VCA Animal Hospitals' Preventative Care Packages are better suited for pet owners seeking comprehensive medical coverage and 24/7 support, especially for young or senior pets needing frequent care. Petco Vital Care Premier is a more economical option for those who regularly use Petco's grooming and retail services, and who are comfortable with a limited geographic availability for vet services and a 12-month commitment.
| Attribute | VCA Animal Hospitals - Preventative Care Packages | Petco Vital Care Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Preventative Care Package Cost | Pricing varies by location and plan, ranging from $46.99 to $120 monthly depending on the pet's age, location, and plan. | Vital Care Core: Free to enroll. Vital Care Premier: $24.99 per month for dogs or cats, $9.99 per month for birds, fish, reptiles, or small pets. Annual commitment required with a 20% discount for annual payment. Multiple Pet Discount: $2 off the monthly membership fee for each additional pet. |
| Membership Cost | Monthly fee for VCA CareClub membership program. | Vital Care Core: Free. Vital Care Premier: See Preventative Care Package Cost above. |
| Vaccination Coverage | Puppies: Distemper, rabies, leptospirosis, parvo, Lyme disease, influenza, and Bordetella. Kittens: Panleukopenia, rabies, Calici and Rhino (feline respiratory viruses), and FeLV (feline leukemia). Adult Paws plan includes all vaccines for puppies and kittens. | Vital Care Premier does not directly cover vaccinations. Pals Rewards can be used towards the cost. Look for occasional free vaccine clinics supported by Petco Love. |
| Exam Coverage | Wellness exams are included, with the frequency varying by plan. Some plans offer unlimited exams, including wellness, sick, and emergency exams. | Vital Care Premier includes unlimited routine vet exams at Vetco Total Care locations or $20 Vital Care Rewards for up to two routine vet exams per year at a vet of your choice. Covers only the exam fee of a regular wellness checkup. |
| Dental Care Coverage | Some plans include dental cleaning and exams, particularly in the 'plus' categories. | Dental cleaning discounts may be available with Vital Care Premier. |
| Parasite Prevention Coverage (e.g., Flea, Tick, Heartworm) | Includes treatments for fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, and heartworm. | Not explicitly included in the standard Vital Care Premier plan. Some Nationwide Pet Insurance plans (co-branded with Petco) offer preventative care add-ons. |
| Discounts on Other Services (e.g., Grooming, Boarding) | Members can save up to 25% on bundled services and other VCA products. Offers dental treatments and hospital stay discounts. | Dog Grooming: 20% off all dog grooming sessions (full grooms or baths) with Vital Care Premier. Vital Care Core members can unlock a free eighth dog groom. Cat Litter: 20% off all cat litter purchases with Vital Care Premier. Rover.com: Occasional discounts (e.g., $20 off) on pet boarding, dog walking, or pet sitting services booked through Rover. |
| Wellness Exam Frequency | Puppies: Monthly wellness exams are recommended. Adult dogs: Annual wellness examinations are the norm. Middle-aged, senior, and geriatric dogs: Twice-yearly examinations are recommended. | Most cats should visit the vet at least once a year. Vital Care Premier provides unlimited routine vet exams at Vetco Total Care. |
| Coverage for Multiple Pets | No multi-pet discount is available. | Yes, coverage is available for multiple pets. Multiple Pet Discount: Save $2 per pet, per month, with Vital Care Premier. |
| Geographic Availability | VCA has over 1,000 locations in 46 US states and 5 Canadian provinces. | Available at Petco locations and online. Vetco Total Care locations are in select Petco stores in nine states: Arkansas, California, Florida, Kansas, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas. |
| 24/7 Support Availability | 24/7 virtual live chat with veterinary professionals. Some hospitals offer 24/7 emergency and critical care. | Vital Care Premier members have access to a dedicated, exclusive member help line. |
| Prescription Discounts | Discounts are available for select pharmacy items. | While not explicitly stated, the monthly Pals Rewards could be used towards prescriptions. |