Can I Buy Pet Supplies with CareCredit? Everything You Need to Know

 

Introduction 

As a responsible pet parent, you want to offer the best facilities to your furry buddy. But in today's world, there come times in life when unexpected expenses lay stress on your financial resources. Be it regular veterinary visits, unplanned surgeries, or even casual grooming, these things tend to add up pretty fast. You may have heard of CareCredit, a healthcare credit card used for medical financing, and wondered if it could help your pet in some manner. To be more specific, is it possible to purchase pet supplies with CareCredit? We go into the details below and give you clear answers as to how CareCredit works for pet owners, and under what circumstances you can use it.

Don’t let pet waste ruin your outings!

Introduction: Financing Your Pet's Needs with CareCredit

It is always a top priority to take care of your pet, but sometimes providing for your pet's needs-from quality food to medical care-can be quite expensive. If you find yourself with one of those sudden pet expenses, know that CareCredit may help alleviate some of the financial burdens. But the big question to many pet parents is, can this card be used outside of veterinary services for regular pet supplies, such as food, toys, and grooming products?

This guide will explain in great detail how CareCredit works, where you can use it for your pets, and provide actionable tips on how to maximize its benefits.

1. What is CareCredit?

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that extends financing for various medical treatments, including surgeries and wellness care for humans and pets. It is accepted by thousands of veterinary offices and offers different payment plans that help pet owners finance their big medical bills in easy monthly installments.

But what makes it unique for pet owners is the fact that it's not limited to human health care alone. The company has extended its cover to many veterinary services, and this has saved many pet parents' lives when they've had to deal with surprise vet bills.

2. Can You Buy Pet Supplies with CareCredit?

Now for the question everyone wants to hear: Can I buy pet supplies with CareCredit?

The quick answer would be no; CareCredit cannot normally be used for general pet supplies, such as buying food, toys, bedding, or other non-medical supplies for your pet. CareCredit is only for healthcare-related expenses; thus, its use is confined to medical services for pets, such as the following:

Veterinary examinations

Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and blood work

Surgery and anesthesia

Prescription medications from your vet

Dental care for pets

Vaccinations and routine wellness visits

That being said, there is an exception. If a pet store or retailer is affiliated with a veterinary clinic or accepts CareCredit for prescription food for pets or therapeutic treatments, then in those instances, you might be able to use it. However, general retail pet stores do not accept CareCredit for general retail pet supplies.

Example: If your veterinarian prescribes a special, medically necessary diet for your pet-say, prescription dog food to treat kidney disease or allergies-you may be able to use CareCredit to buy it through them or an affiliated retailer.

3. Where Can You Use CareCredit for Your Pets?

Although CareCredit is not an all-purpose pet shopping card, it can be accepted at a wide range of veterinary offices and healthcare providers for pets. The most common places you can use CareCredit for pet-related expenses include:

Veterinary Clinics: Most general vet practices take CareCredit for medical treatments, surgeries, and wellness visits.

Specialty Animal Hospitals: Most animal hospitals take CareCredit for specialized services such as oncology, dermatology, or orthopedic surgery. Pet Pharmacies: For pets that need ongoing medication, CareCredit is usually usable at veterinary pharmacies or through a veterinarian's office. Emergency Animal Hospitals: CareCredit will cover the medical emergency of your pet, including emergency treatment, surgeries, and hospitalization.

Tip: You should always call ahead to confirm that your veterinary office or pet pharmacy accepts CareCredit before setting up your appointment or purchasing any services regarding your pet. Most large chains of veterinarians will accept CareCredit, such as Banfield Pet Hospitals, located in many PetSmart stores.

4. How to Get the Most Out of CareCredit

If you are a pet parent wanting to utilize CareCredit to help manage veterinary expenses, here are some actionable tips that will ensure you get the most out of your card:

Ask About Promotional Financing: Many times, there are promotional financing options with CareCredit, such as 0% interest if paid in full within a certain time-usually 6, 12, or 18 months. Ask your veterinarian's office or animal hospital if those plans are available to help pay for the care of your pet.

Big Expenses: Use CareCredit for larger, unexpected vet bills. For example, if your pet needs surgery, must be hospitalized, or has other expensive diagnostics, CareCredit can help water the payment over time to minimize financial stress at that time.

Insurance compatibility with pets: Those with insurance for their pets can have CareCredit pay for the upfront cost of care, which can then be reimbursed upon submission of receipts to their respective pet insurance providers. This helps in order to handle the expense quickly without waiting for the insurance payout.

Well-Care/Preventative Care: You don't have to wait until you have an emergency to use CareCredit. It is also quite helpful for regular vet visits, vaccinations, and dental cares that help you spread the annual or bi-annual expenses.

For instance, if your dog needs immediate surgery costing $2,000, instead of having to pay that full amount upfront, with CareCredit's 0% interest plan if paid within 12 months, you can break down the payments into more affordable blocks.

5. Where CareCredit is not the Best Option for Pet Supplies

While CareCredit won't cover food for your pet, or their toys and grooming needs, there are other financing options for your animal friend. Here are a few:

Store Credit Cards: Most large pet supply chains have store-branded credit cards available, many of which offer promotional financing. For example, there are store-branded credit cards for both Petco and PetSmart, each offering rewards and financing for pet supply purchases.

Subscription Boxes for Pets: For an economic approach to buying pet consumables, try a monthly subscription service for pets. That way, one gets a monthly package full of toys and accessories shipped from companies like BarkBox or KitNipBox each month, at a cost much lesser than buying individually.

Loyalty Programs for Pet Stores: Start joining loyalty programs in leading pet retailers like Petco or Chewy. If you make purchases at these places, you might earn points that could be redeemed toward discounts on future supplies.

Conclusion: How CareCredit Fits into Pet Care

While CareCredit cannot be utilized to pay for normal pet supplies, such as food and toys, it's a very handy alternative for surprise or large veterinary expenses. Knowing where and how you are able to use CareCredit can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to financing your pet's health care needs.

In the case of non-medical pet needs, alternatives like store credit cards, subscription boxes, and loyalty programs will have your furry friend with everything they need without you breaking the bank.

Don’t let pet waste ruin your outings!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use CareCredit to buy pet food?

CareCredit generally cannot be used to buy regular pet food but is accepted in a variety of other ways for prescription pet food, usually available through your veterinarian.

2. Where can I use CareCredit for my pets?

CareCredit is accepted at veterinary clinics, specialty animal hospitals, emergency pet care providers, and pet pharmacies.

3. Does CareCredit offer promotional financing?

Yes, CareCredit extends special financing options offering 0% interest with no payments required, if balance is paid in full within promotional period  from 6 to 18 months.

4. Can I use CareCredit with pet insurance?

Yes, you can see a vet upfront, pay with CareCredit, and then submit the charges to your pet insurance company for reimbursement.