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Key takeaways
- Pet discount plans lower the out-of-pocket cost of eligible veterinary care
- Savings apply immediately and can be used every time you visit a participating veterinarian
- Pet discount plans complement pet insurance for broader savings or as an alternative for pets that don’t qualify for coverage
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Table of contents
- What are pet discount plans?
- How do pet discount plans work?
- What do pet discount plans cover?
- Pet discount plans vs. pet insurance
- Are pet discount plans worth it?
- What to consider in a pet discount plan
- Why pet parents choose Wishbone Total Pet
- What’s included in a Wishbone Total Pet membership
- How to enroll in Wishbone Total Pet
- Wishbone Total Pet FAQ
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Most pet parents have heard of pet insurance, but very few know about pet discount plans.
Between routine visits, medications, surprise emergencies, and the little things that keep your pet happy and healthy, the cost of care can add up faster than you expect. For most pet parents, these costs come entirely out of pocket every single time.
Even with reimbursements, paying for care upfront can put a strain on any budget. Whether you’re looking for a pet insurance alternative or another way to save alongside existing coverage, pet discount plans can help make veterinary care more affordable.
What are pet discount plans?
Just like the name suggests, pet discount plans offer access to reduced rates on veterinary care services in the form of a membership. Pet parents pay a monthly fee to keep their plan active, and in return, receive access to member-only discounts.
However, some discount memberships now offer much more than just veterinary care savings, extending discounts to pet prescriptions, food, and other everyday essentials. These additional discounts may also take the form of plan benefits, offered as bonus perks for having pet insurance.
How do pet discount plans work?
What makes pet discount plans unique is that discounts are applied at the time of care. Rather than paying the full amount upfront and waiting for reimbursement, you pay a discounted rate, making savings immediate and easier to factor into your budget.
For example, with a 25% member discount, an eligible $100 service would cost you $75 at a participating veterinarian. There are no deductibles to meet or claims to file. You simply receive the discount on eligible services when you pay, every time.
Pharmacy and retail discounts work a little differently. Since they’re often included as bonus plan benefits, members typically get access to exclusive shopping portals or discount codes to apply on orders.
Which veterinarians accept pet discount plans?
Pet discount plans typically work through a network of participating veterinarians. That means where you can use your discount depends on the plan and the practices in its network.
The size and reach of a plan’s network varies, so it’s worth checking whether your current veterinarian participates, or finding one nearby that does. This can help you make the most of your discount plan and ensure savings are available whenever your pet needs care.
What do pet discount plans cover?
While specific eligible services vary by plan and practice, most pet discount plan savings apply to a variety of veterinary care services. These can range from routine care throughout the year to more specialized and emergency services.
Pet discount plans vs. pet insurance
Managing the cost of pet care can take more than one approach. Pet discount plans and pet insurance offer different ways to save on veterinary expenses, with discount plans also serving as a pet insurance alternative for some pet parents.
Rather than thinking of them as competing options, it helps to understand the value of both plans and how they differ. Depending on your pet’s needs and your budget, both plans can work together to deliver more savings.
How they differ
For a closer look at how pet insurance works, see our pet insurance guide.
Combining pet discount plans and pet insurance
For pet parents who already have insurance, a pet discount plan can complement it rather than replace it. Insurance helps cover the cost of accidents and illnesses, but it typically doesn’t cover services related to routine or preventative care.
If you don’t have a pet wellness plan, these costs can come entirely out of pocket with no support throughout the year. This is where a pet discount plan can step in to stack savings on services or medications pet insurance doesn’t cover. Together, they can cover more ground than either plan does on its own.
Pet discount plans as pet insurance alternatives
While pet discount plans can complement pet insurance, the combined approach isn’t always an option for all pet parents. Many pet insurance plans are limited to dogs and cats or have age restrictions, and most don’t cover pre-existing conditions, which can leave some care outside of coverage.
For these pets, a discount plan can serve as a pet insurance alternative. Most discount plans have no enrollment restrictions, making them one of the most accessible options available for pets that don’t qualify for insurance.
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🐾 Pet parent tip
If emergency care is part of why you’re considering a pet discount plan, check whether nearby participating veterinarians offer after-hours care. In an urgent situation, accessibility matters most.
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Are pet discount plans worth it?
A pet discount plan can be a worthwhile investment, but its value depends on your pet’s needs, the services you use, and the savings available through your membership. For some pet parents, discounts on veterinary visits can add up over time. For others, the biggest benefit may be having a more affordable way to access care when needed.
Pet discount plans may be especially valuable if:
- Your pet receives regular veterinary care throughout the year
- You’re looking for a way to reduce out-of-pocket veterinary costs
- You have pet insurance and want routine care savings
- You’re looking for a pet insurance alternative because your' pet doesn’t qualify for pet insurance plans
At the end of the day, what makes a plan worth it is how well it fits the way you care for your pet. Understanding what to consider can help you decide whether a particular membership offers meaningful value.
What to consider in a pet discount plan
Choosing a pet discount plan isn’t only about finding the biggest discount or whether the savings outweigh the membership fee. The real value lies in how easily you can use your membership, which services qualify, and how the savings fit into your pet care budget.
Network accessibility
To use a pet discount plan, you’ll need access to participating veterinary practices. Before enrolling, check whether your current veterinarian participates or if there are participating practices near you.
If your pet needs emergency or specialized care on a regular basis, it’s also worth considering how far you’d have to travel to visit a participating practice. A smaller network that’s convenient to use may offer more value than a larger one with few nearby options.
Member discount
Apply the discount to your typical veterinary expenses to understand what you’ll save, rather than choosing based on the highest percentage alone. A 25% discount saves more on a $400 service than a $100 one, so the real value depends on the services you use and how often.
Eligible services
Check which veterinary services qualify for discounts and whether they align with your pet’s care needs. If you already have pet insurance, look at which routine services the plan covers. For those without insurance, look for a broader range of services so that your discount applies whenever your pet needs care.
Additional savings
If a plan includes discounts beyond veterinary care, consider whether the savings fit your pet’s care routine. Depending on how often your pet sees the veterinarian and what coverage you already have, pharmacy and retail savings could be the reason a plan is worth it.
Why pet parents choose Wishbone Total Pet
Pet care doesn’t stop at the veterinary office. While pet discount plans focus on veterinary care savings, the costs and responsibilities of pet parenthood add up in many other ways.
Wishbone Total Pet brings more of these needs together into one plan, combining veterinary savings with benefits that support the many sides of pet care. From discounts on prescriptions and essentials to around-the-clock telehealth, members have more ways to save and access support beyond the veterinarian's office.
With two membership options, you can choose the plan that fits your household, whether you’re caring for one pet or have a full house. Both offer ways to make pet care more affordable, convenient, and accessible.
Wishbone Total Pet at a glance
What’s included in a Wishbone Total Pet membership
Every Wishbone Total Pet membership includes five core benefits designed to make pet care easier to manage beyond the average pet discount plan.
25% veterinary care discount
From routine and dental care to sick visits and emergency treatment, Total Pet covers a wide range of veterinary services at over 2,000 participating practices nationwide. Members receive a 25% discount on eligible services, applied directly at the time of the visit.
Up to 40% off pharmacy
Pet medications can add up, especially for pets on long-term treatments. Members get access to discounted pharmacy pricing of up to 40% off, free shipping on every order, and auto-ship options to keep recurring prescriptions on schedule.
Unlimited 24/7 telehealth access
Questions about your pet’s health, behavior, or nutrition don’t need to wait for business hours. With unlimited telehealth access, you can connect with a veterinarian day or night through live chat or scheduled video session for guidance when concerns arise.
Lost pet recovery
If your pet goes missing, knowing where to turn makes all the difference. Total Pet includes a scannable ID tag with lost pet recovery support, giving anyone who finds your pet a way to get in touch with you quickly.
Retail perks
Pet food, treats, and toys make up a big portion of everyday expenses. Members also receive exclusive discounts at popular online pet retailers, helping offset extra costs between veterinary care.
How to enroll in Wishbone Total Pet
Wishbone Total Pet is available as a workplace benefit through your employer’s benefits platform. Use the employer finder tool to see if your employer offers Wishbone and get started.
Wishbone Total Pet FAQ
How can I find a participating veterinarian?
Use the veterinarian locator to search for participating in-network practices by zip code or name.
Does the discount apply every time I visit the veterinarian?
Yes, the 25% member discount applies to eligible services every time you visit a veterinarian in network, with no limit on how often you can use it.
Which pets can enroll in Wishbone Total Pet?
Wishbone Total Pet is available for all pets with no species restrictions, age minimums, or exclusions for pre-existing health conditions.
Can I use Wishbone Total Pet with pet insurance?
Yes, Wishbone Total Pet can work alongside pet insurance to help reduce the cost of veterinary services not covered by insurance, such as routine and preventive care. You can learn more about how they work together in our pet benefits guide.
Are there any waiting periods?
No, Wishbone Total Pet benefits are available to use as soon as your membership is active.
