Pets aren’t just animals; they’re cherished family members. While families strive to give their pets the absolute best life, managing daily care alongside the rising costs of routine wellness can quickly stretch a household’s monthly budget. And as summer adventures beckon, having payment opti ons becomes essential. In the summer months, seasonal costs like de-shedding grooming to beat the heat, vital monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives, travel planning and vaccination can increase.[i],[ii] Additionally, unexpected expenses can crop up – and with 8 out of 10 pet owners reporting feeling unprepared for these types of expenses, planning is critical.[iii] That’s where CareCredit plays a role. CareCredit helps families comfortably say “yes” to what’s best for their pets while allowing pet owners to pay for services over time. For more than 35 years, the CareCredit credit card, accepted at more than 27,000 veterinary practices, has helped make care more accessible. CareCredit gives pet owners choice in how they pay and supports the full spectrum of pet health and well-being, including food, hospitality, grooming and boarding. Jonathan Wainberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Pet at Synchrony and devoted pet parent, understands the importance of managing costs and travel planning. He frequently travels with Maddie, his beloved 16-year-old miniature poodle, who has visited about 14 countries. “Traveling together is incredibly rewarding, but it requires thoughtful planning—from navigating airline pet fees to hunting down pet-friendly accommodations,” Wainberg shares. “When senior or ongoing health-related care is factored in, like managing Maddie’s Cushing’s syndrome, which requires medications, dedicated care and frequent veterinary check-ups, the logistics and costs can multiply quickly. Having a flexible way to pay for Maddie’s care when we are home is reassuring, and helps to plan ahead during the summer and throughout the year.” Whether it’s preparing to bring a pet on a plane or fighting ticks and mosquitoes on evening strolls, CareCredit helps families balance pet care with costs this season. In the summertime and beyond, CareCredit is a support system that helps keep costs frictionless and families’ focus on what matters: enjoying safe summer activities with furry family members. Charges not covered by insurance are the responsibility of the accountholder, and purchases with promotional financing must be paid within the promotional period. Additional reimbursement information can be found in the CareCredit Assignment Agreement. [i] Capital Home Veterinary Care, The Importance of Regular Grooming for Hot Pets In the Summer, accessed June 2026. [ii] Brawley Animal Hospital, Protecting Pets from Summer Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms Explained, accessed June 2026. [iii] Synchrony. 2025. Pet Lifetime of Care 2025.The post The Summer of Saying Yes — The CareCredit Credit Card Helps Pet Parents Plan for Summer Travel and Routine Care first appeared on Washingtonian. ...read more read less