Veterinary care can be extremely expensive, leaving many pet owners struggling when unexpected vet bills arise. According to the ASPCA, vet bills are among the top reasons people surrender pets to shelters. But there is help available if you’re facing high vet costs you can’t afford. Several national and local organizations provide financial assistance, grants, credit and other resources so you can get your pet the care they need.
Why Vet Bills Are So Costly
A visit to the animal hospital often comes with a hefty price tag. On average, dog owners spend $235 per year on routine vet visits and cat owners $160, according to the ASPCA. Emergency visits typically cost hundreds more.
Some reasons vet bills are so expensive include:
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Advanced equipment – X-ray machines, MRIs and other diagnostic tools are pricey.
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Medications and supplies – Prescription medications and surgical supplies can be very costly.
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Overhead – Staff salaries facility maintenance and utilities add up.
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Schooling – Vets complete 8+ years of expensive, specialized education
While vets don’t set prices to be unfair, caring for animals with cutting-edge tools does come at a cost. For pet owners already struggling financially, an unexpected $500+ vet bill can spell disaster.
Organizations That Help With Vet Bills
If you’re facing unaffordable pet medical costs, several national and local groups may provide financial assistance:
Paws 4 a Cure
Paws 4 a Cure offers grants up to $500 for injury and illness treatments for dogs and cats. Applicants cannot receive assistance for routine veterinary care.
RedRover Relief
RedRover Relief issues emergency vet care grants, usually around $200, for pets with life-threatening conditions. Grant recipients must meet income requirements.
The Pet Fund
The Pet Fund provides financial aid for non-basic procedures like cancer treatments and heart disease care. Grants are not for routine or emergency care.
CareCredit
CareCredit is a credit card specifically for healthcare expenses, including veterinary services. Owners can repay amounts interest-free if paid within the promotional period.
Shakspeare Animal Fund
Shakespeare Animal Fund offers assistance for emergency vet bills to elderly, disabled, low-income and veteran pet owners in specific locations.
Friends and Vets Helping Pets
This non-profit gives grants to pet owners facing euthanasia due to the cost of curable medical treatments. Routine vet services are not covered.
In addition to national organizations, many local rescues and shelters have funds to help pay vet bills for community pets. Animal hospitals may also have “good Samaritan” funds built through donations.
Additional Ways to Pay Vet Bills
If the above resources don’t fully cover costs, here are some other options:
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Apply for Care Credit – This credit card for healthcare expenses may be accepted at your vet. Make payments over time.
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Use crowdfunding – Create an online fundraiser through GoFundMe, Waggle or other sites.
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Ask about payment plans – Some vets allow clients to pay in installments over time.
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Consider pet insurance – Having a policy can help cover future vet costs. Compare plans to choose the best option.
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See another vet for a second opinion – They may offer treatment alternatives that cost less.
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Get generics – Ask your vet for generic prescriptions when possible to save money.
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Try a veterinary school – Teaching hospitals sometimes have lower cost clinics.
Don’t Delay Necessary Care
As a pet parent, facing the tough choice between treatment and euthanasia is heartbreaking. But free and low-cost resources are out there to help you afford vet care. Do some research, get creative and ask your vet for help so you can access the funds you need. With some effort, you can find a way to get your furry family member the essential medical care they deserve.
Financial Aid for Pets
Brown Dog Foundation: www.browndogfoundation.org
For those who have no money immediately available for the care of cats and dogs that are sick or injured and would respond to treatment.
Must be requested through your attending veterinarian for a life-threatening or critical injury or illness with a favorable outcome with care and the owner must be on a form of government aid.
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Programs: www.fveap.org
This organization helps cats with Vaccine Associated Sarcoma (VAC).
Friends & Vets Helping Pets: http://friendsandvetshelpingpets.org (859) 309-2043
For applicants in financial need for their pet’s curable diseases such as tumors, broken bones, ambulatory care, expensive medication or post-surgical prosthetics. FVHP staff works with both the veterinarian and the family to provide pets with the necessary medical treatment.
The Magic Bullet Fund: www.themagicbulletfund.org
Cancer-specific help for families with dogs that have cancer, but can’t afford treatment.
The Mosby Fund: www.themosbyfoundation.org
For vet-confirmed critical situations that are non-basic and non-urgent.
Onyx and Breezy Fund: www.onyxandbreezy.org
Assistance with financial aid for medical treatment, medication, pet food, and spay and neuter surgeries with proof of low income/need.
Paws 4 a Cure: www.paws4acure.org
Helps dogs and cats with injuries and illnesses, grants tend to be small and do not exceed $500.
Pet Assistance Inc.: www.petassistanceinc.org
Helps long-time pet owners with financial aid for urgent or life-threatening emergencies only.
The Pet Fund: www.thepetfund.com
The Pet Fund works only on non-basic, non-urgent care such as cancer treatment, heart disease, chronic conditions, endocrine diseases, eye diseases, etc.
Pets of the Homeless: www.petsofthehomeless.org
A resource center for pet food assistance, wellness clinics, and emergency veterinary care. For emergency vet care, call 775-841-7463 to see if you qualify.
Prince Chunk Foundation: www.princechunkfoundation.org
Emergency Care for cats and dogs (possibly other pets in the future). Low-income individuals or those experiencing financial crisis are encouraged to pre-apply.
Red Rover: www.redrover.org
Provides grants around $200 for situations where urgent care is needed for a pet
The Reidel & Cody Fund: http://riedelcody.org
Support for pets suffering with cancer – funding for chemotherapy and radiation treatment
Rose’s Fund for Animals: www.rosesfund.com
For pets/found animal that have a life-threatening illness, injury or condition with a good prognosis to survive
The Shakespeare Animal Fund: www.shakespeareanimalfund.org (775) 342-7040
Small grants of between $50 and $100 typically to people on a fixed income or with annual incomes below the federal poverty guidelines
Voice for the Animals Foundation: www.vftafoundation.org (310) 392-5153
Their Helping Friends Program helps seniors, people with disabilities, terminal illnesses or fixed incomes take care of their pets.
Helpful Tips and Suggestions
- Try negotiating with your veterinary clinic for a better price or a payment plan to finance the cost of your pet’s medical care over time. Also, consider getting price comparisons from other vet clinics.
- Apply for CareCredit. CareCredit provides flexible financing for veterinary care and many of these organizations require proof that you have applied and been denied CareCredit.
- If possible, contact sources of financial aid before procedures are done. Few sources are willing to pay bills for care that has already been provided. Most require a diagnosis by a veterinarian.
- Most grants are small and will only cover a small portion expensive procedures. It is important to contact as many sources as possible. The grants may be very small, but they can add up if you get help from several sources.
- Few, if any, organizations will pay for ongoing medication that pets will need for extended periods of time.
- Most organizations require online applications only. If you arent computer-savvy, find a friend or relative who can help you.
- These organizations receive a lot of requests so please be patient, it may take a while to receive a response.
Each organization is independent and has their own set of rules and guidelines. The inclusion of a service, organization or program in this listing is NOT an endorsement, recommendation or guarantee of funds.
How to Get Help Paying Vet Bills: Friends & Vets Helping Pets Vet Bill Assistance Program
FAQ
What happens if you can’t afford to treat your pet?
Do vets do a payment plan?
Can I use Affirm to pay a vet bill?
Will a vet see my cat if I have no money?
How do pet owners pay veterinary bills?
As with a traditional credit card, pet owners will need to repay the funds they “borrowed.” Crowdfunding. This is the practice of funding veterinary bills by raising small donations from a large number of people via the Internet. 1. Paws 4 a Cure
What if I Can’t Pay my Pet’s Bill?
If you are unable to make arrangements to pay your pet’s bill, there are some organizations that may be able to help you. Your state veterinary medical association may also have a list of local organizations that can help.
Can you help a Kitty get a vet Bill?
Through crowdfunding, you can cover a portion or the entirety of a vet bill and help your kitty come home safely. Along with the pet funds listed, there are many different regional pet care funds available. These serve pets in a small area and generally offer a limited amount of funds that can supplement your vet care budget in an emergency.
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.
Can you pay a vet bill through crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding has helped many pet owners pay for unexpected bills. Through crowdfunding, you can cover a portion or the entirety of a vet bill and help your kitty come home safely. Along with the pet funds listed, there are many different regional pet care funds available.
Can a credit card pay for a veterinary bill?
Some companies offer healthcare credit cards specifically designed to help pay for costly medical treatments. As with a traditional credit card, pet owners will need to repay the funds they “borrowed.” Crowdfunding. This is the practice of funding veterinary bills by raising small donations from a large number of people via the Internet. 1.