Why Skipping Wellness Visits Can Cost You More in the Long Run
At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we understand how tempting it can be to put off a routine check-up. Your pet seems fine, life gets busy, and skipping a visit might feel like a way to save time and money. But the truth is, preventive care is the most cost-effective form of veterinary care—and postponing it can lead to much bigger (and more expensive) problems later on.
Here’s why regular wellness visits are not just important for your pet’s health—but also for your wallet.
What Is a Wellness Visit?
A wellness visit is your pet’s routine health check-up. During this visit, we:
-
Detect potential health issues early—before they become serious or costly
-
Track changes in weight, behavior, and overall lifestyle
-
Provide essential parasite prevention
-
Keep vaccinations current to guard against preventable diseases
-
Establish a baseline for your pet’s health and build a trusted relationship with your vet
Think of it as your pet’s yearly physical. It’s one of the best ways to ensure a long, healthy life—and to avoid the stress and cost of medical surprises.
The Cost of Skipping Preventive Care
When issues go unnoticed, they become harder (and more expensive) to treat.
| Example Problem | Treatable During a Wellness Visit | Cost If Caught Late |
|---|---|---|
| Dental disease | Early detection → cleaning ($400-$600) | Extractions, surgery ($800–$3,000) |
| Heartworm | Preventative meds ($100–$200/year) | Treatment ($2,000-4,000) |
| Obesity | Nutritional counseling + monitoring | Diabetes, arthritis, meds ($1,000+/year) |
| Skin conditions | Topical medications or allergy management | Infections, steroids, chronic issues ($500–$2,000/year) |
It’s Not Just About Emergencies—It’s About Preventing Them
Emergency vet visits are unpredictable and often expensive—ranging anywhere from $800 to $5,000 or more depending on the situation. Regular check-ups help spot problems before they reach crisis level, preventing things like emergency surgeries, overnight hospital stays, and intensive treatments.
Plus, wellness visits are predictable. You can plan ahead—and we offer preventive care packages that bundle services together or allow you to spread out costs over time.
Real Numbers: Preventive Care vs. Emergency Costs
Here’s what the ASPCA and national studies show:
| Type of Care | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Preventive care for dogs (check-up, parasite screening, vaccines) | $240-540 |
| Preventive care for cats (check up, parasite screening, vaccines) | $190-450 |
| Emergency surgery for illness or injury | $800 – $5,000+ |
| Heartworm prevention (annual) | $150 – $300 |
| Heartworm treatment (if not prevented) | $2,000-4,000 |
That’s a savings of hundreds or even thousands of dollars just by staying ahead of health issues with routine care.
Not Sure When Your Pet’s Last Check-Up Was?
You’re not alone—and we’re here to help.
At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we offer:
-
Customized wellness reminders
-
A care team that knows and remembers your pet’s unique needs
-
Efficient, low-stress appointments to make visits easier for both of you
Final Word: Prevention Brings Peace of Mind
Wellness visits aren’t just about saving money—they’re about giving your pet the healthiest life possible. When you keep up with regular exams, you walk away with confidence: knowing your pet is protected, healthy, and in great hands.
Let’s make sure they stay that way.
Call us at (954) 473-8090 or request an appointment online to schedule your pet’s wellness visit today. Prevention is the best care you can give.
Recent Posts
About Us
Small description of the practice goes here - maybe pull from the About Us page?