Alternative Payment Options

In order to offer fair and balanced experiences for all of our clients, full payment is due to our facility on the day of service. In addition to requesting that our clients be transparent with our team about financial limitations prior to services, we also encourage you to consider the below options to create flexible payment schedules that work for you.

Applications for these companies often take only a few minutes and, in most cases, do not require a hard credit check and can offer payment plans or loans within minutes. We encourage all of our clients to consider these options, if immediate full payment is not feasible or preferred. 

While you will know which program is best for your needs, we generally recommend applying for each company (until approved) in the order we have listed them.

A one-time loan

Overview: This is a great option for clients looking for a conventional, one-time loan to pay for a single visit over time. As each application is for one-time use, clients are not committing to continuing a relationship with Scratchpay beyond the scope of the single loan they applied for. 

Pros: 

• Applying is simple and only takes a couple of minutes from your phone or computer.
• Upon choosing a plan, Scratchpay takes immediate effect and can be used for today’s visit. 
• This is not a credit card, so there is no impact on credit score when you apply or utilize Scratchpay.
• Loan approval rates are moderately high, making this company a great choice for almost all financial needs.
• This program allows you to choose various plan types ranging from weekly to monthly payment options.
• Scratchpay can be used for both veterinary services and products.
• There are no hidden fees to worry about.
• There is flexibility to change or add credit or debit cards used to pay the loan and set up auto payments.

Cons:

• A new application is required for each new loan request.

Tips for Success:

• List your total household income when you apply.
• Be sure all details are spelled correctly before submitting the application.
• If you are not approved, consider asking a loved one you trust (spouse, child, sibling) to consider applying on your behalf, should you think they may be approved more readily.

An animal services credit card

Overview: This is a great option for clients looking for a credit card option to allow continued access to funds with spaced out payments and used exclusively for animal products and services. With this option, clients apply for an AllPet credit card to keep with them and utilize, just like their other credit cards, with each animal-related need. As with any credit card, this plan allows clients to spend up to the approved limit and pay off the card on a monthly basis. This is a great option for clients with frequent visits to the veterinarian.

Pros:

• If approved for a credit card, an account number is assigned immediately and can be used for today’s visit. 
• Applying is simple and only takes a couple of minutes from your phone or computer.
• There are no annual fees.
• Though this is a credit card, checking to see if you qualify will not affect your credit score. 
• This credit card can be used for a wide range of animal-specific needs (including grooming, pet food, parasite prevention, etc.).
• As a credit card that is exclusively for animal needs, applicant approval rates are often higher than those of other medical credit card companies.

Cons:

• This card is only available for animal needs and cannot be used for non-animal purchases.
• Like with any credit card, non-payment with each billing cycle can result in additional fees.
• Not accepted at all pet care businesses.

A general medical services credit card

Overview: This is a great option for clients looking for a credit card option to allow continued access to funds with spaced out payments and used for a wide range of human and animal medical services. With this option, clients apply for a Care Credit credit card to keep with them and utilize, just like their other credit cards, with each medical visit. As with any credit card, this plan allows clients to spend up to the approved limit and pay off the card on a monthly basis. This is a great option for clients with frequent visits to the veterinarian.

Pros:

• If approved for a credit card, an account number is assigned immediately and can be used for today’s visit. 
• Applying is simple and only takes a couple of minutes from your phone or computer.
• There are no annual fees.
• Though this is a credit card, checking to see if you qualify will not affect your credit score. 
• This credit card can be used for a wide range of medical needs, including human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and purchases from select health and wellness retailers.
• Over 250,000 medical providers of all kinds accept Care Credit.

Cons:

• This card is only available for health, wellness, and medical needs and cannot be used for general, non-medical purchases.
• Like with any credit card, non-payment with each billing cycle can result in additional fees.
• Not accepted at all medical businesses.

A customized payment plan

Overview: This is a great option for clients looking for a conventional, customized payment plan to help spread out payments to fit their financial needs. As each new payment plan arrangement is for one-time use, clients are not committing to continuing a relationship with VetBilling beyond the scope of completing the plan they applied for. This is a great option for clients that are not eligible for the other options listed above.

Pros: 

• Applying is simple and only takes a few minutes in person or over the phone with our clinic staff.
• Upon choosing a plan, VetBilling takes immediate effect and can be used for today’s visit. 
• There is only a soft credit check when you apply for VetBilling, which will not affect your credit score. 
• Payment plan approval rates are high, making this company a great choice for almost all financial needs.
• This program allows you to choose various plan types ranging from weekly to monthly payment options.
• VetBilling can be used for both veterinary services and products.
• There is flexibility to change or add credit cards, debit cards, or checking accounts used to pay the loan and set up auto payments.
• In most instances, VetBilling associates will contact the client directly, in case additional communication is required.
• In some instances, clinic staff may be able to add to an existing client payment plan rather than establish a new plan.

Cons:

• A new application and a $25 fee is required for each new payment plan established.
• A $3 processing fee is required for each payment made over the course of the plan.
• All payment plans are made directly between St. Francis’ Pet Hospital and the client. Plans are managed by VetBilling. Failure to complete payment plans may result in inability for St. Francis’ Pet Hospital to render future services.

Have a question about these options? Contact us today and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.