In today's busy world, many pet parents opt for the convenience and comfort of mobile vet care for their furry companions. But how much does mobile vet care cost, and how does it compare to traditional veterinary clinics?
Let’s break down the types of in-home vet appointments and explore BetterVet's pricing model and cost-saving tips.
What is a Mobile Vet, and What Do They Do?
A mobile vet is a licensed veterinarian who brings vet care services directly to your doorstep. Mobile veterinary practices like BetterVet offer a wide range of services, including wellness and sick exams, vaccinations, medication administration, minor procedures, and more.
They can also provide valuable guidance on pet wellness care and ensure your pet receives the medical attention they need in the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Mobile Vet Pricing vs Traditional Clinics
The cost of mobile vet care can vary depending on several factors. Still, it is generally comparable to the cost of services at traditional brick-and-mortar vet clinics, plus any travel fees.
Here's a quick breakdown of how they compare:
Convenience factor: Mobile vet services offer the advantage of in-home care, eliminating the stress and expense of traveling to a clinic. This can be especially beneficial for pets who experience anxiety during car rides or traditional vet visits.
Potential cost savings: While mobile vet care may have a travel fee, some pet parents may save on the cost of transportation to a clinic and time off from work, especially for multiple pets.
Travel Fees, Explained
Most mobile vet services include a travel fee to cover the cost of the veterinarian's travel time and expenses. This fee can vary depending on your location.
With BetterVet, a travel fee starting at $89 is added to the cost of all in-home visits. Only one travel fee is charged per visit, regardless of the number of pets in the household.
BetterVet's Pricing Model
BetterVet offers a straightforward pricing structure that outlines the cost of each service. This allows you to create a budget for your pet's care and avoid unexpected charges.
Here's a general range for some of BetterVet’s most common services:
- Travel/Concierge Fee: Starting at $89
- Wellness Exams: Staring at $99 [plus travel fee]
- Sick Visits: Starting at $99 [plus travel fee]
- Vaccinations: Starting at $54 [plus the cost of an in-home Wellness Exam and travel fee]
Factors Affecting Mobile Vet Costs
Prices for in-home veterinary visits are based on your location, the services your pet needs, and factors such as the type of pet, age, and health condition.
Location
Mobile vet fees may vary depending on your geographic area and how far a veterinary team will have to travel.
Services Needed
The complexity and type of procedures your pet needs will impact the cost of your pet’s mobile care. For example, a routine checkup will cost less than a surgical procedure.
Additional services (called add-ons) like blood work, diagnostic tests, and vaccinations will also add to the overall cost of an in-home visit.
Pet factors
The cost of care is also affected by whether you have a cat or dog, your pet’s age, size, and overall health.
Cost-Saving Tips for Pet Parents
Here are some tips to help you manage the cost of mobile vet care:
1. Schedule regular checkups
Preventive care is essential for maintaining your pet's health and can help identify potential problems early on, preventing expensive treatments.
2. Explore wellness plans
Wellness plans can be a cost-effective way to manage the cost of routine, preventative care.
3. Consider pet insurance
Pet insurance can help offset the cost of unexpected veterinary emergencies.
Payment Options and Insurance
BetterVet accepts several payment methods to make it quick and easy for pet parents to pay for our in-home services. These include credit card and mobile payment options.
Your insurance policy will ultimately determine whether preventative wellness or sick-pet services are covered.
We are happy to help with this process by providing pet healthcare records or other assistance with submitting your claim.
Conclusion
Mobile vet care is a convenient and compassionate alternative to traditional vet clinics. By understanding BetterVet's pricing structure and the factors affecting mobile vet costs, you can make an informed decision about your pet's healthcare.
Remember, preventive care is vital to keeping your pet healthy and happy, and there are ways to manage the cost of mobile veterinary services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mobile vet services more expensive than traditional clinics?
In-home veterinary care is not necessarily more expensive than a traditional brick-and-mortar clinic. However, mobile veterinary practices typically charge a travel fee, which needs to be factored into the total cost of an in-home appointment.
Does BetterVet charge extra for travel?
Yes, BetterVet charges a travel/concierge fee for each in-home visit, starting at $89. For multiple pets, you will only be charged one travel fee when pets are scheduled at the same time.
Can I get emergency care through mobile vet services?
This will depend on the policy of the mobile practice you choose. While BetterVet does not offer urgent or emergency care, we do offer same-day and next-day visit appointment availability in many locations.
How do I know if my pet's condition is suitable for a mobile vet visit?
In-home veterinary care best suits preventative care needs and non-emergent illnesses and conditions. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, it should be treated at the nearest animal hospital or urgent care clinic.
Are vaccinations more expensive with mobile vets?
Not necessarily! When determining the cost of your pet’s vaccinations (typically bundled with a Wellness Exam), you will need to factor in the cost of the in-home exam, vaccination(s), and travel fee.
Do you offer any discounts for regular checkups or multiple pets?
Yes! If you have multiple pets, you can schedule their Wellness Exams together in one appointment. Each pet will be charged a separate exam fee, but you will only be charged one travel fee for all the pets in the family, saving you time and money.
