Subscription models: a paradigm shift in pet health care

This article explores the history, use and application of subscription models in the veterinary profession, examining the benefits, challenges, and impact on both pet owners and veterinarians.

Subscriptions can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries when various clubs and societies operated on a subscription-based model.

These clubs – often exclusive and catering to specific interests – required members to pay a regular fee to access their services and events. For example, the famous gentlemen’s club, White’s, which was founded in 1693, operated on a subscription basis to provide a space for aristocrats to socialise.

During the 19th century, subscription models gained traction in the UK’s literary and publishing sectors. Public and private libraries adopted subscription-based models, allowing individuals to borrow books and access knowledge for a fee. Notable examples include the London Library, founded in 1841, and the British Library, established in 1753 as the first national public library.

Additionally, it is worth noting subscription-based periodicals, magazines and newspapers became popular during this era. Readers could subscribe to receive regular issues, bringing news, stories and opinions directly to their homes.

The 20th century saw subscription models expanding further into media and entertainment sectors. The radio and television industry began adopting subscription-based services, such as cable and satellite TV, providing subscribers with access to a broader range of channels and content.

The broadcasting landscape in the UK witnessed significant changes with the launch of subscription-based channels such as Sky Television (now Sky) in 1989. Sky’s success in offering premium content to subscribers revolutionised how television was consumed in the UK, and it paved the way for other pay TV providers.

Internet age: digital subscriptions

The advent of the internet brought about a new era of subscription models. As technology advanced, companies started offering digital subscriptions for various services, capitalising on the growing online user base. E-commerce platforms, streaming services, and software companies embraced subscription-based business models to provide consumers with convenient access to products and services.

Streaming services such as Netflix, which launched in the UK in 2012, rapidly gained popularity among consumers looking for on-demand content. Similarly, music streaming service Spotify and Amazon Prime, a subscription service offering various benefits including free shipping and video streaming, became prominent players in the UK market.

Software as a Service is another subscription-based model that has gained significant traction in the UK. Companies now offer cloud-based software solutions through subscriptions, making it easier for businesses to access and use essential tools without large upfront costs.

In the past few years, subscription boxes have become a popular trend in the UK. These boxes offer a curated selection of products delivered to subscribers regularly.

From beauty products and food to books and hobbies, subscription boxes cater to a wide range of interests. Companies such as Birchbox (beauty), Graze (snacks) and The Willoughby Book Club have made a significant impact in this space.

Beyond products, the subscription model has found its way into the service sector. In the UK, various industries including fitness, meal kits, and pet care now offer subscription-based services to cater to consumers’ evolving needs and preferences.

Subscription models in veterinary care

The subscription model in veterinary care works similarly to other subscription-based services.

Pet owners pay a regular fee – usually on a monthly or annual basis – in exchange for a predefined set of veterinary services. These services can range from routine preventive care – such as vaccinations, check-ups and dental cleanings – to more comprehensive packages that include treatments for chronic conditions, emergencies and even access to specialised veterinary consultations.

Benefits for pet owners

Benefits for pet owners include:

• Budget predictability – one of the most significant advantages of the subscription model for pet owners is budget predictability. By paying a fixed amount regularly, they can plan and manage their finances better. This stability encourages more frequent veterinary visits and timely care, reducing the risk of neglecting their pet’s health due to financial concerns.
• Comprehensive care – subscription models often bundle a variety of services together, ensuring pets receive regular check-ups and preventive treatments. This approach emphasises proactive care, which can catch health issues early, leading to better treatment outcomes and potentially reducing long-term health care costs.
• Improved pet-owner relationship – with a subscription model, the relationship between pet owners and vets becomes more dynamic and personalised. Regular interactions create opportunities for vets to understand their patients better, enabling them to offer tailored recommendations for pet care.
• Reduced barrier to entry – the subscription model can lower the barrier to veterinary care – especially for pet owners who previously hesitated due to financial constraints. By spreading the cost over time, more pet owners can afford to enrol in comprehensive pet health care plans.

Benefits for vets and practices

Benefits for vets and practices include:

• Enhanced client retention – the subscription model fosters a sense of loyalty among pet owners, as they are committed to regular visits to use the services they are paying for. This leads to increased client retention rates for veterinary clinics.
• Streamlined administrative processes – subscription models simplify administrative tasks related to billing and payment processing. By automating these processes, veterinary clinics can allocate more time and resources to focus on providing quality care to their furry patients.
• Improved pet health outcomes – with regular and proactive care, vets can monitor pets more closely and detect health issues earlier, resulting in better health outcomes and potentially reducing the number of emergency cases.
• Stable revenue stream – the subscription model provides a stable and predictable revenue stream for veterinary clinics. This steady income can help clinics invest in advanced equipment, training and facilities – ultimately benefiting both veterinarians and their patients.

Subscription variations in veterinary care

Subscription variations in veterinary care include:

• Preventive care packages – these subscriptions focus on routine preventive services such as vaccinations, parasite control and annual wellness exams. Preventive care packages aim to keep pets healthy and reduce the risk of preventable diseases.
• Chronic condition management – some subscription models cater to pets with chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or skin allergies. These packages may include regular follow-up visits, medication refills and monitoring of the pet’s health status.
• Emergency care plans – emergency care subscriptions provide peace of mind to pet owners, assuring them that emergency medical attention will be available when needed. These plans may include 24/7 access to veterinary clinics or telemedicine consultations.
• Comprehensive wellness plans – we are now seeing the advent of comprehensive plans covering all veterinary services including consultations, preventive care, dental cleanings, diagnostics and surgery and out-of-hours emergency visits. These all-inclusive subscriptions are designed to optimise all aspects of a pet’s health.

Challenges and potential drawbacks

While the subscription model holds promise for the veterinary profession, it also presents some challenges that need careful consideration:

• Service over-utilisation – some pet owners may overuse veterinary services, feeling obligated to get their money’s worth from the subscription, leading to unnecessary visits and treatments.
• Cost-benefit balance – determining the appropriate subscription price that covers the veterinary clinic’s costs and profit while remaining affordable for pet owners can be a delicate balancing act.
• Treatment limitations – not all medical conditions can be adequately covered under some subscription model. Complex surgeries or specialised treatments may still require additional fees or gap insurance.
• Market competition – as the popularity of subscription-based veterinary care grows, more providers may enter the market, leading to increased competition and the need for unique value propositions.

Insurance versus subscription

Insurance and membership subscription models are two distinct concepts, each serving different purposes and operating in different industries. Let’s explore the key differences between the two:

• Purpose and scope
  Insurance is a risk management tool that provides financial protection against unforeseen events or risks. Policyholders pay premiums to an insurance company, which pools these funds to cover potential losses. In return, the insurer compensates the policyholder or beneficiaries in the event of covered losses, such as accidents, illness, property damage or death.

Membership subscription models, on the other hand, are usually associated with providing access to products, services or exclusive benefits. Subscribers pay a recurring fee to become members of a particular club, service or platform. The subscription typically grants them ongoing access to services or perks that non-subscribers do not have access to, such as exclusive content, discounts or specialised offerings.

• Risk transfer versus access to services
  Insurance is primarily concerned with risk transfer. The insurer assumes the financial risk associated with specific events for the policyholders in exchange for the premiums paid. If the insured event occurs, the insurance company covers the losses, mitigating the financial impact on the policyholder.

Membership subscription models, on the other hand, do not involve risk transfer. Instead, they offer ongoing access to certain services, benefits or content. Subscribers pay for the privilege of enjoying these offerings, but the provider of the subscription service does not necessarily take on the risks associated with the subscribers’ lives or property.

• Legal and regulatory framework
  The insurance industry is heavily regulated to protect both policyholders and insurers. Insurance companies must meet specific financial requirements, adhere to solvency and capital adequacy regulations, and comply with consumer protection laws. The terms and conditions of insurance policies are also subject to regulatory oversight.

While membership subscriptions may still be governed by consumer protection laws and contractual agreements, they generally face less stringent regulations compared to insurance. The focus is on providing access to services and ensuring transparency in subscription terms rather than managing financial risks.

• Payouts and coverage
  In the event of a covered loss, an insurance company pays out a claim to the policyholder or beneficiaries, as specified in the insurance policy. The payout amount is usually determined by the terms and conditions of the policy, and the extent of the covered loss.

Membership subscriptions do not involve payouts in the same way as insurance. Subscribers pay for the privilege of continued access to services or benefits, rather than receiving financial compensation for losses.

In summary, insurance and membership subscription models serve different purposes. Insurance primarily deals with risk management, providing financial protection against specific events, while membership subscriptions focus on providing ongoing access to services, benefits or exclusive content. Both models offer valuable solutions to consumers and businesses, but operate in distinct ways and are subject to different legal and regulatory frameworks.

Conclusion

The subscription model is transforming the veterinary profession by making pet health care more accessible, affordable and comprehensive. By offering budget predictability, enhanced pet-owner relationships and improved pet health outcomes, this approach benefits both pet owners and veterinarians.

While some challenges exist, the potential of subscription-based veterinary care to revolutionise the industry is undeniable. As it continues to evolve and adapt, the subscription model is likely to play an increasingly crucial role in shaping the future of pet health care.