Pet medical care can be expensive. These organizations provide assistance to people facing financial hardship to help cover the cost of their pet’s care.
[PDF] Vet Care Financial Assistance
https://www.maricopa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/85376/Vet-Care-Financial-Assistance
Pet medical care can be expensive. These organizations provide assistance to people facing financial hardship to help cover the cost of their pet’s care.
Where can I find free pet food and other supplies?
- Visit Pet Help Finder, click on “Food Pantry and Supplies,” enter your city, state or zip code then click “Search.”
- Explore an interactive resource map provided by Feeding Pets of the Homeless; under “Get Help,” choose “Find Resources Near You” and enter your location.
- For help with housing, food, paying bills and more, visit findhelp.org or 211.org.
What if I can’t afford a vet? Where can I find free or low-cost vet care?
Visit Pet Help Finder, click on “Veterinary Services,” enter your city, state or zip code then click “Search.” This will bring up a listing of financially friendly providers of spay/neuter and other services. If your animal requires emergency veterinary care and you cant afford treatment, contact nearby veterinary colleges to see if they have any emergency assistance programs. If you are unsure what qualifies as emergency veterinary care, call your veterinarian and describe the symptoms. Some animal shelter and community clinics will also provide emergency care on a limited basis.
- Negotiate a payment plan with your veterinarian. If youre a client in good standing, they may be able to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan. Some veterinarians also work with third-party billing services, such as VetBilling, which allow you to pay over time.
- Get a second opinion. You may pay a consultation fee, but another veterinarian may have other ways to treat your pet that are less expensive but equally as effective.
- Use a veterinarian in a less expensive area or look for a community or shelter clinic in your area that offers discounted services for animals of the public.
- Check out local veterinary colleges. Some operate low-cost clinics for limited income clients.
- Ask if your veterinarian accepts Care Credit, a credit card specifically for health care expenses, including for pets. Note: Be sure you understand the repayment terms; often you can repay interest-free within a specific time period, but if you are late with a payment a high interest rate will be applied retroactively.
- Ask if your veterinarian accepts ScratchPay, a service similar to Care Credit.
- Some veterinarians accept donations from clients for a fund held in reserve to help other clients in need of financial assistance. Ask if your veterinarian has such a fund.
- Try a fundraising platform such as GoFundMe, which enables you to create a personal fundraising page.
- Consider Waggle, a pet-dedicated crowdfunding solution that channels funds directly to verified veterinarians for a pet’s care.
- Contact local rescue groups and shelters. Sometimes they have funds set up to help with veterinary medical care for families in their community.
- If you purchased your pet from a responsible breeder, check your contract to see if there is a health guarantee that covers your pet’s ailment.
- For help with future medical expenses, consider purchasing pet health insurance.
- Breed-specific rescue groups may have information about additional help for particular breeds. Search for breeds online to see what resources may be available.
- Unhoused people can visit Pets of the Homeless to find pet-friendly homeless shelters, pet wellness clinics nearby and more.
What charities help with emergency vet bills?
Look for charities that help with emergency vet bills. Some are national, and others are for state residents only. Frankie’s Friends is a national foundation that helps low-income families pay for emergency and life-threatening veterinary care up to $2,000.
Where can I get help if my Pet needs veterinary care?
Your state veterinary medical association may also have a list of local organizations that can help. Some veterinary medical colleges also have programs that provide financial assistance for pet owners who can demonstrate a need. The AVMA does not endorse any of these programs and cannot recommend one over another.
How can I help with my pet’s vet bills?
Crowdfunding websites can help with your pet’s vet bills through public fundraising. Routine healthcare for a pet can be expensive. Prices for care are much higher when your dog or cat gets very sick, possibly forcing you to make heartbreaking decisions. Luckily, there are options to help you save money or fund your pet’s healthcare needs.
Do veterinary medical colleges offer financial assistance for pet owners?
Some veterinary medical colleges also have programs that provide financial assistance for pet owners who can demonstrate a need. The AVMA does not endorse any of these programs and cannot recommend one over another. We also cannot assist you with securing financial help for veterinary care.
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https://www.compassionanimalproject.org/