Discover how innovative Care Memberships have transformed our approach to veterinary care, making it more accessible, affordable, and effective for our patients and their families

Authored by Brandon Tobey, Clinic Assistant and Care Champion at Sunrise Veterinary Services as part of an ongoing series highlighting how veterinary clinics are partnering with Otto to bring together their expertise, standards of care and compliance, and client data to drive better pet health and clinic profitability.

Sunrise Veterinary Services has always been committed to providing top-tier care for livestock and small animals. Our 6-doctor, 20+ team member practice in Wisconsin prides itself on upholding values like personality, knowledge, integrity, and exceptional skills. However, despite our best efforts, we were often seen as “The Expensive Vet.” The high costs of advanced diagnostics and necessary procedures posed financial barriers for our clients, making it challenging to deliver the optimal care our patients deserved.

While we have consistently pushed the envelope on industry innovation, continuous education, and enhancing the client experience through cutting-edge technologies, these efforts weren’t enough to overcome many of our clients’ financial burdens. The lack of flexible payment options meant many clients needed help to afford the necessary care for their pets.

Everything changed in December 2023 when we introduced Otto Care Memberships. The results were immediate and impressive. Clients began to find the monthly payments much more manageable, leading to increased approval of our recommended services. One of the highlights of this success was during February Dental Month, where our premium plan played a crucial role in helping patients receive essential dental procedures. The positive feedback from our clients was overwhelming.

One feature that has particularly stood out is the Instant Account Credit. This credit is available to clients as soon as they sign up, allowing them to use it immediately for any services or products. This flexibility has greatly reduced the financial strain on our clients, encouraging them to seek necessary and recommended care without hesitation. The Instant Account Credit has significantly influenced the program’s success.

A particularly memorable success story involves my own family. I offered a Care Plan to a relative who initially signed up for preventative care. Unfortunately, their pet’s health took a sudden downturn, requiring emergency surgery and an extended stay at our clinic. The Care Plan’s benefits were invaluable during this time, covering much of the costs and ultimately allowing for a full recovery. My cousin was extremely grateful for the savings and discounts, and this experience only strengthened my confidence in the Otto Care program.

Our Care Memberships aren’t just for unwell pets. We have dogs and cats of all ages enrolled, from puppies coming in for their first visits to older cats needing dental care. With multiple levels of care tailored to diverse needs, we ensure our patients receive the best possible care. Additionally, these plans help foster stronger relationships between clients and doctors, encouraging more frequent visits to our clinic.

As one of the early adopters of Care Memberships, we encountered our fair share of challenges. However, the exceptional support provided by the Otto Care team has been instrumental in our success. Their guidance has helped us grow and refine the program, benefiting our clients and patients.

We are incredibly passionate about Care Memberships and their positive impact on our practice. Our experience with the program has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to continue offering it to our clients. Sunrise Veterinary Services proudly recommends Care Memberships to every veterinary practice. The benefits for both pet patients and their parents are undeniable, making high-quality veterinary care more accessible and affordable for all.