Simply put, wellness plans are 'bundles' that include commonly used veterinary services offered at a discounted rate. In this post, our Oceanside vets discuss the benefits of pet wellness plans for your pet's routine medical care.
Benefits of Wellness Plans
While it would be nice for every pet owner to have insurance for their companion, there are several things to take into consideration. Factors such as cost, type of coverage, and your pet's current health status can all impact your monthly payments.
Many pet insurance plans don't include preventive and wellness care services like vet checkups and routine vaccinations, making wellness plans all the more appealing. These types of services are especially important for maintaining your pet's health and avoiding costly procedures.
Convenience & Budgeting
Since Wellness Plans are like 'packages' of veterinary services, it will be less of a financial commitment to bring your cat or dog in for preventive care. This payment option enables more pet parents to afford comprehensive vet care and avoid potentially expensive treatment costs from preventable conditions going undiagnosed. Pet wellness plans:
- Can be paid monthly or annually
- Usually include discounts on certain products and services
- Make budgeting for pet care easier
Customization & Flexibility
At Oceanside Veterinary Hospital, our Pet Wellness Plans are catered to cats and dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages. Cat and dog wellness plans typically have options for small, medium, large, XL, and giant dogs, as well as cats. These packages offer a range of preventive annual and biannual wellness procedures (e.g. wellness exams, bloodwork, parasite testing). As we get to know your pet, we will be able to recommend an ideal wellness plan to keep them happy and healthy - and hopefully save you some money down the road.
Animals with special needs like senior cats and dogs, young 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.
Potential Cons of Wellness Plans
As with just about any decision, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing whether a dog or cat wellness plan is right for your companion.
Frequency of Use
Signing up for a wellness plan may seem counter-intuitive if your pet is young, healthy, or otherwise seems fine. While it is better to have coverage and not need it than vice versa, we understand that healthcare decisions are personal and should be made with the patient's best care in mind.
Additional Coverage
Just as it is important to know what an insurance plan would cover, you should know what a wellness plan covers as well. Wellness plans are for ongoing preventive and wellness care from your veterinary team and do not cover illness, surgeries, or other emergency or chronic healthcare needs.
At the end of the day, discussing your pet's needs and your budget with your veterinarian is the best way to make medical decisions for your furry friend.
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.