The Cost of Pet Ownership - Benefits of Premier Pet Care Plans

Pet ownership brings unconditional love and companionship but also comes with responsibility. As a pet owner, is it safe to assume you're familiar with the cost of pet ownership? For a healthy pet, this can be around $700 - $1,000 per year and doesn't include unexpected expenses for things like accidents, emergencies, or sickness. The question is, are you prepared for those unexpected expenses?  

Preparing for unexpected veterinary costs is essential for pet owners. There are several ways to prepare for unexpected veterinary costs, from premier pet care plans to pet insurance to savings accounts. In this blog, we'll explore the options available to help with the cost of pet ownership so you can make the best decision for you and your pet. 

Premier Pet Care Plans

Premier pet care plans are comprehensive care packages designed to ensure your pet receives all the necessary services and care they need throughout the year. From vaccinations to wellness exams and more, the primary focus of pet care plans is prevention. These plans aim to help you and your veterinarian stay on top of your pet's health to detect and address potential health issues before they escalate into more serious problems. 

Benefits of Premier Pet Care Plans

Utilizing a pet care plan through your veterinarian has many benefits. Below are some of those benefits. 

Saving on Veterinary Costs

Even owning a healthy pet comes with its fair share of expenses, which can add up quickly. Purchasing a premier pet care plan for your pet allows you to enjoy discounted rates for the services your pet needs. Paying in full for the plan provides significant savings as compared to paying for each individual service. On average, yearly savings can range from $150-$300 or more depending on the individual plans your veterinarian offers. 

Hassle-Free Scheduling

With a premier pet care plan, you can enjoy hassle-free scheduling for your pet's care. Once your pet is enrolled, you can schedule all your pet's appointments ahead of time for the year instead of having to plan each visit separately. Being proactive ensures your pet receives timely and consistent care and helps prevent potential health issues from escalating into more serious problems. With your pet's veterinary visits scheduled for the year, it's one less thing you need to worry about. 

Tailored Care for Your Pet

Pets are as unique as their paw print and pet care plans are not one size fits all. Care plans exist for puppies and kittens, adult dogs and cats, and senior pets. Different levels of care plans are also offered - from premium (everything you'll need for the year) to rescue packages tailored for those circumstances. Most veterinarians will work with you to customize your plan. Often, you can tailor pet care plans to suit your pet's needs and requirements, including its age, breed, health, and lifestyle.

Peace of Mind

All said and done; premier pet care plans offer pet owners peace of mind by providing comprehensive care for their faithful companions. With an emphasis on preventive measures, these plans allow you to plan out and budget for your pet's veterinary needs, prioritizing their health and welfare above all else.

Alternative Options for Your Pet 

Whether you choose to go with a premier pet care plan with your veterinarian or not, it's essential to prepare for the expenses of pet ownership. Alternative options are available to help you be financially ready. These include pet insurance, establishing a pet savings account, or utilizing CareCredit. Below, we'll cover what each of those options looks like. 

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is very similar to human insurance. At Buddy's Vets, we highly recommend pet insurance. Just like with human insurance, you must understand what you're paying for and thoroughly read the fine print.  

There are different types of pet insurance plans as well. A catastrophic plan is a good idea to have in place for your pet, at the minimum. These plans usually have a lower monthly premium and most often only cover emergencies like fractures, foreign bodies, or being hit by a car. Then there are plans with a higher monthly premium that covers more than just emergencies. 

If you opt for the plan to cover everything, be sure to know if there are any coverage details for pre-existing conditions. Recently, one of our patients with chronic ear infections was automatically put into a category of allergies, and now every allergy claim that comes up isn't covered under their pet insurance. The owners are understandably frustrated, but it's why it's important to really read the fine print and know what you are signing up for and what may or may not be covered.

Most veterinarians require payment at the time of services or, in some emergency cases, at least 50% down before proceeding. Even if you have pet insurance, this is where its similarity to human insurance ends. Even with pet insurance, when you see your veterinarian, you must pay for services and then make a claim with your pet insurance carrier for reimbursement according to your plan. 

Today, there are many pet insurance companies. To put it simply, you need to shop around and find the right plan for you and your pet. Some auto insurance companies, if you have insurance through them, also offer pet insurance. 

We always want to encourage pet owners to get pet insurance, but it's critical to do your homework and know what you're paying for and what's covered. This article has some great information about the pros and cons of pet insurance, and if you're unsure of where to start, this website does some of the research for you.   

Savings Accounts

Establishing a pet savings account is a great way to prepare for veterinary expenses alone or with a pet care plan or insurance. If you decide against pet insurance, you can take what you would put towards a monthly premium and instead open a savings account specifically for your pet. If you put away $100 a month at the end of the year, barring emergencies, you'll have $1,200 to cover your pet's preventative care and leave you a little cushion for anything extra. Over time, you can slowly build up your preparedness for emergencies.

CareCredit

CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card accepted by most veterinarians. It's recommended that you apply before an emergency strikes so you're prepared in case expenses are more than you can handle on your own. Also, doing so before you may need it can help lessen the stress in otherwise stressful situations. 

Real-life Pets & Their Care Plans 

Be Prepared

Be prepared. Owning a pet can be expensive. Investing in and being proactive about your pet's well-being is a commitment that will pay off. By looking into pet care plans and other alternatives, you can make well-informed decisions about planning for your pet's veterinary care. Being proactive protects your pet's health and reduces the financial cost often associated with unforeseen expenses.

Premier pet care plans offer a comprehensive solution to ensure your pet receives all the care it needs and deserves while helping you manage veterinary costs. Investing in a care plan is not just about veterinary services; it's about investing in your pet's quality of life. At Buddy's Vets, we invite you to look at our premier pet care plans and encourage you to call our office with any questions. Your pets deserve the best; our care plans are here to make that happen.