When your pet needs care, the last thing you want to worry about is how to pay for it. Between routine wellness visits, unexpected emergencies, and advanced procedures, veterinary costs can add up quickly, and that stress can make it harder to focus on your pet’s health.
At Grace Animal Hospital, we believe every pet deserves state of the art care and treatment approaches, and we never want cost to stand in the way of that. That is why we offer transparent pricing along with several payment options, including CareCredit and Cherry financing, and why we work with most pet insurance providers to help make your visit as stress free as possible.
Why Payment Options Matter for Pet Owners
Veterinary care is one of the largest ongoing expenses for pet owning households. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average cost of a veterinary visit was $214 for dogs and $138 for cats in 2024, and households spent hundreds of dollars a year on veterinary care alone. Those numbers do not account for emergencies, surgeries, or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, which can push costs even higher.
We have seen how the fear of an unexpected bill can cause pet parents to delay care or skip appointments. Waiting can allow a treatable issue to become a much more serious and costly one. Our goal is to make sure our patients never have to choose between their pet’s health and their budget, which is why we guide every family through the payment options available before treatment begins.
What Is CareCredit and How Does It Work
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can be used specifically for veterinary expenses, along with many other medical costs for you and your family. It works similarly to a traditional credit card, but it is designed for health related expenses and often comes with special financing offers, such as no interest if the balance is paid in full within a promotional period.
For pet owners facing a larger bill, such as one from our pet oral surgery or orthopedic services, CareCredit can spread the cost out over time rather than requiring payment all at once. Approval decisions are often made within minutes, which means we can help you get your pet the care they need without unnecessary delays. Full details on this option and Cherry are outlined on our veterinary financing page.
How Cherry Financing Can Help
Cherry is another financing option we offer that gives pet owners flexibility when it comes to covering veterinary costs. Similar to CareCredit, Cherry allows qualified applicants to break payments into manageable monthly installments rather than paying the full amount upfront.
Cherry is often a great fit for families who want a simple application process with a quick decision. Whether you are budgeting for a planned procedure like spay and neuter surgery or need to cover an unexpected diagnosis from our pet diagnostic lab, having a financing option available can make the process feel far less overwhelming.
Understanding Pet Insurance Coverage
Pet insurance works differently from financing, since it is designed to help you plan ahead rather than pay after the fact. With a policy in place, you pay a monthly premium, and depending on your plan, the insurer reimburses a portion of eligible veterinary expenses after you file a claim. We accept most pet insurance providers, so your policy can typically be used for a visit with us just as it would at any other veterinary practice.
Insurance tends to work best for pet owners who want peace of mind for the unexpected, such as an accident, illness, or the need for advanced diagnostics like vet ultrasounds. Since most plans reimburse after the visit, you will still pay at the time of service, but insurance can significantly offset the cost afterward, especially for larger claims.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Family
There is no single right answer when it comes to CareCredit, Cherry, or pet insurance, since the best choice depends on your pet’s needs and your own financial situation. Some families carry pet insurance for long term peace of mind while keeping financing available as a backup for larger, unplanned expenses. Others prefer financing alone, since it offers flexibility without a monthly premium.
Whatever you decide, our team is always happy to go over the details, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect before any treatment begins. We want every visit, from routine checkups to advanced surgical care, to feel manageable financially as well as medically.
Get Your Pet the Care They Need Today at Grace Animal Hospital
At Grace Animal Hospital, we are proud to be a locally owned, family oriented practice that treats every patient like part of our own family. From transparent pricing to flexible payment options, we work hard to make sure cost never gets in the way of the care your pet deserves.
If you have questions about CareCredit, Cherry, or how your pet insurance may apply to an upcoming visit, contact our office and our team will be glad to help.
