Banfield Wellness Plan Costs and Coverage: Full Breakdown for Pet Owners
Considering a Banfield Wellness Plan for your dog or cat? The Optimum Wellness Plan is Banfield Pet Hospital's flagship preventive care package. It comes with three tiers and offers a range of services tailored to your pet's age, species, and health needs.
The Optimum Wellness Plan is a subscription-based wellness plan that covers routine care and preventive services to help pet owners like you budget preventive healthcare costs effectively - it is not pet insurance (unlike a wellness plan, pet insurance covers unexpected accidents or illnesses, reimbursing 70%-100% of covered costs after your deductible is met).
Key Takeaways
- Banfield wellness plans start at $37.95/month for adult dogs and $26.95/month for adult cats, with coverage for routine services like vaccines and unlimited office visits.
- You can save up to 20% on prescriptions, products, and services, including parasite preventives and medical tests, if you avail yourself of Banfield’s wellness plans.
- Banfield’s wellness plan is not pet insurance – a wellness plan helps you budget for preventive care, whereas pet insurance covers unexpected care.
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If you're a first-time pet owner or comparing options, this guide will help you know whether it’s worth it in 2025. Let’s break down Banfield’s three plan tiers, compare them side by side, and explain key details like pricing, cancellation rules, and what’s actually covered.
- Understanding Banfield Wellness Plans: Eligibility, Coverage, and Exclusions
- Banfield Wellness Plan Pricing & Discounts
- Is the Banfield Wellness Plan Worth It? Pros, Reviews, and Key Considerations
- Banfield Customer Service, Cancellations, and Support Options
- General Information about Banfield Pet Hospital
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Banfield Wellness Plans: Eligibility, Coverage, and Exclusions
Banfield Pet Hospital’s Optimum Wellness Plans offer a proactive approach to keeping your pet healthy through routine care and preventive services. Here are the eligibility criteria for Banfield’s plans, what’s covered under each plan, and exclusions to be aware of.
Plan Options: What Types of Wellness Plans Does Banfield Offer?
Banfield offers three versions of its Optimum Wellness Plan for healthy adult cats and dogs:
- Active Care: “Designed for keeping healthy pets healthy and establishing health baselines for comparison as your pet ages.”
- Active Care Plus: “Designed for keeping healthy pets healthy, with additional dental services for a healthy mouth.”
- Special Care: “For pets that require extra care or have chronic conditions that require an extra level of screening.”
There are also other plans available for young and senior pets, such as the Early Care and Early Care Plus for puppies and kittens under 6 months old, and Senior Care and Senior Care Plus for older cats and dogs aged 7 years and older.
Each type of plan can apply to either a dog or a cat. Prices vary depending on the type of animal you intend to cover.
Eligible Pets: Who Can Enroll in a Banfield Plan?
Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plans are available to dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Exotic pets and other types of pets are not currently covered by Banfield.
Covered Services: What’s Included in a Banfield Wellness Plan?
Banfield Pet Hospital is not a pet insurance company and does not offer traditional pet insurance plans. Instead, it offers comprehensive, year-long preventive care packages designed to support your pet's health through routine services and diagnostics (which does not cover unexpected accidents, illnesses, or emergencies). Higher-tiered plans cover a wider range of preventive care services than lower-tiered plans.
Full List of Covered Services by Plan Tier
Service Category | Active Care | Active Care Plus | Special Care |
|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited Office Visits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Virtual Visits | 2/year | 2/year | 2/year |
24/7 Pet Chat™ Access | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Comprehensive Exams | 2/year | 2/year | 2/year |
Routine Vaccinations | Included | Included | Included |
Fecal Exams | 2/year | 2/year | 2/year |
Deworming | 2/year | 2/year | 2/year |
Heartworm / Lyme / Ehrlichia / Anaplasma SNAP Test | 1/year | 1/year | 1/year |
Diagnostic Testing (CBC/IOF) | - | Varies | Varies |
Ear Swab with Cytology | - | 1/year | 1/year |
Electrolyte Panel | - | Varies | Varies |
Professional Dental Cleaning | - | 1/year | 1/year |
Urine Testing | - | Varies | Varies |
Electrocardiogram (ECG) | - | - | 2/year |
Eye Pressure Test | - | - | 2/year |
Preventive X-rays | - | - | 1/year |
X-ray Consultation | - | - | 1/year |
X-ray Sedation | - | - | 1/year |
Blood Pressure Evaluation | - | - | 2/year |
Thyroid (T4) Test | - | - | 2/year |
Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) Test | - | - | 1/year |
Cardio BNP Test | - | - | 1/year |
Discount on Non-Plan Services | 10% | 15% | 20% |
Unexpected accidents, illnesses, or emergencies | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention services can be covered for an additional cost. You can also opt for a DNA test for your pet to determine their risk of certain diseases, available for an additional cost.
What Banfield Plans Don’t Cover
- Pre-existing Conditions: Any medical condition that exists before benefits go into effect, including hereditary and congenital conditions, alternative therapies, and chronic conditions.
- Accidents: Diagnosis and treatment of injuries and accidents
- Illnesses: Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses or conditions.
- Emergency Care: Diagnosis and treatment for urgent or emergency care.
- Surgeries: Procedures not related to preventive care, such as those for injuries or health issues.
- Cosmetic Procedures: Non-essential treatments like tail docking, ear cropping, claw removal, microchip implantation, and others.
- Breeding: Does not cover the costs of animal pregnancy.
- Medications: Prescription medications, prescription food, and supplements.
- Specialist Referrals: Consultations with veterinary specialists that are not included in the plan.
Extra services you wish to avail yourself of are usually billed separately and may be eligible for reimbursement through pet insurance, which can be used in conjunction with an Optimum Wellness Plan. Banfield also provides discounts on other health services at Banfield Pet Hospital locations.
Unlike pet insurance, Banfield wellness plans do not cover the treatment cost for pet illnesses or injuries
Why Pre-Existing Conditions Aren’t Covered by Banfield Plans
Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plan is considered a wellness plan. They’re designed to provide regular check-ups, vaccinations, and early detection of potential health issues.
They don't cover pre-existing conditions because Optimum Wellness Plans are all about proactive, preventive care, allowing you to catch health issues early and prevent them from developing into bigger problems down the line.
Banfield’s plan only covers routine and preventative care services.
PRO TIP: Some pet insurance companies can cover pre-existing conditions that are considered curable if pets are symptom-free for a certain amount of time.
Banfield Wellness Plan Pricing & Discounts
Banfield lists a flat monthly rate for all three of its plans. However, those rates differ depending on the animal you intend to insure. Plans for dogs cost more than plans for cats.
How Much Do Banfield Wellness Plans Cost in 2025?
Plan Type | Dogs | Cats | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly | Yearly | Monthly | Yearly | |
Early Care | $39.95 | $479.40 | $29.95 | $359.40 |
Early Care Plus | $49.95 | $599.40 | $39.95 | $479.40 |
Active Care | $37.95 | $455.40 | $26.95 | $323.40 |
Active Care Plus | $46.95 | $563.40 | $37.95 | $455.40 |
Senior Care | $58.95 | $707.40 | $46.95 | $563.40 |
Senior Care Plus | $68.95 | $827.40 | $56.95 | $683.40 |
Special Care | $78.95 | $947.40 | $66.95 | $803.40 |
There is also a one-time startup fee of $59.95 per pet. This is charged individually for each enrolled pet.
If you have another pet, you can receive an additional $15 multiple-pet discount off the membership fee for the Optimum Wellness Plan.
Note: Rates may vary based on your ZIP code, pet age, and occasionally pet weight. For the most accurate pricing, please use Banfield's Service Price Estimator1 or contact your local Banfield Pet Hospital.
Banfield Wellness Plan vs Competitor Pricing: What’s the Better Deal?
Banfield’s pet wellness plans are slightly more expensive than some competitors. For example, Wagmo’s wellness plans start at just $20 per month, and they are also sold as a stand-alone product, not as an add-on.
Provider | Plan Type | Price (Monthly) | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Banfield | Standalone Wellness | $26.95 – $78.95 | - Unlimited office visits - No claims to file - Convenient PetSmart locations |
Wagmo | Standalone Wellness | $20 – $35 | - Affordable pricing - Services at a variety of vet clinics |
Petco | Add-On Wellness | $15 – $45 | - Can be added to Petco insurance - Covers routine exams, vaccines, diagnostics |
Nationwide Wellness Add-On | Add-On Wellness | $11 – $35 | - Added to accident/illness coverage - Covers preventive care like vaccinations, dental cleanings |
While competitors like Wagmo, Petco, and Nationwide Wellness Add-On offer lower prices or different coverage models, Banfield provides a more convenient, in-clinic solution for those seeking hassle-free, routine care.
Banfield gives you easy access to care and the convenience of not having to process claims (when used at a Banfield Hospital). This makes it a strong choice for those prioritizing long-term health and ease of use, even if it’s slightly more expensive compared to other pet wellness plans.
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Banfield Wellness Plan Discounts: How Much You Can Save by Tier
Banfield offers discounts on non-Optimum-Wellness-Plan services and products based on the plan tier for prescriptions, products, and services:
Plan Tier | Discount Percentage |
|---|---|
Early Care | 5% |
Early Care Plus | 10% |
Active Care | 10% |
Active Care Plus | 15% |
Senior Care | 20% |
Senior Care Plus | 20% |
Special Care | 20% |
The Optimum Wellness Plan discount applies to:
- Parasite preventives, including FirstShield®, Wormshield®, and Comfortis® when purchased outside your plan. (Parasite Control Options that can be added to your plan are already discounted.)
- Prescriptions and all medications except custom-compounded medications.
- Products like shampoo, conditioners, and lotions.
- Medical tests or services.
Note: Discounts are not applicable to therapeutic diets, PetSmart services, or merchandise.
Is the Banfield Wellness Plan Worth It? Pros, Reviews, and Key Considerations
If you want wellness care but don’t want accident/illness coverage for your pet – and you use Banfield’s hospitals, Banfield’s wellness plan might be a good option.
The most basic plan covers all necessary vaccinations, diagnostic testing, fecal exams, and deworming. Higher-tier plans cover urinalysis, preventive X-rays, and additional diagnostics. You can also opt for parasite prevention services at an additional cost.
Why Some Pet Owners Choose Banfield
The biggest benefit of a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan is the availability of Banfield clinics themselves.
- Convenient Access at PetSmart Locations: Banfield clinics are integrated into PetSmart stores across the U.S., which makes it easy to get care for your pet.
- No Claims to File: Unlike traditional pet insurance, Banfield Optimum Wellness Plans eliminate the hassle of filing claims and waiting for reimbursements. All covered services are paid at the point of service.
- Unlimited Office Visits: Your pet can receive unlimited office visits, allowing you to keep up with routine check-ups and preventive care without worrying about additional costs.
- Discounts on Products & Services: Get up to 20% off on prescriptions, medications, and other pet-related services when you buy through Banfield, depending on the plan tier you choose.
- Comprehensive Preventive Care: Banfield focuses on keeping your pet healthy with services like wellness exams, vaccinations, diagnostic tests, and dental cleanings, depending on your plan.
Banfield Wellness Plan Reviews
The Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan has mixed reviews. According to one pet owner, the wellness plan is a good deal for preventative care, and many others have left favorable reviews of their experience with the plans in conjunction with their local Banfield clinics.
Here’s a quick summary of its pros and cons, according to reviews:
✔ Good for Preventive Care
✔ Convenient Access
✔ No Claims to File
✔ Discounts on Products
✘ Inconsistent Customer Service
✘ Difficult to Cancel Plans
✘ Varying Experiences by Clinic
Investopedia rates Banfield’s pet wellness plans at 3.4 out of 5 stars. Meanwhile, Canine Journal rates Banfield’s plans at 2 out of 5 stars, and ConsumersAdvocate.org rates them at 2.3 out of 5 stars.
*It’s worth noting that it can be difficult to separate reviews of the wellness plan from reviews of Banfield Pet Hospital locations themselves. Reviews also offer only a limited context. Simple review aggregators do not clearly illuminate the real data points and fine print as they relate to your unique pet, location, and financial standing.
To receive a more personalized recommendation, you can talk with one of Pawlicy Advisor’s licensed experts to help you understand if wellness or insurance is a good fit for your pet.
Things to Know Before You Enroll
- Policy Duration: Annual; all plans require a 12-month commitment.
- Payment Plan Frequency: Choose to pay monthly or opt for a one-time annual payment.
- Payment Transaction Fee: If your payment is not processed successfully, Banfield may charge a $20 fee for overdrafts or reprocessing.
- Minimum Age Eligibility to Enroll: No Minimum Age Requirement.
- Change of Insurance Ownership: Cannot be transferred to another person or pet.
- Residency Requirement: You can enroll regardless of your location within the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
- Geographic Coverage: Available in the United States and Puerto Rico.
- Vet Direct Pay: Can only be used at Banfield Pet Hospital clinics, not with external veterinarians or clinics.
Unlike pet insurance, Banfield wellness plans do not cover the treatment cost for pet illnesses or injuries.
Banfield Customer Service, Cancellations, and Support Options
Banfield offers several ways to get in touch. Connect with the appropriate team for feedback, support services, and other assistance.
How to Contact Banfield’s Support Team
Service/Department | Contact Information |
|---|---|
General Contact | Send a message through the Contact Us page. |
Corporate Headquarters | Phone: 866-894-7927 Address: 18101 SE 6th Way, Vancouver, WA 98683 |
Hospital Experience Feedback | Phone: 877-500-2288 Email: internet.inquiries@banfield.net |
Optimum Wellness Plan | Enrollments and Information Phone: 877-277-7387 Email: OWP@banfield.net Billing and Payments Phone: 866-935-5738 Email: CST.inbox@banfield.net Questions and Plan Cancellation Phone: 888-649-2716 Email: wellnessplanrelations@banfield.net |
Home Delivery Questions | Phone: 866-277-7387 Email: home.delivery@banfield.com |
Website Questions and Comments | Phone: 877-656-7146 Email: Banfield.WebSupport@banfield.com |
How to Cancel a Banfield Wellness Plan
Banfield plans are set to auto-renew each year. To opt out, follow these steps:
- Log in to your MyBanfield account.
- Navigate to the Account section.
- Click the “Manage Plan” button next to the pet’s plan you want to cancel renewal for. This will prevent automatic renewal at the end of your current plan cycle.
Then, reach out to Banfield's Wellness Plan Relations team through wellnessplanrelations@banfield.com or call 888-649-2716 and discuss your intention to cancel and confirm any outstanding balance.
Since Banfield plans are annual contracts, even if you cancel mid-term, you are still responsible for any unpaid services that have accrued. Cancelling early does not erase any owed costs. It just stops future coverage.
This means you must pay either the full retail value of services rendered or the remaining payments on your plan, whichever amount is less. If you’ve paid in advance, you may be entitled to a refund based on services already rendered.
PRO TIP: Some pet insurance companies can cover pre-existing conditions that are considered curable if pets are symptom-free for a certain amount of time.
General Information about Banfield Pet Hospital
Banfield Pet Hospital2 was founded in 1955 in northeast Portland, Oregon, by veterinarian Warren J. Wegert. It was named after the nearby Banfield Freeway. The company was purchased by Scott Campbell in 1987, and Medical Management International, Inc. (MMI) was created to own the clinic. In 2007, Campbell sold his shares of the company to Mars, Incorporated.
Banfield partnered with PetSmart in 1994 to open clinics within PetSmart store locations. At the time, the clinics were branded “VetSmart.”
Today, the veterinary hospital company has expanded to over 975 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico. Banfield owns clinics in Mexico and the United Kingdom as well. The company’s headquarters is in Vancouver, WA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you consider wellness coverage for your pet?
Ideally, you should consider a pet insurance policy and/or a wellness plan within the first six months of adopting your pet, regardless of whether you adopt from a shelter, rescue, or breeder.
As with most plans, the sooner you sign up for coverage, the better. If you sign up for a Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan while your pet is still young, you’ll be able to enjoy coverage and discounts at Banfield locations throughout their lifetime.
Does the Banfield wellness plan come with claims reimbursement?
The Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan does not offer claims reimbursement. Instead of submitting a claim after paying for veterinary services, Banfield’s wellness plan covers wellness services at the point of purchase at Banfield locations (and does not cover unexpected accidents, illnesses, or emergency care at all).
References
- Banfield Pet Hospital - “Banfield's Service Price Estimator”
- Banfield Pet Hospital - “Custom Care that Grows with Your Pet”
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