A cat or dog wellness plan is a great way to keep your pet healthy and ensure that they receive the best possible care. Many pet owners may see it as a waste of money, but in reality, it can cut unnecessary expenses in the long run.
Read on to find out why.
What Is a Pet Wellness Plan?
Pet wellness plans are like insurance policies for your animals. You can receive routine and preventive care for your furry friend at a discounted rate for a monthly or yearly fee.
The plan usually works with a specific veterinary clinic or group of clinics. When you sign up, you pay the monthly or yearly fee, and in return, you receive a certain percentage off of the services included in your plan.
What Services Are Included?
The type of services included in a pet wellness plan can vary, but most include the following:
- Routine vaccinations. Cats and dogs need certain vaccinations to stay healthy, typically covered under a wellness plan. Usually, they start at a young age and are given booster shots as they grow older.
- Routine screenings and tests. Wellness plans often cover routine tests and diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, blood work, and heartworm tests.
- Dental care. Some wellness plans cover teeth cleanings and other dental procedures. These procedures are vital for your pet’s health and can be expensive if you have to pay for them out of pocket.
- Microchipping. This small chip is inserted under your pet’s skin and helps to identify them if they’re ever lost.
- 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.
- Routine physical examinations. Pet exams help detect health problems early when they’re often more easily treatable.
- Parasite control. Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can be a nuisance for you and your pet. Keeping them under control is vital for your pet’s health and comfort.
- Nutritional counseling. A healthy diet is a part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right food for your animal companion and ensure they get the nutrients they need.
- Behavioral counseling. Pets can sometimes develop behavioral problems, including separation anxiety or aggression. A veterinarian can help you understand what might be causing the problem and advise you on how to manage it.
- Surgery. Most wellness plans will cover a percentage of the cost if your pet ever needs surgery. These include spaying and neutering and other surgeries that may be necessary for your pet’s health. Click on this link to know more about pet surgery.
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 the most important ones:
- Early detection of health problems. Wellness plans help you catch health problems early when they’re often more easily treated. This can save both time and money in the long run.
- Routine care at a discounted rate. With a wellness plan, you pay one monthly or yearly fee, and then you receive discounts on the routine care that your pet needs. This can save you a significant amount of money over time.
- Prevention of costly health problems. By getting regular care for your pet, you can often prevent more serious and expensive health problems from developing. This can cut inevitable expenses and help your furry friend stay healthy and happy.
- Peace of mind. Knowing that your pet is receiving the best possible care can give you leave you with peace of mind, helping you enjoy your time with them even more.
- 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.
The Bottom Line
Pet wellness plans are a great way to ensure your animal companion gets the necessary care to stay healthy and happy. While it’s all up to you to decide based on your current situation, these plans may be worth your investment if you consider the benefits they offer.
