Author: Suzanne Cannon, M.S., M.A.

Brown and tan chihuahua

Rigid Rules, Restricted Care, & Veterinary Access

An elderly man faces a heart-wrenching decision when his cherished Chihuahua requires urgent surgery, for which he is financially unprepared. He has $500 to use as a down payment, but his clinic tells him they have a strict “no payment plans” policy – despite the man’s longstanding relationship with the clinic and a prior payment history that is flawless. But this time, his dog’s medical situation arose at a bad time. This pressing situation raises crucial questions: Should financial policies in veterinary care allow for more compassion and flexibility? Could such changes not only benefit pet owners but also enhance the veterinary profession itself?

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Dog and cat sitting side by side

Research: Payment Plans Improve Access to Veterinary Care

A pioneering study by Heather Cammisa and Samantha Hill of Open Door Veterinary Collective, and published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science — the second most-cited journal in veterinary medicine — draws upon six years of payment plan data provided by VetBilling, unveiling fresh insights into the viability of offering managed in-house payment plans to improve access to veterinary care. Discover how innovative payment options have the potential to revolutionize pet healthcare, offering a brighter future for pets and their owners, and reducing moral distress for veterinary professionals.

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The Great Disconnect: Value vs. Cost

You can educate clients about the value of veterinary services all day long, but if you aren’t also offering flexible payment options that help them manage the cost of that value, pet owners will avoid or delay seeking care for their pet because the perceived financial burden is too great. There’s been a lot of

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A Surprising Way to Improve Dental Compliance

The team at Lake Road Animal Hospital in New York tried just about everything over the years to encourage client compliance with their dental recommendations. But it wasn’t until they did one surprising thing that they saw a significant shift.

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VetBilling: A Personal Mission for Its Founders

Suzanne Cannon knows how hard it is to choose between finances and your pet’s health. 15 years ago her dog developed a life-threatening case of pancreatitis, requiring $4,000 of emergency treatment. Declined for CareCredit because she was “credit invisible,” her pet insurance policy didn’t help because it required upfront payment to the veterinarian. Not knowing where to turn for help, years later she created her own solution to help both pet parents and veterinarians.

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3 Reasons To Offer Pet Savings Accounts

Pet Savings Accounts are an excellent way to encourage pet owners to be proactively prepared for future veterinary expenses. Not everyone has the discipline to set up a personal savings account without occasionally raiding it to pay for an impulse purchase. Pet Savings Accounts offered through your practice let clients set aside a dedicated dollar amount on a monthly basis that is specifically earmarked for veterinary costs.

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How Pet Owners Hint About Financial Concerns

Many veterinary clients are worried about finances but won’t ever say so directly.  There are a number of reasons for this, but just a few include embarrassment or shame over their financial situation; having too much pride to ask for help; and fear of being judged as an irresponsible pet parent if they admit they have a limited budget.

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An Old Dog with New Tricks: In-House Payment Plans

In-house veterinary payment plans of the past had a bad reputation. Vet clinics hated to offer them, they were burdensome to manage, and clients frequently didn’t keep up with payments. Third-party credit products took their place and now most vets rely on these products to help clients manage costs. But with 60% of pet owners unable to qualify for credit and few financial alternatives, in-house payment plans – revamped for the 21st century – may be making a comeback.

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