers.
• Dental care. Regular dental cleanings and care can help prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and other health problems caused by poor dental hygiene.
• Routine physical examinations. Cat and dog routine exams help your veterinarian catch any issues early and keep your pet on the road to good health.
• Parasite control. Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can be a nuisance for both you and your pet. You must keep them under control for your pet’s health and comfort.
• Nutritional counseling. A healthy diet is vital for all animals, and your veterinarian will work with you to choose the best food for your pet based on their individual needs.
• Microchipping. This is a permanent form of identification for your pet in case they are ever lost or stolen.
• Surgery. As mentioned, pet surgeries can be expensive, but many are necessary for your animal companion’s health. A pet wellness plan may cover common surgeries, including spaying or neutering, dental work, and mass removal.

Why Consider Getting a Pet Wellness Plan for Your Pet?

There are many reasons to consider getting a pet wellness plan for your animal companion. Here are other significant reasons why:

• Early detection of health problems. Annual or semi-annual physical examinations and routine screenings help your veterinarian catch any health problems early when they are typically easier and less expensive to treat.
• Discounts on services. Most pet wellness plans offer discounts on the covered services, which can save you money in the long run.
• Convenience. With a pet wellness plan, you can make one payment at the beginning of the year or semi-annually to cover your pet’s routine care needs. This can be helpful if you have trouble budgeting for unexpected vet bills throughout the year.
• Peace of mind. A pet wellness plan can provide peace of mind since you know you are prepared for the routine and necessary care that your animal companion needs.

How to Choose a Pet Wellness Plan

When choosing a pet wellness plan, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as:

• Be sure to read the fine print. Each pet wellness plan is different, so it’s important to understand what is and is not covered by the plan before you enroll.
• Choose a plan that fits your budget. There are many pet wellness plans to choose from, so be sure to find one that fits your budget and meets your animal companion’s needs.
• Get recommendations from friends or family. If you know someone with a pet wellness plan, ask them for their opinion on the provider and the coverage.
• Do some research. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take some time to read online reviews and compare pricing.
• Check with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend a pet wellness plan that they see as suitable for you and your animal companion.

The Bottom Line

A pet wellness plan can help you save money and time on your animal companion’s routine and necessary care. It may sound expensive at first, but considering the discounts on services and the convenience of having all of your pet’s care needs covered in one plan is worth considering. Research and choose a plan that meets the needs of you and your animal companion. Read more about pet wellness plans here.