Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ's]
Click on question for answer(s)!
What are Companion Animal Plans [CAPs]?
Companion Animal Plans [CAPs] are structured wellness packages that are designed to meet the needs of your pet during their transition through the key stages of life. Our CAPs provide you and your pet the most effective method of promoting wellness, by bundling key services and offering them at an overall discount when compared to the individual service prices. This is our solution to ensuring your companion has the best possible care, while reducing the risk of the unknown.
How do Companion Animal Plans [CAPs] work?
Companion Animal Plans [CAPs] put the health & well being of your pet first. Depending on the species, age, and wellness needs of your companion, there are 2 options from which to choose for a total of 8 unique packages. Plans are intended to provide your companion key preventive care, while giving you the option of additional services.
Step 1: Consult with Dr. Katie & team for the CAP that is right you and your pet.
Step 2: Register for the plan and select the payment option that best suits your lifestyle
Step 3: Begin our partnership for a happier, healthier pet.
Your plan offers unlimited wellness exams for your companion, avoiding the fees associated with individual visits for pets not enrolled. An initial exam fee will be assessed for your pet’s first visit, and all other wellness exams that follow are at no charge. Follow-up exams will be scheduled for delivery of ongoing preventive care provided in your plan.
How much does a Companion Animal Plan [CAP] cost?
Companion Animal Plans [CAPs] have different costs associated, based on your pet’s species / age / wellness need. The bundling of services provides the foundation for plan discounts on an average of 15%, when compared to the aggregate retail prices of the individual services. We recognize that no 2 pets are the same, and as such we cannot place them into the same package of care. That is why we have levels of preventive care plans that meet the needs of our pets & their owners.
How do I pay for my Companion Animal Plan [CAP]?
Our goal is to provide as much flexibility for you as possible. To that end, we have created the ability for our plan holders to pay using several methods, and frequencies / intervals. For example;
Payment Methods: We offer our customers the option of paying installments via credit card or debit card withdrawn from checking / savings account. This approach allows you to take advantage of our monthly payment option, which spreads the payments over 12 equal installments. Using your card also allows you to take advantage of well deserved points systems offered by many credit providers. Monthly payments are only available via credit card, or withdrawn from checking savings account. Upfront payment will include cash & check options, inaddition to credit or debit.
Payment Frequency / Interval: To compliment payment methods described above, most customers will choose the monthly & quarterly options that spread payments evenly across the annual plan term. However, to increase customer flexibility, we also offer upfront payment option for the entire plan amount upon registration.
What is the difference between a Companion Animal Plan [CAP] and pet insurance?
The primary difference between Companion Animal Plans [CAPs] and pet insurance is the preventive approach to your pet’s health. Our approach to wellness foresees the health needs during key stages in your pet’s life, and provides a package of products & services to support their well being. In contrast, pet insurance covers some amount of your companion’s illness or injury AFTER the diagnosis has been delivered. Additionally, our plans are structured to monitor / maintain / improve your pet’s health throughout the course of the plan. Pet insurance is designed to provide value when illness & injury occur.
Our balanced approach of combining wellness exams, vaccinations, health tests, and procedures, allows us to align our medical expertise with your desire for a healthy & happy pet. This enables us to deliver on our promise – Your Pet…Our Priority!
Are there discounts for services not included in my companion's plan?
YES…Companion Animal Plans [CAPs] are designed to deliver the best in preventive wellness care, while providing value to our customers through overall service discounts. By bundling preventive wellness offerings, and spreading out the payment schedule, we are able to offer discounts on plan components ranging from 5% - 20%.
Additionally, we offer discounts on other services not included as part of your pet’s plan. These can range from everyday grooming, to more involved surgical procedures - i.e. 10% off Spay or Neuter for your adult dog.
This allows us to keep your companion happy & healthy and maximize your value.
Are "Unlimited Exams" offered in plans truly unlimited?
YES…when we say unlimited exams we really meant it! When you consider giving your companion ongoing preventive care, you are looking for the very best in a veterinary partner. That is why we want you schedule your companion for as many wellness exams as necessary. This includes the exam portion during appointments for illness or injury. Additional tests or treatment may be necessary as a result of your visit. This is our commitment to you as a partner in your pet’s life.
Why does my puppy or kitten need a Companion Animal Plan [CAP]?
The road to a healthy & happy companion starts at the earliest stages of their development. Recognizing this critical point in life, we have created specific plans designed around puppies and kittens. At this point in their lives, they are in need of so much support in the form of vaccinations, medical procedures, as well as behavioral development. That is why we separate “puppies” from adult dogs; offering plans that feature spay & neuter options, and partner with animal trainers for discounts on behavior classes. By proactively supplying your puppy or kitten with foundational care, you give them the best opportunity for a long healthy life.
When should my puppy / kitten be spayed or neutered?
Opinions vary widely on the answer to this question. We recommend spaying or neutering your pet between 4 and 6 months of age. However it is never too late to have your pet spayed or neutered! Our team will be happy to discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure at various ages in your dog or cat's life.
Is there a Companion Animal Plan [CAP] for my adult dog / cat with a spay or neuter option?
YES…Both adult dog & cat plans have spay or neuter options as discounted procedures for pets enrolled in the "Select" plan option. Although not uncommon, spay or neuter for adult pets is not the norm as it certainly is for puppies & kittens. Focusing on value added service, and to keep costs low among adult plans, spay & neuter options are considered an add-on procedure offered at a discount. This add-on makes the most effective use of resources, rather than wrapping them in the bundled price for a procedure that is most likely not going to be utilized.
Why does my young, healthy adult pet need a Companion Animal Plan [CAP]?
Our CAP's are designed around the needs of companion animals based on guidelines established by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA). They reflect the needs of the majority in the companion animal population. We are always happy to see young healthy pets and want to partner with you to keep them that way. In the words of Ben Franklin..."An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
Can I personalize my Companion Animal Plan [CAP] by adding or removing options?
[TBD]
Can I transfer a Companion Animal Plan [CAP] from one pet owner to another?
YES…a plan may be transferred from one owner to another for the registered pet. The transfer must be accepted by both the initial owner as well as the recipient, by signing our transfer agreement form. We also offer the flexibility to have plan payments remain with the original plan owner, or be transferred to the new owner.
Can I change the level of my plan during the course of the year (plan term)?
It is possible to change your pets Companion Animal Plan [CAP] from one level to another. In either direction, you will only be reimbursed for those services of which your pet has not consumed at time of transition. Any additional charge for increasing the level of the plan can be evenly distributed across the remaining months left on the term, or paid up front.
What is the process and policy around cancellation of my Companion Animal Plan [CAP]?
Although we prefer to provide your companion with the full course of the wellness plan, we understand that there are circumstances in which your plan may need to be cancelled. As a result, it is possible to cancel a plan. In this case, any services that have been provided and yet to be paid will remain due. To further support your needs, we offer cancellation balances due for the lesser of the remaining retail value of services already performed – or – the remaining balance of the plan.