Pet wellness plans are becoming a popular option for pet owners, but many still question their reliability. Some argue they help pet owners manage health care costs, while others say they’re just another way to generate unnecessary expenses for veterinary practices.
Before signing your furry family member up with a dog or cat wellness plan that may or may not be worth it, it’s always best to understand what you’re getting into. Here’s what you need to know:
What Is a Wellness Plan?
A pet wellness plan is a proactive approach to your pet’s health that covers primary preventative veterinary care. It helps you catch problems of your cats before they become severe and complex or even impossible to treat. Pet wellness plans are not mandatory anywhere, but more and more 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 necessary de-worming treatments. More advanced plans often offer coverage for diagnostic testing, such as blood work, pet ultrasound, radiographs, prescription medications (like antibiotics), and additional vaccines. Some plans also offer coverage for surgery and hospitalization.
Benefits of Pet Wellness Plans
Pets are part of your family, so it only makes sense to provide them with a wellness plan, in addition to other services, such as spaying or neutering. Click this link to find more information about these services.
If you’re undecided, here’s why you should start getting a wellness plan for your pets now:
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.
2. Healthier You
You know how hectic life can sometimes be if you have a pet. Pets 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
When buying a wellness plan for your cats or dogs, ask yourself these questions to help you find the best 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 that an annual check-up is required with most pet wellness plans. So if you don’t have a veterinarian, now is the time to find one. Also, 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.