Do you cringe at the thought of high veterinarian bills or have you maybe put off getting a pet because of the cost associated with their medical upkeep? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. People all over the world feel the same way. Often times, it’s a matter of having to choose who gets medical/dental attention first, you or your pet. Unfortunately, insurance is not all it’s cracked up to be, even if you can afford it. Now, there’s a new club called PetHero that is offering members 25 percent off in-house veterinarian services.
PetHero, Better than Insurance?
Believe it or not, PetHero is the creation of publishing giant Time, Inc. Odd, perhaps, but the outline for the club is pretty intriguing. First, unlike pet insurance, members’ pets are covered regardless of the animal’s age, breed, pre-existing or hereditary conditions. That’s tough to beat, because most carriers have a long list of exclusions. According to the PetHero website, all in-house medical services and/or procedures are covered, including routine wellness visits, spaying/neutering, vaccinations and more.
No Worries, No Wait
There is a long list of “Nos” in connection to PetHero, but they’re all to club members’ advantage. As soon as you sign up you can enjoy the savings, because there is no waiting period. There are also no co-pays, no claim forms to fill out and no deductibles. That’s because this is not insurance. It’s just a percentage off your bill once service is rendered. As a person, a lot of doctors’ offices want you to pay these things upfront before you’re even seen.
PetHero Perqs
Besides 25 percent off your vet bills, there several other perqs members can enjoy, like an additional 15 percent in savings off of pet prescriptions; a lost pet recovery service to help bring your pets home safely, should they get loose and wander off; and seasonal gift boxes full of customized toys, treats and accessories for your pet(s). This last feature sounds very similar to BarkBox, which — if the quality holds true in comparison — are fabulous in concept and design.
How PetHero Works
All you have to do to subscribe to the service is register your pets and pay a small monthly fee. Their size and weight are immaterial. The cost is $20 a month for the first pet and $5 more for each additional animal. So far, there are over 5,000 participating vets in PetHero’s network, and if your vet isn’t on the list they will contact them for you and encourage them to join. If not, you’ll have to find another provider. The club is great for pet owners with older pets and those that suffer injuries and chronic illnesses.
Calculating Savings
Intrigued by the concept but you don’t want to commit right away? Their site offers a savings calculator for various services, if you want to get an idea of the savings before taking the plunge. If you’re a recent member, let us know what you think of Pet Hero in the comment section below.
