Petco has revolutionized pet care with the expansion of its Vital Care membership program, now available for birds, reptiles, fish, and small pets. Previously limited to dogs and cats, this comprehensive wellness plan makes high-quality pet health services more accessible and affordable for all pet parents. Whether you’re caring for a colorful parrot, a scaly reptile, or a tank full of fish, Vital Care delivers tailored benefits to support your pet’s nutrition, supplies, grooming, and veterinary needs.
Petco Vital Care program featuring wellness benefits for various pets
What is Petco Vital Care?
Launched two years ago, Vital Care is Petco’s paid health and wellness membership designed to simplify pet ownership. It provides exclusive savings on essential products and services, helping pet parents manage both their pets’ health and household budgets effectively. According to Petco executives, the program has seen significant growth in popularity, reflecting the rising demand for convenient pet care solutions.
In the United States, over 13 million households own fish, 9 million have birds, 6 million keep small animals, and 5 million care for reptiles, as reported by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) 2021-2022 survey. Petco is the first national pet retailer to offer a scalable wellness plan covering these companion animals, addressing a key gap in the market.
Key Benefits of the Expanded Vital Care Plan
The expanded Vital Care program offers species-specific perks, ensuring every pet receives the right support. New members can enroll birds, reptiles, fish, or small animals for just $9.99 per month per pet type. Existing dog and cat members can add these pets for an additional $7.99 per month per type, with an annual commitment unlocking maximum value.
Here’s a breakdown of the standout benefits:
- Monthly Pals Rewards: Receive $5 for small pet plans or $15 for dog/cat plans to use on services or products.
- Nutrition Discounts: 10% off dog/cat food; 20% off small pet nutrition, including dry, live, fresh, or frozen options—ideal for maintaining balanced diets for exotic pets.
- Veterinary Care: Unlimited routine exams at Vetco Total Care or $20 Pals Rewards per exam at your chosen vet for dogs and cats; supports regular check-ups crucial for early detection of issues in birds or reptiles.
- Supply Savings: 20% off small pet, bird, reptile, and fish supplies, helping stock up on habitats, substrates, and filtration systems affordably.
- Grooming and Litter: 20% off dog grooming or cat litter, extending convenience to multi-pet households.
- Pet Purchases: 20% off additional fish, small pets, birds, and reptiles.
- Membership Perk: $2 discount per pet type monthly.
These savings often pay for the membership itself, promoting proactive wellness. For instance, regular vet exams can catch nutritional deficiencies in fish or respiratory issues in birds early, preventing costly treatments.
Petco Health and Wellness Company logo representing trusted pet care services
Dr. La’Toya Latney, a board-certified zoo and exotic animal veterinarian on Petco’s Pet Wellness Council, emphasizes the impact: “Companion animals deserve the same love and care as dogs and cats. This plan provides innovative solutions for pets often underserved in the market, helping owners save money while meeting health needs.”
Why This Matters for Pet Parents
Expanding Vital Care aligns with Petco’s “Petconomics” initiative, highlighting “Great Dane-sized” benefits at “Chihuahua-sized” prices. It encourages routine care, which veterinary experts agree is vital for longevity—fish need optimal water quality, reptiles require precise temperatures, birds thrive on enriched environments, and small pets benefit from dental and parasite prevention.
Petco’s network of over 1,500 pet care centers, plus online and app access, makes enrollment seamless. Services include grooming, training, and Vetco hospitals, backed by Petco Love’s adoption efforts that have rehomed over 6.5 million animals.
How to Get Started with Vital Care
Ready to enhance your pet’s wellness? Sign up at Petco stores, petco.com/vitalcare, or the Petco app. Review full terms, as exclusions apply. This plan not only supports your bird’s vibrant feathers, reptile’s shedding cycle, fish’s aquarium health, or small pet’s activity needs but also builds a stronger bond through consistent care.
Consult your veterinarian to tailor Vital Care to your pet’s breed or species. For more tips on exotic pet nutrition and habitats, explore Petco’s resources or connect with their Pet Wellness Council experts.
References:
- American Pet Products Association (APPA), 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey.
- Petco Vital Care Details: petco.com/vitalcare.
- Petco Pet Wellness Council: petco.com Pet Wellness.
