Cost is one of the most common concerns pet owners bring up when a specialist referral is recommended — and it’s a completely valid one. Specialty veterinary care involves board-certified expertise, advanced diagnostic equipment, and around-the-clock staffing, and costs reflect that level of investment.
But “expensive” doesn’t have to mean “out of reach.” Here’s an honest look at what specialty care costs, how to plan for it, and the options AVS offers to help make it more manageable.
Costs vary significantly depending on the type of care, the complexity of the case, and the length of your pet’s stay. A surgical consultation is different from emergency critical care; a TPLO is a different investment than an abdominal procedure. AVS provides detailed treatment estimates before proceeding with any care, so you always know what to expect before a decision is made.
What’s consistent: our team will always have an honest conversation with you about costs, options, and alternatives. We understand that financial considerations are a real part of veterinary decision-making, and we approach those conversations with transparency and respect.
Cherry is a fast-growing veterinary financing platform that stands out for its speed and accessibility. The application takes less than 60 seconds, uses only a soft credit check (so it won’t affect your credit score), and approves up to 90% of applicants across all credit score ranges — including those who may not qualify for traditional financing.
Cherry offers true 0% APR for qualified borrowers through its Pay-in-4 option, as well as longer-term monthly plans ranging from 6 to 60 months. There is no deferred interest and no hidden fees. Financing is available up to $35,000, making it well-suited for more complex specialty procedures. AVS receives full payment upfront while you pay Cherry over time.
CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed specifically for medical expenses — including veterinary care. It offers promotional financing periods that allow you to pay for care over time, often with 0% interest if paid within the promotional window.
You can apply online or in-clinic in minutes, and approval decisions are typically fast. CareCredit is accepted at all AVS locations.
Scratchpay offers simple, transparent payment plans with no deferred interest — meaning you always know exactly what you’re paying and when. Plans are available in multiple term lengths and Scratchpay is known for approving a wide range of applicants, including those who may not qualify for traditional credit.
Applying takes just a few minutes online or through the Scratchpay app.
AllPetCard is a dedicated pet care credit line — similar to CareCredit but specifically focused on animal health expenses. It offers promotional financing options and can be used across a wide network of veterinary providers.
Pet insurance is the most cost-effective way to protect yourself from unexpected specialty veterinary expenses — but it works best when you have it before you need it. Most policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, so purchasing a plan while your pet is young and healthy is ideal.
If your pet already has insurance, AVS welcomes clients with all major pet insurance providers. We recommend contacting your insurer before your visit to understand your coverage and any pre-authorization requirements. Our team provides detailed itemized invoices to support reimbursement claims.
AVS will always provide a written treatment estimate before any procedure so that you can make a fully informed decision. If you have questions about costs or want to discuss payment options before your appointment, don’t hesitate to ask our team. There’s no judgment — just information.
Cost shouldn’t stand between your pet and the care they need. AVS partners with Cherry, CareCredit, Scratchpay, and AllPetCard so you can start emergency and specialty care right away, with flexible payment options that fit your budget.
