In recent years, pet wellness plans have been getting attention from pet owners, but many still question their reliability. Some argue they help them manage their pets’ health care costs, while others believe they’re just another way to generate unnecessary veterinary services.
Before signing your furry friends up with a plan, it’s always best to understand what you’re getting into. Is it worth it or not?
Here’s what you need to know:
Pet Wellness Plan: What Is It?
A pet wellness plan is a proactive approach to your pets’ health, covering primary preventative veterinary care. If you purchase one for your pet, there are bigger chances of catching problems before they get serious and difficult or even impossible to cure. Pet wellness plans are not mandatory in all places, but an increasing number of veterinary clinics and animal hospitals offer them to clients.
A basic wellness plan covers all preventative care basics, including vaccinations, heartworm preventive medication, fecal examinations, and any necessary de-worming treatments. More advanced plans often offer coverage for diagnostic testing, such as blood work and radiographs, prescription medications (like antibiotics), and additional vaccines. Some plans also provide coverage for surgery and hospitalization. You can go to this link if you want to know more about other vet labs and diagnostics required for your pets.
Benefits of Pet Wellness Plans
Pets are part of your family, so it only makes sense to provide them with a wellness plan. Here’s why:
1. Healthier Pets
A pet wellness plan starts early in life and is an ongoing program. So if your pet is young, a wellness plan will help them begin their life right. Also, pets age much faster than humans, so you must take your pet for regular check-ups and keep up with their shots and other services like cat or dog spay and neuter.
2. Healthier You
You know how busy life can sometimes be if you have a pet. We know they are a great stress reliever, along with exercise. So, aside from playing with them, you want to make sure that you have time for daily walks or other forms of exercise you regularly do. Also, this is an opportunity for you to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.
3. Improved Lifestyle
If you take your pet on regular walks, they will likely help encourage you to walk each day. This gets you outside and active, which is highly beneficial to your overall health.
4. Financial Benefits
A pet wellness plan can offer financial incentives that cover routine check-ups. If your pet develops early signs of costly diseases, like cancer or diabetes, then a pet wellness plan will help reduce the costs of diagnosis and treatments.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Pet Wellness Plan
Once you decide you are getting a pet wellness plan for your pet, ask yourself these three questions to ensure you’re getting the right one:
- Does the pet wellness plan provide check-ups that include vaccinations?
- Is flea or tick prevention included in the wellness plan? If not, look for a company that provides for this in their plan.
- Does your pet need prescription medications? If so, does the wellness company provide coverage for these medications?
Remember, an annual check-up is required with most dog and cat wellness plans. So if you don’t have a veterinarian, now is the time to find one. Make sure that your pet receives routine check-ups and preventative medical care. As their overall health improves, you know they will live healthier and happier lives for the years to come.
If you’re nearby Thomasville, NC, you may contact Thomasville Veterinary Hospital. Go to their website to know more about their other services.