CarefreeCredit | Built by Vets for Vets & Pets (2024)

FAQs

What credit score do you need for CareCredit for pets? ›

If your credit score is 640 or better, you will likely qualify for CareCredit. You can apply for the CareCredit card in person in the veterinary office when you drop off or pick up your dog. However, if you are able to pre-qualify before you get to the office, it will save you a lot of time and anxiety.

After a multitude of consumers came forward with complaints about deferred interest credit products, California responded with a new law that will go into effect in July, prohibiting veterinary providers from proactively signing clients up for deferred interest credit cards, such as CareCredit®.

There is help available. You can look into government financial assistance programs, animal rescue foundations, resource centers, charity organizations, or crowdfunding platforms that raise funds specifically for pet medical expenses, like Waggle.org.

Key points. CareCredit is a credit card you can use for pet-related medical expenses. The interest rate is a high 26.99%, so you'll want to avoid having a balance.

If you have good credit and present a low risk, the lender may decide that you should be approved and may offer you their most competitive rates. Some important things to note: If you are denied a loan because of bad credit, you have the right to receive a copy of your credit report.

CareCredit Limits

High credit limits, combined with the ease with which CareCredit cards can be obtained, mean that they can be a good way for people with a poor credit history to pay for medical bills.

The Bottom Line

A CareCredit card is one way to pay for your pet's healthcare without spending cash upfront. Pet insurance combined with CareCredit may go a long way to affording all those vet payments while managing your money. If you are good at managing your debt and credit, a CareCredit card may be useful.

Can I Use My CareCredit Cards at PetSmart? You can't pay using CareCredit at PetSmart because this shop primarily sells pet food, toys, and other supplies. You may only use your CareCredit card for pet health services and cremation.

From routine to unexpected, CareCredit gives clients a dedicated credit card for all their pet's care with financing options that let them pay over time^*, and you get paid in 2 business days.

Check for state-specific financial assistance programs for pet healthcare. If there's no fund designed for your specific situation, RedRover's Urgent Care Grants might help. RedRover provides almost 700 grants every year for pets whose owners can't afford treatment, with an average grant amount of $200.

Should I put my dog to sleep if I can't afford surgery? ›

Should I Put My Dog Down at Home if I Can't Afford a Vet Bill? If you've exhausted all your options, you may have to say goodbye to your furry friend. However, you shouldn't put your dog down at home by yourself — a veterinarian is trained to ensure that your dog's last moments are painless and peaceful.

CareCredit is restricted to use only for routine or emergency veterinary care and cannot be utilized in pet stores. According to Care Credit's website, you may also be able to use it to pay for other expenses such as pet food, nutrition, and microchipping.

No interest if paid in full within six, 12, 18, or 24 months on qualifying qualifying purchases of $200 or more at enrolled provider locations and select retailers in the CareCredit Network.

CareCredit is accepted at over 260,000 locations nationwide for Dentistry, Veterinary, Cosmetic Treatments and Skincare, Vision, Chiropractic, Hearing Care and other specialties.* For complete details of healthcare financing terms, please review the CareCredit account agreement within the application.

The CareCredit® credit card is a medical credit card that you can use to pay for certain medical procedures, including plastic surgery. To qualify for the CareCredit credit card, you need a credit score of 640 or more, which is in the fair credit score range for FICO®.

If you struggle with managing credit cards, then you may want to consider another option for financing your pet's medical bills. However, for many pet parents, CareCredit may give them flexibility and peace of mind that they can pay for an expensive procedure that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

The easiest and fastest way to see if you prequalify for CareCredit is to use this link. You will get the prequalification decision within seconds and, if you prequalify, you can apply right away, with confidence. You can also apply over the phone, toll free, at (800) 677-0718.

In addition to using it for many human healthcare costs, CareCredit can also be used to pay for pet care at 24,000+ veterinary locations across the U.S. that accept it. It's a budget-friendly solution to help manage veterinary costs, and pairs perfectly with pet insurance for comprehensive financial protection.