Behind every successful veterinary practice is a foundation of trust — between veterinarians, clients, and the broader care community. When that trust extends through referrals, it not only improves outcomes for pets but also drives sustainable practice growth.

A well-structured referral program helps clinics welcome new patients, coordinate complex cases, and maintain a seamless flow of compassionate care. Whether a recommendation comes from a primary care veterinarian, a specialist, or a loyal client, referrals strengthen relationships across the veterinary team and ensure pets receive the right care at the right time.

Why Veterinary Referral Programs Matter

Referrals are central to modern veterinary medicine. Many pet owners depend on trusted recommendations when faced with complex medical conditions or specialized procedures. From neurology to cardiology and orthopedic surgery, these programs guide patients to the right experts efficiently and with confidence.

Well-managed referral networks also keep communication open between general practitioners and specialty hospitals, ensuring a true continuum of care. That collaboration means timely diagnostics, detailed treatment planning, and better outcomes for pets with urgent or ongoing needs.

Whether it’s a community clinic, a small animal hospital, or even a large animal hospital, every veterinary medical center benefits from a clear, consistent referral process. Strong systems help teams coordinate specialized care, share patient updates, and maintain trust across all levels of the profession. For clients, they provide reassurance that their pet’s health and quality of life are supported by knowledgeable, capable veterinarians.

How Veterinary Referral Programs Work

Most referral programs follow a simple, structured process. A referring veterinarian, consultant, or client identifies a clinic or hospital that can best address a pet’s needs and submits a referral — often through a digital form or secure portal.

Some practices thank referrers with small rewards, such as a gift card or a discount on services. For example, Cherry offers up to $1,000 for each qualifying referral, paid out as a prepaid Mastercard digital gift card. It’s a meaningful incentive that encourages ongoing participation.

Many modern practices now use practice management software to automate and streamline the referral process. These tools help track referral status, organize patient information, and maintain clear communication with referrers. Having a dedicated phone number or referral form also makes it easier for partners to reach out, simplifying every step from first contact to follow-up.

Key Components of a Successful Veterinary Referral Program

Every effective referral program shares the same foundation: clarity, consistency, and care. The most successful systems are easy to navigate, rewarding to use, and built on strong professional relationships.

1. Clear Value for All Participants

‍Everyone involved — from veterinarians to pet owners — should see a clear benefit. A thank-you card, small token, or public recognition can go a long way toward making the program feel meaningful.

2. Simplicity and Transparency

‍A well-designed process is easy to understand and simple to execute. Clear communication and a user-friendly referral form make your clinic easier to work with, which encourages referrers to keep sending new patients.

3. Trust and Professionalism

‍Successful programs depend on confidence. Reliable communication, organized case management, and great patient care help ensure that referrers feel comfortable recommending your services.

4. Recognition and Measurable Results

‍Celebrating successful referrals, even in small ways, builds momentum and strengthens community connections among colleagues.

5. Connection to Practice Outcomes

‍Your referral system should align with your long-term business objectives. It should enhance client retention, support steady growth, and help your team deliver the best possible care.

Benefits for Providers and Clients

Referral programs create a win-win for both sides of the exam table. For veterinary professionals, they increase visibility, reinforce collaboration, and promote predictable growth without the cost of heavy advertising. They also make communication between specialists and primary veterinarians more efficient, ensuring each treatment plan is coordinated and medical records are shared promptly.

For pet owners, referrals inspire trust. When a DVM recommends a particular clinic, clients feel reassured that their pet is receiving expert, compassionate care. This trust leads to faster diagnoses, smoother transitions between providers, and improved outcomes for pets with complex or chronic conditions.

Cherry’s Veterinary Referral Program: How It Works

Cherry’s veterinary referral program is designed to reward collaboration and make participation simple. Anyone — from veterinary professionals to consultants and pet owners — can refer an animal hospital or specialty clinic that could benefit from Cherry’s flexible financing options.

Here’s how it works:

1. Complete Cherry’s online referral form. Cherry automatically emails your referral to let them know you recommended them.
   
2. The referred provider must sign up and launch within 60 days.
   
3. Once live, your reward — up to $1,000 — is based on the practice’s total transaction volume during its first 30 days.

Each qualifying referral can earn up to $1,000, and rewards are paid as prepaid Mastercard digital gift cards within 1–2 weeks. There’s no cap on how many referrals you can make. Many participants have earned thousands by sharing Cherry with their network.

Why Refer Cherry?

For pet owners, Cherry removes the financial barriers to care. Our 60-second application uses a soft credit check that doesn’t hurt credit scores, and we offer instant approval decisions on loans up to $50,000 ($35,000 for veterinary) with terms as long as 60 months. Qualified borrowers can access true 0% APR financing with no hidden fees or deferred interest, making it easier to move forward with essential treatment options and preventive care.

For veterinary practices, Cherry supports sustainable growth and smoother operations. Clinics receive upfront payments, benefit from the lowest merchant fees in the industry, and enjoy exclusive approvals that foster client loyalty. With high approval rates (80%+) and seamless integration into practice management systems, Cherry helps streamline workflows, strengthen client relationships, and improve overall financial performance.

What Type of Veterinary and Specialty Services Can Cherry Be Used For?

Cherry’s flexible payment plans can support care across nearly every area of veterinary medicine. Clinics use it to make advanced treatment more accessible — whether that means an urgent visit, a planned surgery, or follow-up rehabilitation.

Veterinary Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Services

Many animal emergency referrals arrive outside typical business hours, when time is limited and traditional lenders don’t operate. When every minute matters, Cherry’s instant decisions allow clients to say “yes” to life-saving treatment.

Veterinary emergency departments and critical care specialists use Cherry to support a wide range of urgent cases — from shock and toxicities to respiratory distress. Financing gives clients the confidence to authorize treatment during after-hours visits or at an emergency facility, knowing their pet will receive swift critical care.

Common pet emergency and critical care treatments financed through Cherry include:

• Initial triage and patient stabilization following trauma or collapse
  
• Emergency surgery for internal bleeding, obstruction, or injury
  
• Oxygen therapy, ventilator support, and fluid therapy for pets in critical condition
  
• Pain control and continuous monitoring to ensure stability
  
• Blood transfusions and nutritional support with feeding tubes
  
• Ongoing hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU)
  
• Intervention for severe, life-threatening conditions such as shock or cardiac arrest
  
• Treatment for toxicity or poisoning, including decontamination and supportive care
  
• Removal of a foreign body obstruction from the stomach or intestines
  
• Overnight care in a veterinary emergency clinic or department
  

Whether it’s an urgent care visit or a complex emergency surgery, Cherry allows critical care teams to focus on what matters most — saving lives. Flexible payment options help remove barriers to important decisions, ensuring pets receive immediate attention from emergency veterinarians as soon as they need it.

Veterinary Surgery and Orthopedics

From repairing broken bones to addressing internal disease, veterinary surgical care is essential to restoring a pet’s health and mobility. Surgery departments that partner with Cherry bring together anesthesia technicians, board-certified veterinary surgeons, and experienced specialists to form capable surgical teams that deliver comprehensive treatment across multiple areas.

Common surgical and orthopedic procedures financed through Cherry include:

• Fracture repair to restore function and stability after injury
  
• Specialty surgical procedures like tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for cruciate ligament repair
  
• Total hip replacement for severe arthritis or joint disease
  
• Minimally invasive laparoscopy, arthroscopy, and thoracoscopy for internal evaluation and treatment
  
• Complex orthopedic surgery that improves strength and range of motion
  
• Soft tissue surgery for tumor removal, wound repair, or internal abnormalities
  
• Neurosurgery to correct spinal compression, disc disease, or brain lesions
  
• Thoracic operations for chest trauma or lung disorders
  
• Rehabilitative services to support full post-operative recovery
  
• Pain management, mobility exercises, and ongoing post-op monitoring
  
• Use of anesthetic agents across a range of surgery services

By giving clients flexible payment options, Cherry empowers surgical departments to offer advanced procedures and specialty services without compromise. Surgery teams can operate swiftly, pets recover more comfortably, and every veterinary surgical practice can focus on providing the highest level of care — from consultation through recovery.

Veterinary Dental Services and Oral Health

Healthy teeth and gums are essential to a pet’s comfort and long-term well-being, yet dental disease remains prevalent among many animal companions. Cherry helps remove financial barriers to veterinary dentistry, allowing clients to move forward with recommended treatment — from preventive visits to advanced procedures — without delay.

Clients can use Cherry for dental cleanings to keep their pet’s teeth and gums healthy between checkups. And when issues such as periodontal disease, oral tumors, or other oral diseases are found early, Cherry can be used for treatment to prevent pain, infection, and tooth loss. When more advanced dental procedures are required, like oral surgery, clients can also use Cherry to fund them, though they may require a dental referral to see a specialist.

Common pet dental care services financed through Cherry include:

• Professional dental cleanings to prevent plaque buildup and gingivitis
  
• Extractions for broken, infected, or severely decayed teeth
  
• Repair of fractured teeth or jaw injuries with advanced restorations
  
• Diagnostic dental radiographs and other imaging tests
  
• Management of periodontal disease and other oral infections
  
• Treatment for malocclusions and bite alignment issues
  
• Endodontics such as root canal therapy and other restorative procedures
  
• Removal of oral tumors or other abnormal growths by dental specialists
  
• Orthodontic corrections to improve comfort, function, and long-term oral health

By offering flexible payment options, practices can confidently recommend comprehensive dental services while helping pet owners move forward with the treatments their animals need. The result is stronger client relationships, better oral health, and an overall improvement in each pet’s quality of life.

Veterinary Dermatology Services

Skin problems are among the most common reasons pets visit their veterinarian. Conditions such as persistent itching, hair loss, or chronic irritation often require expert evaluation and ongoing management. Cherry helps clients move forward with the dermatology services their pets need by removing financial barriers to specialty care.

A veterinary dermatology appointment typically begins with a consultation with a specialist who identifies the root cause of a pet’s symptoms and creates a personalized treatment plan. With flexible financing through Cherry, pet owners can confidently pursue diagnostics and follow-up visits at clinics or, if needed, dermatology departments at larger hospitals.

Common dermatology-related treatments financed through Cherry include:

• Diagnostic testing for chronic skin disease that causes irritation or inflammation
  
• Evaluation and treatment of skin infection and other dermatologic conditions
  
• Skin biopsy to assess lesions, masses, or unexplained hair loss
  
• Targeted care for pyoderma, alopecia, and autoimmune skin disease from a dermatology specialist
  
• Treatment of mange, ringworm, fungal infections, and other parasitic infections
  
• Ongoing management using topical therapy, antibiotics, or corticosteroids

By making specialized skin care more accessible, Cherry helps practices strengthen professional connections and streamline the dermatology referral process between general practitioners and veterinary specialists. Pets receive timely, effective treatment, clients gain peace of mind, and every dermatology clinic can deliver a higher standard of care.

Veterinary Allergy Care

Allergies are frustrating health problems in companion animals. When pets develop sensitivities to food, pollen, fleas, or other environmental triggers, it’s hard for clients to watch their companions suffer from constant itching, scratching, and discomfort. Cherry helps remove financial barriers to treatment, allowing pet owners to pursue thorough allergy testing and ongoing care without delay.

For many pets, identifying and managing allergies requires a combination of diagnostics and long-term treatment plans. Clinicians may recommend veterinary allergy testing or intradermal evaluations to pinpoint triggers such as food allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, or environmental allergies.

Once the cause is known, immunotherapy, antihistamines, or a hypoallergenic diet may be prescribed to help control symptoms and improve quality of life. Cherry can be used to cover costs related to all these treatments and prescriptions.

Because allergic dermatitis, pruritus, and ear infections are common complications, prompt diagnosis and streamlined management are key — making swift financing even more valuable to both practices and pet parents. Cherry gives clients the flexibility to approve full diagnostic workups and follow-up visits at the point of care, ensuring pets receive the right treatment before symptoms escalate.

Common allergy-related services financed through Cherry include:

• Allergy testing to identify environmental and food triggers
  
• Immunotherapy tailored to the pet’s specific sensitivities
  
• Management of pruritus, itching, and skin irritation
  
• Treatment for allergic dermatitis, otitis, and secondary ear infections
  
• Prescription antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve inflammation
  
• Specialized hypoallergenic diets for long-term management

By offering flexible payment options, practices can confidently recommend comprehensive allergy care that helps pets find lasting relief. Cherry makes it easier for pet owners to commit to treatment plans that reduce discomfort, improve skin and coat health, and enhance overall well-being.

Veterinary Internal Medicine and Diagnostics

Behind every accurate diagnosis is a combination of clinical insight and advanced technology. Veterinary internal medicine focuses on identifying, managing, and treating complex health issues that affect a pet’s organs and systems — from endocrine disorders to gastrointestinal disease. Cherry helps clients move forward with diagnostics and long-term treatment plans by making the cost of care more manageable for families.

Common diagnostic and internal medicine procedures financed through Cherry include:

• Full-service radiology, including radiographs, x-rays, and other diagnostic imaging
  
• Ultrasound exams for abdominal, cardiac, and reproductive evaluation
  
• Minimally invasive endoscopy to visualize the digestive or respiratory tract
  
• Specialized cardiology services for heart disease evaluation and management
  
• Ophthalmology consultations for eye disorders and vision care
  
• Preventive care services such as vaccines and routine health screenings
  
• Targeted biopsy collection for tissue analysis and disease confirmation
  
• Specialized consultations in gastroenterology and endocrinology
  
• Evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal and urogenital disorders

Cherry supports practices in delivering accessible, high-quality internal veterinary medicine. Flexible payment options make advanced evaluations possible when they’re needed most, ensuring every pet receives consistent care guided by collaboration, expertise, and compassion.

Veterinary Oncology Services and Specialty Care

A diagnosis of cancer can be heartbreaking news for a pet parent, and timely access to treatment is essential. Cherry helps pet owners manage the cost of comprehensive cancer care — from early diagnostics to radiation therapy — so no patient is denied treatment due to financial constraints.

Veterinary oncology teams combine advanced diagnostics with compassionate expertise to deliver individualized cancer treatment for every pet. These state-of-the-art departments often include medical oncologists, radiation specialists, and veterinary assistants working together to ensure continuity of care.

Common oncology and specialty care services financed through Cherry include:

• Assessing the type of cancer through advanced diagnostic imaging and biopsy collection
  
• Medical oncology consultations and personalized cancer treatment planning
  
• Chemotherapy administration and monitoring
  
• Radiation oncology and electrochemotherapy for targeted cancer control
  
• Surgical tumor removal, including thoracic and urogenital operations
  
• Blood transfusions and feeding tubes for critical oncology support
  
• Pain management and rehabilitative therapy following cancer surgery
  
• Enrollment in clinical trials for emerging cancer treatments
  

By partnering with Cherry, veterinary medical centers and oncology departments can deliver the highest level of specialty care without financial barriers. These facilities provide access to multidisciplinary expertise, ensuring pets receive comprehensive, coordinated treatment and compassionate support throughout their recovery journey.

How to Join or Get Started

If you know a veterinary hospital or medical center that could benefit from Cherry’s program, visit withcherry.com/referral and fill out the short online form. Include the provider’s phone number, and Cherry will handle the rest.

If this is your first time referring a hospital or clinic, the process is quick, simple, and completely digital — it only takes a minute to submit your referral.

You can also encourage colleagues or clients to refer friends or other veterinary professionals through your website or social media channels to expand Cherry’s trusted network.

Joining takes just a minute — and your referral could help a veterinary practice improve access to financing, streamline operations, and enhance patient care with flexible, compassionate payment options.

Cherry Veterinary Financing FAQs

How does Cherry work?

Cherry partners with veterinary practices to enhance cash flow and make treatment more affordable to pet owners. Here’s how it works:

1. A client completes our 60-second application, undergoing a soft credit check that doesn’t harm their credit score.
   
2. They get an instant decision. If approved, they can select a payment plan based on their budget and timeline.
   
3. The provider receives full payment from Cherry, minus the merchant fee, usually within 2–3 business days.
   
4. The client uses the funds for their healthcare-related expense, whether for routine vaccines or care at emergency hospitals.
   
5. The client repays Cherry over a set period of time.

How does applying affect our clients’ credit scores?

Cherry uses a soft credit check for qualification, which means applying won’t affect a client’s credit score. Cherry never uses a hard credit check.

What is the minimum credit score required for approval?

Cherry evaluates every applicant as a whole person, not just a credit score. We look at multiple financial indicators to provide fair access to financing. This approach helps more clients — including those rebuilding credit — afford the timely, high-quality care that their pet needs.

Does Cherry report to credit bureaus?

Yes. Cherry reports repayment activity to major credit bureaus, which can help responsible borrowers strengthen their credit profiles over time.

Are clients with pet health insurance eligible?

Absolutely. Many pet owners use Cherry alongside their insurance coverage to pay for portions of healthcare costs not reimbursed — such as deductibles, dental care, or specialty services. This allows practices to create a smooth continuum of care without interruptions to treatment.

What loan amounts do you offer?

Clients can qualify for veterinary loans up to $35,000, depending on the type of treatment and their credit profile.

Does Cherry require a down payment?

Yes. A small down payment is required to finalize the client’s payment plan, and it will go toward the total purchase price.

What payment methods can my clients use with Cherry?

Clients can make payments using a credit card, debit card, or bank account through Cherry’s secure online portal. They can also schedule automatic payments, change their preferred payment method at any time, or pay off their balance early without penalties.

Are payments easy for my clients to manage?

Yes. Cherry’s user-friendly interface lets clients view due dates, adjust payment schedules, and communicate with customer support easily. This transparency helps reduce confusion and ensures a smoother experience for both clients and the practice’s support staff.

What’s the difference between 0% APR and deferred interest?

With Cherry, qualified borrowers can access true 0% APR financing, meaning they will not pay any interest throughout the life of the loan. Deferred interest plans, in contrast, charge interest retroactively if the balance isn’t paid within a set period, or if a payment is missed within that period. As a transparent lender, Cherry never charges deferred interest or any other hidden fees.

Are there monthly, annual, or one-time setup fees?

No. Veterinary practices can use Cherry with no subscription costs or annual fees. Cherry charges merchant fees, but they’re the lowest in the industry.

What happens to our practice if a client defaults?

Practices are always paid up front. Cherry manages all aspects of financing — from lending to coordinating repayment — so vets can focus on care without the risk or administrative burden.

When does our practice get paid?

Cherry pays practices within 2-3 business days after a client completes a transaction. This ensures reliable cash flow for clinics of all sizes, from small general practices to large veterinary referral hospitals.

Why should we offer financing at our practice?

Flexible financing expands access to essential and specialty pet care. It allows clients to approve recommended treatment plans sooner — whether for emergency care, oncology, dentistry, or orthopedic procedures — and helps the clinic maintain steady revenue. It’s a practical way to align compassionate care with business growth.

Who handles customer service?

Cherry’s dedicated support team manages all client questions about financing. That means staff veterinarians can stay focused on what matters most: providing compassionate, quality care to every patient.

Final Takeaway

Referral programs are built on trust — the same trust that defines great veterinary services. Cherry’s veterinary referral program makes it easy to support colleagues, earn rewards, and help more pets receive the high-quality, life-saving care they deserve.

Refer a provider today at withcherry.com/referral and join the growing network of professionals helping make veterinary care more accessible for every pet and pet owner.