Service Means Finding a Way to Help – and that Includes Financially
At Allied, we’re deeply committed to helping families access the emergency and specialty care their pets need. We recognize that economic uncertainty and inflation have made it harder for some pet owners to choose optimal care, and we’re working to change that.
Research from Synchrony’s CareCredit shows that many pet owners underestimate the cost of veterinary care, with unexpected expenses of even $250 causing financial stress. As this uncertainty grows, so does the need for flexible payment solutions that make veterinary care more accessible and less overwhelming.
To support this need, we’ve expanded our financial options to give pet owners more choices and confidence when seeking care. Our approach includes transparent pricing, clear estimates, education, and empathy—along with a range of payment solutions:
- Varidi: Payment plans with no credit checks or interest
- Affirm: Buy now, pay later with no hidden fees
- CareCredit: Health and wellness credit card for pets
- Scratch: 12–24 month payment plan options
- Cherry (NEW): 80% approval rates with no-interest options
- Angel Fund: Donation-based assistance for those in need
By removing financial barriers and offering compassionate guidance, we help ensure that pets receive the care they deserve—and owners feel supported every step of the way.
If any of your clients have questions about our payment options, please let them know they are welcome to call at any time for more information. It would be our pleasure to help.
Investing in Future Veterinary Professionals
November 7-9 Heartland Summit, Ames, Iowa
At Allied Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, we believe in supporting the next generation of veterinarians. That’s why we proudly sponsor the Heartland Summit (November 7–9 in Ames, Iowa), a student event hosted by the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA).
This summit helps veterinary students build leadership and business skills while connecting with mentors who share their passion for animal care. Supporting this event is one way we invest in the future of veterinary medicine—so that pets like yours continue to receive exceptional care for years to come.
We hope to see some of you there.
Honoring Local Heroes
Helping Paws Rescue Gala – Oh what a night it was!
On September 21st, we had the honor of attending the 2025 Tail Waggin’ Dinner, a truly inspiring event dedicated to honoring the Service Dog Program for Veterans and First Responders living with service-related PTSD. The evening was filled with moving stories of resilience and hope, highlighting the incredible bond between service dogs and the heroes they support.
DVM Q&A: Are you seeing any new trends in emergency cases?
Yes! Toxicities from Chewable Medications are on the Rise
Allied Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, and the Pet Poison Helpline®, have seen an increase in toxicity cases involving chewable veterinary medications such as Apoquel® (oclacitinib) or Carprofen®. Taken properly, we know they’re highly effective, well-tolerated, and much easier for many pets to take than traditional pills. When used as prescribed, these medications are safe and provide excellent relief for a variety of conditions.
In most cases, pets gain access to the medications by chewing through bottles, knocking them off counters, or finding them in purses or bags.
From an emergency perspective, these overdoses can be extremely serious and challenging to manage. Complications can include cardiovascular abnormalities, hematologic changes, ocular damage, and kidney or liver injury. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal, and prognosis is often guarded.
Recommendations for your clients:
- Emphasize secure storage of all medications, out of reach of pets and children.
- Encourage clients to contact you immediately or reach out to the Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 if accidental ingestion occurs.
- Early intervention is key: the sooner pets receive veterinary care, the better the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
By reinforcing safe medication practices with clients and maintaining open communication with the ER team, we can work together to reduce preventable toxicities and improve patient outcomes.
Tech Tip: More Than Tech Week
This section of our newsletter normally includes a valuable tip for veterinary technicians. In honor of National Veterinary Technician Week, we thought we’d share a few ways we at Allied celebrate these every-day heroes and support the profession in the hopes it inspires you. The benefits to showing consistent, year-round appreciation is key to building a positive clinic culture and retaining talented team members. Last month we focused on how to make a great employee. Now it’s about gratitude.
Ways to show daily appreciation
- Provide meaningful recognition. A sincere, personal thank-you can have a powerful impact. Recognize a tech’s unique efforts, skills, or successes in front of their peers during staff meetings or in a daily shout-out channel.
- Offer professional growth. Support your technicians’ professional development by helping them pay for conferences, online courses, or specialty certifications. This investment shows that you value their expertise and are committed to their long-term career growth.
- Invest in their well-being. The veterinary field is physically and emotionally demanding. Prioritize mental health support, offer flexible scheduling, or create a dedicated “no-interruptions” break space.
- Involve them in decisions. Empower veterinary technicians by including them in important conversations about practice operations, case management, and workflow improvements. Their input offers valuable insights and makes them feel like respected partners in patient care.
- Elevate their workspace. Small upgrades can significantly improve morale. Providing quality, ergonomic equipment, keeping the breakroom stocked with fresh snacks and coffee, or even offering free laundry service for scrubs can make a big difference.
- Use the right titles. Respect the education and licensure of your credentialed technicians by using the proper titles. Using the correct terminology shows you recognize the effort they put into their professional training.
Ideas for both managers and owners
- Get personal: A handwritten note highlighting a specific instance where a tech went above and beyond is a powerful gesture that feels more personal than a generic card.
- Gift time off: Granting a bonus paid day off is a highly valued reward that directly contributes to a better work-life balance. (Birthdays PTO is especially nice).
- Cover the tab: Treat your team to a catered lunch from a local favorite or give gift cards to a nearby coffee shop – unexpectedly.