How billing works at CARE
- Triage. When you arrive, our team assesses your pet and assigns a priority level.
- Exam. A veterinarian examines your pet and recommends any tests needed.
- Treatment plan and cost estimate. You receive an explanation of the recommended treatment and what it is expected to cost before treatment starts.
- Updates. Estimates are good-faith figures. If your pet's condition changes and the plan needs to change, our team talks it through with you.
- Payment. Payment is due when services are provided, unless another arrangement has been approved in advance.
How much does an emergency vet visit usually cost?
It depends entirely on your pet's condition and the care needed, from an exam and medication to imaging, surgery or several days in hospital. At CARE you get a cost estimate before treatment starts, so you know the expected cost before you agree to anything.
Are ER vets more expensive than regular vets?
Usually, yes. An emergency hospital keeps veterinarians and nurses on duty through nights and weekends and has CT, ultrasound, surgery and an ICU ready at a moment's notice, and that readiness is part of the cost.
The trade-off is speed. At CARE, X-ray, ultrasound and CT are run and read on site through the weekend, so your pet can be diagnosed and treated the same day instead of waiting for Monday.
What if I can't afford an emergency vet visit?
Tell our team as early as you can. We can talk through the plan, focus first on the most urgent needs, and point you to the financing programs below.
Raising cost concerns at the start is always better than at the end. It gives the veterinarian room to stage the plan around what matters most for your pet right now.
Can you make payments at an emergency vet?
Payment at CARE is due when services are provided, but third-party financing lets you spread the cost out over time. CARE lists three programs you can apply for: Cherry, CareCredit and All Pet Card.
| Program | What it is | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry | Payment plans through CARE's own Cherry page | Apply with Cherry |
| CareCredit | A health credit card accepted at many veterinary hospitals | Apply with CareCredit |
| All Pet Card | A financing card for pet care | Apply with All Pet Card |
Approval, rates and terms are set by each lender, not by CARE. Applying before an emergency, or on your phone in our lobby, can save time.
Will a vet let me pay in installments?
The simplest way to pay over time at CARE is through one of the financing programs above, where the lender sets the installment terms. Any other arrangement has to be approved by CARE in advance, so ask our team before treatment begins.
Pet insurance
Most pet insurance works by reimbursement: you pay CARE at the time of service, then file a claim and your insurer pays you back according to your policy.
Our team can provide the medical records and itemized invoice your insurer asks for. If you have a policy, bring the details with you so the claim is easy to file.
Does pet insurance cover poison control?
It depends on your policy. Many accident-and-illness plans reimburse emergency treatment after a pet eats something toxic, and some also cover a poison control consultation fee. Check your policy or call your insurer to be sure.
If your pet has eaten something dangerous, don't wait to check coverage first. Call CARE at (757) 703-0199 or see our pet poisoning guide.