Resources: Financial Aid for Veterinary Care

If you're facing high veterinary costs, there are several organizations that may be able to provide financial aid. These organizations often have specific eligibility criteria, such as income requirements, the type of illness or injury, and whether the care is emergency or non-urgent. It's always best to check their websites directly for the most up-to-date information and application procedures.

Here's a list of organizations that provide financial aid for veterinary care: 

General Assistance Programs:

  • The Pet Fund: Provides financial assistance to guardians of domestic animals in the United States who need veterinary care, typically for non-basic, non-urgent care like cancer treatment or chronic conditions.

  • Frankie's Friends: Offers grants to pet guardians whose pets require lifesaving emergency or specialty veterinary care and who cannot afford the full cost of treatment.

  • RedRover Relief: Provides financial assistance grants and resources for animals who need urgent veterinary care, including those with economic hardship or whose guardians are victims of domestic violence.

  • The Mosby Foundation: Focuses on assisting critically ill, injured, abused, and neglected dogs.

  • Onyx and Breezy Foundation: Accepts applications for grants for medical care for dogs and cats.

  • Pet Assistance, Inc.: Provides help with urgent care for cats and dogs, often for long-term pet guardians.

  • Paws 4 A Cure: An all-volunteer organization that provides financial assistance for all illnesses and injuries in dogs and cats, regardless of breed, age, or diagnosis.

  • Brown Dog Foundation: Provides funding to families whose pets would likely respond to treatment for an illness or injury, but who lack immediate funds.

  • Shakespeare Animal Fund: Helps pet guardians pay for emergency vet bills due to accidents, illnesses, or other emergencies, often for seniors, veterans, disabled individuals, and those with limited income.

  • Bow Wow Buddies Foundation: Helps sick and injured dogs by funding urgent medical care and aiding with veterinary bills.

  • Handicapped Pets Foundation: Focuses on providing assistance for elderly, disabled, or injured pets, often providing wheelchairs.

  • Help-A-Pet: Provides financial support for low-income pet guardians who can't afford their pets' medical care.

  • Waggle: A non-profit crowdfunding platform that works directly with veterinarians to certify treatment estimates and sends funds directly to the vet clinic. Many corporate partners and foundations provide matching funds for campaigns.

Disease-Specific Programs:

  • Magic Bullet Fund: Provides financial assistance for guardians of pets with cancer (specifically dogs, for surgery or chemotherapy only).

  • Joshua Louis Animal Cancer Foundation: Provides financial grants to pets with cancer, often through Frankie's Friends, and requires the pet to be under the care of a board-certified veterinary oncologist.

  • Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program: Provides emergency financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companion with Vaccine Associated Sarcoma (VAS) or Injection Site Sarcoma (ISS).

  • Diabetic Cats in Need: Offers financial aid for insulin and helps manage other costs for low-income caregivers of diabetic cats.

  • Live Like Roo Foundation: Provides support and financial assistance to families whose pet has been diagnosed with cancer.

Other Resources and Considerations:

  • CareCredit: A healthcare credit card that can be used for any veterinary expenses. They often have interest-free promotions if you qualify.

  • Scratchpay: An online payment plan service that pays your vet immediately, offering various payment options.

  • GoFundMe / Waggle Crowdfunding Platforms: You can create a personal fundraising page to raise money for your pet's medical expenses.

  • WalletHub: Pet Financing: Compare Veterinary Loans & Payment Plans

  • Local Animal Shelters and Humane Societies: Many local shelters and humane societies have their own financial assistance programs or can refer you to local resources.

  • Veterinary Colleges: Some veterinary medical colleges have programs that provide financial assistance for pet guardians who can demonstrate a need.

  • Your Veterinarian: Don't hesitate to talk to your veterinarian about payment options. They may be able to offer a payment plan, discounts, or know of local funds or organizations that can help.

 

Remember to carefully review the eligibility requirements for each organization before applying.