Pet Wellness Plans: What They Cover, How They Work & Best Options

Jul 7, 2025

A golden retriever laying down on a vet table being checked out.

When it comes to your furry friend's routine care, it pays to stay ahead of the game. What you need is a solid pet wellness plan, which is a smart way to prepare for the expected stuff without breaking the bank. If you're an owner who believes in being proactive, this guide is for you.

What Are Pet Wellness Plans?

Pet wellness plans help cover the routine care companion animals need to stay healthy. These packages focus on preventive care and early detection. They usually include wellness exams, vaccines, lab work, and parasite prevention. Instead of paying out of pocket for each service, you pay a set fee often monthly.

The Purpose of Pet Wellness Plans

Pet wellness plans spread out the cost of regular services, so you're not hit with a big bill all at once. They support preventive care, detecting parasites, monitoring health changes, and catching issues early before they get serious. You get to keep your buddy healthy and avoid larger veterinary bills down the road.

How They Differ From Pet Insurance

Wellness plans cover routine care, such as vaccinations, wellness exams, and dental cleanings. Pet insurance usually steps in when there's an accident or illness. Wellness plans help with expected costs, while insurance plans help with unexpected ones. Some pet parents use both for full coverage.

What's Included in Most Pet Wellness Plans?

Pet wellness plans include things companion animals need on a regular basis. While exact details vary by provider, many packages offer similar types of care:

Routine Wellness Exams
Vaccinations and Boosters
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
Spaying/Neutering, Dental, and Bloodwork Add-Ons

Routine Wellness Exams

Routine wellness exams often include weight checks, listening to the heart and lungs, and looking for early signs of issues like kidney disease or mobility problems. These help detect small changes before they become bigger concerns. Veterinarians may also suggest laboratory tests or blood work if needed.

Vaccinations and Boosters

Vaccines protect pets from common illnesses like rabies, distemper, and parvo. Boosters keep that protection strong over time. These services are usually part of the first-year care for puppies and kittens, but adult pets need them, too.

Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention

Most pet care plans include monthly protection to help avoid parasites that can cause serious diseases. These products help stop bugs before they bite. Preventive care also keeps your home pest-free. Consistent coverage protects both pets and people year-round.

Spaying/Neutering, Dental, and Bloodwork Add-Ons

Spaying or neutering is often available for puppies and kittens during their first year. Some plans also help with oral care. Bloodwork and lab tests are possible, too, especially for senior dogs and cats with ongoing health needs.

How Pet Wellness Plans Work

These plans work like a subscription. You pay a set amount, usually monthly, for routine veterinary services. You can purchase add-ons or customize your plan if the provider allows. You can use your benefits at any participating veterinary clinic or hospital.

Monthly Costs and Coverage Limits

Most pet wellness plans cost between $20 and $60 per month, depending on what's included. Basic plans may only cover wellness exams and vaccines, while higher-tier options offer dental care, laboratory tests, and more. Some plans have annual caps on how much they'll cover for each benefit. Once you hit that limit, you'll pay the rest out of pocket.

Claim Process and Reimbursement

Some providers offer direct payment if you visit a participating animal clinic or hospital, while others work on a reimbursement model. You pay upfront, then file a claim to get your money back. Reimbursement times vary by provider. You'll usually need to submit an invoice, proof of payment, and claim form.

When Coverage Begins and Ends

Most pet wellness plans have short waiting periods, often just a day or two. Once active, your coverage kicks in for eligible services. Some add-ons may have longer waits. Coverage usually lasts 12 months from the start date. Plans often renew automatically, but you can cancel or adjust at the end of the term.

Pros and Cons of Pet Wellness Plans

Pet wellness plans work best for owners who stay on top of routine care and want predictable costs. However, they don't cover emergencies or big procedures. Some plans also come with restrictions, like capped services or limited provider options. Knowing the ups and downs helps you decide if a plan is a good fit.

Pros:

Budget-Friendly Preventive Care. You pay a set fee instead of big surprise bills for each visit.
Encourages Routine Vet Visits. Regular care helps catch issues early and supports long-term pet health.
Some Plans Offer Flexible Add-Ons. You can customize your plan with dental, bloodwork, or spay/neuter services.

Cons:

Doesn't Cover Emergencies. Unexpected surgeries or major illnesses fall under pet insurance, not wellness plans.
May Have Annual Spending Caps. Once you reach the limit, you'll pay out of pocket for any extra services.
Limited Provider Networks in Some Cases. Some plans only work at certain clinics, which can limit your options.

Top Pet Wellness Plan Options Reviewed

This section gives you a quick look at some of the most popular plans available today. Each one comes with its own mix of services, limits, and network rules. We'll tackle the pros and cons, so you can compare them side by side.

Banfield Wellness Plan

Banfield's Wellness Plan is available through PetSmart clinics and focuses on preventive care. It includes wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite control, and optional dental or senior packages. Pricing depends on the type of plan and your pet's age.

Pros:

Offered Through PetSmart Clinics. Easy access to in-store veterinary services across the country.
Customizable Packages. You can adjust coverage to match your companion animal's age and needs.

Cons:

Limited to Banfield Hospitals. You must use Banfield locations, which may not be near everyone.
Contracts Apply. Plans usually require a 12-month commitment.

Nationwide Wellness Plan

Nationwide offers a wellness plan as an add-on to their pet insurance. It helps cover routine services like vaccines, deworming, exams, and flea/tick prevention. The plan is simple, but you must already have a Nationwide insurance plan to use it.

Pros:

Available as an Add-on to Pet Insurance. Great for those already insured with Nationwide.
Broad Coverage. Includes a wide range of routine services.

Cons:

Reimbursement Model. You pay upfront and file claims for reimbursement.
Less Flexible Than Standalone Plans. You can't purchase it by itself.

Embrace Wellness Rewards

Embrace Wellness Rewards is a pet wellness add-on that pairs with Embrace pet insurance. It offers cashback for routine services like grooming, vaccines, training, and wellness exams. You choose your annual allowance based on how much care your pet needs.

Pros:

Covers Grooming, Supplements, and Training. Goes beyond veterinary visits to support everyday pet care.

Cons:

Annual Reimbursement Limit. You can only get reimbursed up to the amount you selected.
Only Available With Insurance. Must be bundled with Embrace pet insurance.

Petco Vital Care

Petco Vital Care offers a monthly plan that supports your pet's wellness with regular exams, grooming discounts, and more. It's available for both dogs and cats and works at various Petco locations.

Pros:

Includes Grooming, Discounts, and Unlimited Vet Exams. Covers both medical and hygiene needs with added savings.

Cons:

Limited To Petco-Affiliated Services. Only usable at Petco partners, which may not suit everyone.

How To Choose the Best Pet Wellness Plan

Start by looking at what services you already pay for, then see which plan covers those at a lower yearly cost. Factor in age, breed, and any health concerns. Compare plans side by side and choose one that fits your buddy's lifestyle and your budget.

Consider Your Pet's Age, Breed, and Needs

Puppies and kittens need more frequent vet visits, vaccinations, and preventive care. Senior dogs and cats may need wellness plans that include lab tests, dental care, or joint support. Some breeds are prone to specific conditions, so look for a plan that helps manage those concerns.

Compare Coverage, Cost, and Convenience

Start by checking what each plan covers, and pick one that includes services you already use or plan to use soon. Then compare costs. Add up how much you'd normally pay for those services in a year and see if the plan saves you money. Finally, check how and where you can use the plan.

Can You DIY Pet Wellness Without a Plan?

Yes, you can manage your pet's wellness on your own, but it takes more effort. You'll need to schedule vet visits, keep up with vaccines, and plan for costs like dental cleanings or parasite prevention. Some pet parents prefer DIY care because it gives them full control. Staying organized and setting aside money can help cover these costs without surprises.

How to Track Your Pet's Health at Home

Keep a simple log of your pet's weight, appetite, energy, and bathroom habits. Check for signs of skin irritation, puffiness, or unusual behavior. Schedule wellness exams if anything seems off. Tracking small details helps you spot concerns early and gives your vet helpful info during routine screenings.

Budgeting for Preventive Care on Your Own

Start by listing yearly costs, then add them up and divide by 12 to set a monthly goal. Set that amount aside in a pet savings fund. This keeps you ready for routine vet visits and surprise extras like blood work or deworming.

HolistaPet Pet Wellness Products

HolistaPet offers all-natural products made to support everyday pet wellness. Everything is vegan-friendly, non-GMO, vet-approved, and third-party lab-tested. Glowing reviews on our site show real customer love. If you're skipping a wellness plan, our products are a great boost to your companion's daily routine.

Natural Wellness Support for Everyday Health

We make it easy to care for your pet with daily wellness products you can trust. These favorites support your best friend's comfort, energy, and hygiene naturally:

CBD Wellness Treats for Dogs & Cats. Our CBD Wellness Collection includes CBD Chews for Dogs, CBD Cat Treats, and CBD Oil. All formulas use broad-spectrum CBD (zero THC) for everyday support.
Mobility Soft Chews for Joint Support. Choose from CBD and non-CBD mobility soft chews with ingredients like chondroitin, MSM, and turmeric. Great for dogs of all sizes. Cats can use our soothing CBD Oil or CBD Cat Treats.
Multivitamin Chews for Total Body Care. These bacon-flavored soft chews pack vitamins, minerals, salmon oil, and more to support full-body care.
Pet Grooming Supplies for Hygiene Maintenance. Try our Doggy S'paw Day Bundle with CBD Shampoo, Skin + Coat + Nail Chews, and Dental Sticks. Clean, fresh, and fuss-free.

Final Thoughts – Are Pet Wellness Plans Worth It?

Absolutely! Pet wellness plans can be a smart way to save money and stay on track with routine care. But if you'd rather go solo, HolistaPet is here to help. Our wellness products support your pet's daily needs naturally, from mood to mobility to hygiene. Whether you use a plan or DIY it, the goal is the same: keep your buddy feeling their best.