Veterinary expenses are part of owning a pet, so it’s smart to be financially prepared with convenient financial solutions like the CareCredit health and pet care credit card, which can help relieve some of the stress. CareCredit is accepted at 25,000+ veterinary hospital locations nationwide. CareCredit offers flexible financing options on qualifying purchases that let you pay over time in budget-friendly monthly payments for out-of-pocket expenses.* You can quickly apply, get an instant credit decision and, if approved, use your card immediately to pay for your pet’s care.
Is CareCredit Good for Vet Bills?
Yes, CareCredit offers an easy payment solution for veterinary healthcare and can be used for all types of services, products, prescriptions, and nutrition at veterinarians in the CareCredit network. In addition, there is no annual fee** and you can use your card repeatedly.
What Can CareCredit be Used for?
The CareCredit credit card can be used for routine veterinary appointments, grooming services, emergency pet care, or a variety of surgeries and treatments your pet may need. It can give pet owners the peace of mind needed to care for pets big and small.
Unlike most traditional pet financing or veterinary payment plans, the CareCredit credit card gives you the flexibility to use your card again and again for your pet’s procedures.* The CareCredit credit card can be used to pay for care for dogs, cats, birds, horses, lizards, rabbits, guinea pigs, and so much more.
Here are just a few examples of what CareCredit can help you pay for:
- Annual home visits or checkups
- Dermatology issues
- Parasitic preventatives and treatments
- Dentals
- Medications
- Vaccinations
- Chronic disease care (e.g., epilepsy, arthritis, hypothyroidism)
- Diagnostic testing
- End-of-life care and after-care services
- Pet food and dietary supplements
- Spaying and neutering
- Surgery
- Emergency services
- Specialty care
- Rehabilitation services
- Cancer treatment
How to Apply for CareCredit
Applying for CareCredit is easy and there are several ways to go about it:
- Online for anyone 18 years of age and older
- By phone at (800) 677-0718 for anyone 21 years of age and older
- At veterinary locations in the CareCredit network
You can also apply using the PetDesk mobile app; receive a credit decision right away. Checking to see if you prequalify for CareCredit does not affect your credit bureau score.
Why Pair CareCredit With Pet Insurance
To help you be ready for all types of vet expenses, consider pairing CareCredit with a pet health insurance policy—such as those offered by Pets Best—to help you be financially prepared for a lifetime of care for your pet, from planned checkups to unexpected illnesses, accidents, or injury.
According to Preventive Vet, some of the top three reasons pet parents face surprise veterinary bills include accidents (hit by car), poisonings (e.g., antifreeze toxicity, human prescriptions, foods, and rodenticides/insecticides), and acute GI upset. In a single emergency visit, an owner might be faced with an itemized bill that includes an ER exam, catheter placement, fluids, diagnostic testing (e.g., x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, or CT), medication, oxygen therapy, wound treatment, and surgery. In addition, some cases require overnight hospitalization, like one to two days for GI upset, and three to five days for conditions like parvovirus or urinary blockages. Emergency visits could cost owners thousands of dollars. By planning ahead with easy financial solutions, you could have peace of mind knowing your pet insurance and the CareCredit credit card can help you manage the cost.
Insure Your Pet Early
Getting your cat or dog insured while they are young can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. It’s important to insure your pet when it’s still young and typically more healthy, because no pet insurance plan covers pre-existing conditions. Comprehensive plans with extensive coverage are available, but you can also opt for an accident, emergency, and illness plan with the choice of adding wellness coverage.
Pet insurance policies are fairly straightforward. You pay for veterinary care directly and later submit a claim for reimbursement. If you pair your pet insurance policy with an option like CareCredit for out-of-pocket expenses, consider it a win-win.
*Subject to credit approval. See carecredit.com for details.
**For new accounts: Purchase APR is 26.99%. Minimum interest charge is $2.00
Pet insurance is administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC and is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company headquartered at 6100 4th Ave. S. Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98108. Please see www.americanpetinsurance.com to review all available pet health insurance products underwritten by APIC.
