What is a preventive care package (PCP)?  
A preventive care package (also known as a wellness plan) is an annual package of services that includes the optimal preventive health services that your pet needs to stay happy and healthy.  Our packages are based on age and the specific needs of each individual pet.  In addition to the basic packages, there are optional add-on services including a microchip, heartworm prevention injections, spay/neuter surgeries, and dental cleanings.

Why does my pet need a PCP?
From the time your pet is a puppy or kitten to his or her most senior years, providing your pet with annual preventive heathcare is the very best gift you can give them.  Keeping your pet on a PCP helps prevent diseases, and because our packages include two annual preventive care exams and diagnostic testing, if your pet does get sick it will be detected earlier, which results in faster, more effective treatment.

Is my pet eligible for a PCP?
All dogs and cats are eligible for a PCP.  However, some pets may not benefit from a package - such as those that are too aggressive or fearful for semi-annual exams and diagnostics, or those that are ill and unlikely to live through the year of the agreement.

Is this the same as pet insurance?
No!  The purpose of our PCPs is to ensure that you pet receives all of the preventive care to keep them healthy and to proactively prevent and/or detect disease earlier rather than later.   Because we know that our clients are committed to doing what is best for their pets, we are offering monthly billing and auto-deduction to help manage these costs.  These packages do not include services for illness, injury, or emergencies.  Pet insurance IS designed to cover the costs associated with illness, injury and emergencies and we would be glad to give you recommendations for pet insurance companies.   However, as an added benefit of package membership, you will receive a discount on services performed at Bernalillo Pet Care Center that are not included in the packages.

What does the additional discount apply to?
The additional discount (5 or 10% depending on package chosen) applies to any services not included in the package, as well as flea/tick and heartworm medications purchased at the clinic.  "Services" are diagnostics or treatments performed in the hospital by our staff such as surgeries, lab tests, ear cleanings, or anal gland expressions.  The additional discount does not apply to any medications prescribed (except for flea/tick and heartworm preventions).  Furthermore, if you sign multiple pets up for membership, the one-time initiation fee is 50% off for each additional pet - $40 for the first pet, $20 for each additional.

Are all of my examinations free?
Because these packages are designed to cover healthy visits for preventive care, the packages include 2 semi-annual wellness exams for adults and all booster vaccination exams for puppies and kittens.  As an additional benefit of PCP membership, all other scheduled examinations are discounted at 50% .  **If your pet is urgently ill and is seen for an emergency walk-in visit, the normal $60 emergency exam fee applies.**

What are the payment options?
On the day you sign up, we will collect the initiation fee and the first month’s payment at the clinic.  Thereafter, all monthly payments are processed by Veterinary Credit Plans.  VCP accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or checking account debit transactions.  You may choose to pay the entire year up-front at sign-up if you wish - we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and checks.

What happens if I need to cancel my plan - such as if I move or my pet passes away?
The preventive care packages are an annual contract.  If you need to discontinue your package during the annual cycle, please contact us immediately.  We will calculate the retail value of services that you have already used.  If this is less than the payments made to-date we will cancel the package.  If this is more than the payments already made, you will be responsible for the difference or the remaining monthly payments on the contract - whichever is lower.  We will help you figure out which is most cost effective.

What if I miss a payment?
Veterinary Credit Plans will send an e-mail reminding you that a payment will be processed a few days in advance.  If you can not make the payment, please call us immediately and we can reschedule it for you in the office or process it with a different method of payment.  Please let us know at any time if you wish to change your payment method or date of payment - we can make all of these changes for you here.  If you miss payments, your package will be put on hold and you will not be able to use any available services or receive any applicable discounts until it is paid.

What is the next step if I am interested in purchasing a package for my pet?
Call us at 505-867-4575 to schedule an appointment for your pet and let our receptionists know you are interested in a preventive care package.  Based on your pet's history and exam, we will discuss the best package and options for your pet during the visit.  If you decide to purchase that day, any services that were performed which are included in the package will be covered.  You will be responsible for paying the initiation fee ($40) and the first month's payment at that time, and will sign the 1 year agreement.  After that, all monthly payments will be electronically debited from the account of your choice.  You can also elect to pay the entire year in full at sign-up.