ProjectPAWS

VETERINARY FINANCING

Aimee

Veterinary Financing: A Brief Overview

There are limited resources to help pay for a large vet bill or pet emergency.  Other than the financing options below the best option is to ask you vet and local animal shelter about private charitable clubs that raise funds to aid people with vet care.  Some the places require an application and don’t cover emergencies, and some can give you an answer on the spot.  This varies with the species you are asking for help with.  It also varies with the type diagnosis and treatment you are seeking.

CareCredit – is a health care financing credit card that can be used for people and for veterinary payment, including dental bills.

If you make minimum monthly payments and pay off your balance within the promotional period (anywhere from 6 months to 24 months), then the loan is interest-free.  However, if you do not pay it off within the specified period, there is a hefty penalty in deferred interest charges that are substantial, so read the fine print. CareCredit approval depends on a person’s credit score, so you may not get approved if you have bad credit, or you may only qualify for an amount that does not cover the entire bill.

Wells Fargo – has a healthcare financing credit card that also works for vet costs and covers general veterinary care emergency treatment dental, allergy and arthritis treatment.  Once again approval and % interest for this depends on your credit score.

H3 Wellness Plus Card – Will pay out-of-pocket expenses at participating veterinary practices. This is a more limited form of credit as you have to make sure your vet has to be a participating member to qualify.

Medical Financing – Charges from a licensed veterinarian. Not often will a vet agree to finance a procedure for you vet, but some do.  It never hurts to ask your vet if you are in need.

Veterinary Assistance Programs – There is a wide range of animal charities that may be able to help you afford certain veterinary bills, either in the form of financial assistance or by connecting you with organizations that provide funding support. The best place to find out about these is by checking with your local animal shelter.