Payment Options & Policies

At South Hyland Pet Hospital, we understand that veterinary care is an important investment in your pet’s health and well-being. Whether you’re planning for routine preventive care or facing an unexpected medical expense, we want you to feel informed about the cost of your pet’s care and the payment options available to you.

As a locally owned, independent veterinary hospital, we’re committed to providing high-quality medical care while maintaining transparent pricing and clear financial policies.

 

Our Payment Policy

Payment is required in full at the time services are provided.

Unlike human healthcare, where medical providers typically bill insurance companies and collect remaining balances after services are performed, veterinary medicine generally operates on a direct-payment model. Most pet insurance policies reimburse owners after payment rather than paying veterinary hospitals directly.

As a locally owned, independent veterinary hospital, South Hyland Pet Hospital is responsible for the ongoing costs of providing medical care, including professional staffing, diagnostic equipment, medications, and medical supplies. Requiring payment at the time of service allows us to maintain these resources and continue providing high-quality veterinary care.

South Hyland Pet Hospital does not offer in-house payment plans, deferred billing, or payment arrangements for veterinary services.

We encourage clients to discuss anticipated expenses with our team before services are performed and to explore available financing or financial assistance options when needed.

 

Accepted Payment Methods

South Hyland Pet Hospital accepts the following forms of payment:

• Cash
• Personal checks
• Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express
• Debit cards
• Approved third-party financing
• Approved veterinary financial assistance grants
• Trupanion Express, when applicable

Clients are responsible for all charges authorized by themselves or an approved representative.

 

Treatment Plans & Estimates

We believe clients should have the information they need to make informed decisions about their pet’s medical care.

Written treatment plans and cost estimates are provided for many medical procedures and are available upon request for other services. Our team is happy to review recommended treatments, explain anticipated expenses, and discuss available medical care options when appropriate.

We encourage open communication about financial limitations before services are authorized. Understanding your budget allows our veterinary team to prioritize your pet’s medical needs and discuss treatment options that balance your pet’s health and well-being with your financial circumstances.

Please understand that estimates may change if additional medical needs are identified during treatment. Our team will communicate significant changes and obtain authorization for additional services whenever possible.

 

Third-Party Financing Options

We understand that unexpected veterinary expenses can sometimes be difficult to manage. To provide additional payment flexibility, South Hyland Pet Hospital accepts several independent third-party financing options.

These services allow qualifying clients to apply for financing and potentially divide veterinary expenses into smaller payments over time, subject to each provider’s approval and terms.

 

Cherry Payment Plans

Cherry offers financing options that allow approved applicants to divide eligible veterinary expenses into scheduled payments.

Applications generally involve a soft credit check, and available payment terms depend on the applicant’s eligibility and the financing options offered.

Please note: A smartphone is required to utilize Cherry at our hospital.

Learn More & Apply Through Cherry

CareCredit

CareCredit is a healthcare financing credit card that can be used for eligible veterinary expenses and other qualifying healthcare services.

Promotional financing options may be available depending on the purchase amount, account eligibility, and current offers.

Learn More & Apply Through CareCredit

Scratchpay

Scratchpay offers financing options for veterinary expenses, allowing approved applicants to select from available payment plans.

Applications typically begin with a soft credit check, and repayment terms vary based on eligibility and the plan selected.

Learn More & Apply Through Scratchpay

All Pet Card

All Pet Card is a financing option designed for pet-related expenses, including veterinary care.

Approved applicants may have access to promotional financing offers and repayment options, subject to the provider’s current terms.

Learn More & Apply Through All Pet Card

Important Information About Third-Party Financing

All financing providers operate independently of South Hyland Pet Hospital. Applications, approvals, financing terms, and repayment arrangements are managed directly by each provider.

Our team cannot assist with financing applications or account-related questions. Please contact the financing provider directly for assistance.

Financing must be approved and available for use at the time payment is required. Approval is not guaranteed.

 

Wellness Plans

Planning ahead for routine veterinary care can help make preventive healthcare expenses more predictable.

South Hyland Pet Hospital offers Wellness Plans that allow clients to spread the cost of eligible preventive care services over 12 months through automatic monthly payments.

Depending on your pet’s individual needs, plans may include wellness examinations, vaccinations, routine laboratory testing, dental cleanings, and other preventive services.

Wellness Plans are designed for planned preventive care and are not pet insurance or general payment plans for unexpected medical expenses.

Learn More About Our Wellness Plans

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can help offset the cost of eligible veterinary treatments and make unexpected medical expenses more manageable.

However, most pet insurance companies operate on a reimbursement model, meaning payment is still due in full at the time of your pet’s visit.

After your appointment, you are responsible for submitting invoices and any required documentation directly to your insurance provider for reimbursement according to your policy’s terms.

South Hyland Pet Hospital does not submit claims or coordinate reimbursement for insurance providers that use this model. We are happy to provide copies of itemized invoices and medical records upon request.

 

Trupanion Express – Direct Payment Option

South Hyland Pet Hospital accepts Trupanion Express, which allows us to submit eligible invoices directly to Trupanion Pet Insurance for payment processing at the time of your pet’s visit.

For qualifying policyholders, this may reduce the amount you need to pay out of pocket.

Trupanion determines eligible coverage and payment amounts according to your individual policy. Clients remain responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, noncovered services, and any remaining balances.

Please let our team know before your appointment if you plan to use Trupanion Express so we can review the appropriate payment process.

 

Considering Pet Insurance?

If you’re exploring insurance coverage for your pet, we encourage you to compare providers and review important policy details, including deductibles, reimbursement percentages, exclusions, waiting periods, and coverage for preexisting conditions.

Learn More About Pet Insurance

Veterinary Financial Assistance Programs

For pet owners experiencing financial hardship, nonprofit organizations may offer grants or other assistance toward qualifying veterinary expenses.

South Hyland Pet Hospital may accept payment through approved assistance programs when funding has been authorized and payment arrangements have been confirmed with our hospital before services are provided.

Financial assistance is not guaranteed, and clients remain responsible for any charges not covered by an approved grant.

We encourage clients to explore available programs and review each organization’s eligibility requirements and application process directly.

Explore Community Support & Assistance

Additional Financial Policies

 

Outstanding Balances & Collections

Outstanding balances must be resolved promptly. Accounts with unpaid balances may be subject to restrictions on future services and referral to a third-party collections agency.

South Hyland Pet Hospital reserves the right to discontinue nonemergency services or terminate the client relationship due to unresolved financial obligations, consistent with applicable laws and professional responsibilities.

Outstanding balances associated with Wellness Plans are subject to the terms outlined in the applicable Wellness Plan agreement.

 

Reservation Fees & Payment History

South Hyland Pet Hospital may require advance payment in the form of a Reservation Fee for clients with a history of unresolved financial obligations or difficulty completing payment for previously authorized services.

Reservation Fee requirements are determined at management’s discretion and communicated before scheduling. Fees are applied toward the cost of the scheduled appointment, with any remaining charges due at the time of service.

For information about Reservation Fees associated with missed appointments, cancellations, and surgical procedures, please review our Appointment Scheduling, Cancellation & No-Show Policies page.

 

Questions About Payment or Your Pet’s Care?

Our team is happy to answer questions about our payment policies, provide treatment estimates, and discuss recommended medical services.

We encourage clients to explore financing, insurance, or financial assistance options before their appointment whenever possible.

Call or text: (952) 884-1868
Request an Appointment: PetDesk App
Email: southhyland@southhyland.com