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.

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.

When you love your pet but financial resources are limited, a veterinary emergency can lead to hours of desperate efforts to raise money and find a veterinarian that is willing to take the case on. This is just one family’s story. There are thousands of other families that have been in a similar predicament, whose stories will never be heard.

When clients are declined for CareCredit, Scratchpay, or other third-party financing products, it’s usually assumed that they must be a “bad credit risk.” But did you know that someone can actually have an excellent credit score and still be declined for a new line of credit? Find out why these clients may still be excellent candidates for in-house payment plans.

It is easy to say, “if you can’t afford a pet you shouldn’t have one.” But it just isn’t that simple. There are many animals who are deeply loved by their families, but that family’s inability to afford veterinary treatment – especially emergency or surgical treatment — doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of love or attentive care.  Nor does it imply that they are a “bad,” irresponsible or neglectful pet owner.

When is a payment plan not really a payment plan? Our blog post explains! Make sure you get the details when a new payment option seems like the answer to all your client payment problems. No client payment option is perfect, and your practice should offer a variety of financial solutions because each client’s needs are different. Find out why it’s essential to know exactly what you’re getting.