Financial Assistance for Pets
By isak, May 12, 2009
Veterinary Financial Assistance Resources
Veterinary expenses can put a huge strain on a family’s finances. Here are some links to assistance organizations which may be able to help you, if you are having trouble paying for needed care.
Every organization has its own guidelines and limitations for assistance — you’ll need to check with each to determine whether your circumstance fits within their guidelines.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) also has a great page with a very extensive listing of organizations.
See this page for even more resources.
General Veterinary Assistance
- Good Sam Fund – Good SAM (Special Assistance and Memorial Fund) was established to create financial aid for sick or injured animals who either are stray or client-owned animals in special circumstances. The fund is supported entirely by outside donations and your pet must meet one part of their criteria to be considered for financial assistance.
- IMOM Funding for veterinary assistance in life-threatening emergencies
- United Animal Nations (UAN), LifeLine Grant Program The LifeLine Grant Program provides funding to Good Samaritans, animal rescuers, non-profit organizations and pet owners to help them care for animals in life-threatening situations.
- Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) Assistance for comprehensive needs of companion animals for low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses, as well as senior citizens.
- The Pet Fund Eligible to owners of domestic animals, who cannot afford veterinary care.
- Rhode Island – RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation – Launched in 2004, the Foundation’s mission is to provide funds to the state’s participating veterinary practitioners for compassionate care of pets whose owners are unable to pay.
- Brown Dog Foundation Funding for life-threatening cases (sometimes limited to Tennessee residents)
- Ashley’s Angel Fund Monetary assistance for veterinary care to dog owners whose pet is facing a life-threatening condition
- Zach Memorial Fund (Canine Cancer, via Ashley’s Angel Fund) Monetary assistance for canine cancer treatments
- Canine Cancer Awareness Monetary assistance for canine cancer treatments
- The Magic Bullet Fund (Canine Cancer) Monetary assistance for canine cancer treatments
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Helping Pets Fund Fundraising and grants for needed veterinary treatments
- Angels4Animals, Program Guardian Angel A program of Inner Voice Community Services, provides assistance to pet owners in need for veterinary care
- God’s Creatures Ministry Veterinarian Charity Monetary assistance for veterinary care to dog owners in need
- CareCredit Medical loans, available at many veterinary clinics, offering short term, interest-free payment plans
Assistance for Service Dogs
Breed-Specific Assistance
- CorgiAid Provides financial assistance to owners and rescuers of corgis and corgi mixes for veterinary care
- LabMed Provides financial aid to injured or ill rescued labs
- Labrador Life Line Assist eligible Labs, owned or in rescue, with medical treatment, transportation needs, boarding costs, or other special needs that will enable the Lab to find a home and to live out its life surrounded by people who love it
- Labrador Harbor Provides charitable funds to owners or rescues that directly benefit the immediate physical well-being of Labrador Retrievers
- Pit Bull Rescue Central Provide medical treatment to needy Pit Bulls within certain guidelines
- Special Needs Dobermans Provide assistance to eligible Doberman owners and rescuers
- WestieMed, Inc. Distribute financial aid to owners of injured or ill rescue Westies
Do you know of others? Let us know and we’ll add them.
Related posts: Vet Assistance for Seniors | Financial Assistance for Cats
15,911
Just to let everyone know, none of these links are up to date. The ones who do still go to the right site, those places are either shut down or have no money to help I have checked them all in looking for help for my cat. The one that is still operating is Brown Dog, yes they will help for a cat, but they have no money to help.
Hi my name is Josie and I live on Saipan comm of the northern Mariana islands. I rescue stray dogs. I am a single 55yr old who lives alone. I have rescued 33 dogsand 2kittens so far.the dog food and medicine are very expensive. Please help me with the expenses. Thank you
We do not have the resources to provide you with financing, but have offered suggestions in our post. You might also create a GoFund.me page or other online donation option to help you out. Good on you for the work you are doing to help these less fortunate cats and dogs!
Hi my name is Tammy I have a Australian Shepherd named Toby he is 4yrs old. He has worst allergies a dog can have. His insulin is $198.00 every three months and I have been off work since March12th and need help getting his meds? If someone can help me?
Is there a generic alternative for his insulin? Can you join a pharmacy membership and get his insulin at a discount? Have you talked to your vet about a cheaper alternative? Check with local rescue groups in your area for their thoughts.
I’m not sure where you are located, but check with some of the groups on this post that are in your area or are national. If they cannot help, maybe they have suggestions that will help.
Do you know what is causing his allergies? Is there something that can be changed to improve them? Also have you checked into homeopathic options?
My name is Jessie. I have a puggle 5 years old with diabetes. She’s had it for 1 year. I am struggling to pay for her insulin every 2 weeks. It’s Vetsulin., $51.00 every 2 weeks as she takes 7.5 units twice a day. Anybody know where I can get assistance or help of some kind. I have to purchase her syringes once a month as well. Thanks in advance.
A couple possibilities in no particular order:
1. Can you order it online any cheaper? For example, here’s the price from Valley Vet. If so, ask your vet for a prescription.
2. Have you checked to see if they sell it at the WalMart Pharmacy? They carry several pet meds. So do some of the other pharmacies. Walgreen’s has a prescription card for about $20/year and I saved $20 on a pet prescription on the first purchase.
3. Is there a human version of the medication that might be cheaper?
4. Can you use Humulin N as a replacement? Wal-Mart’s generic version of Humulin N costs about $20.00 a bottle and in Dr. Carol Osborne’s experience it works like a charm! They also sell Novolin-N for about $25 a bottle. Both are U-100 insulins where Vetsulin is a U-40 insulin.
You might also check with local rescue groups to see if they have any suggestions.
I hope this helps Jessie.
My puppy is 4 months old and due to extreme financial situation I have been in, she missed her parvo shot. She recently got so sick i had to take her to the vet. I was told she would be better in 3 weeks, which i thought was enough time to get the money somehow. She was all better in 1 week and they charge $25/PER ADDITIONAL DAY THEY KEEP HER. I only have half of the amount, thanks to a friend. What organizations are willing to help? Most of these websites only help if the treatment has not been completed yet. Any advice is welcome!
Is your puppy still at the vet? Will they work with you on a payment schedule?
If she is recovering from parvo, vets will often send a dog home with meds and iv replacement fluids so you can continue treatment at home. Will your vet do this? You will need to give her the iv liquids as prescribed by your vet, but it’s not difficult to do.
I’m not sure where you are located. So I would suggest that you contact local rescues and shelters to see if they know of help that is in your area. They would know best about your area. I’m sorry I don’t know anything more specific than that.
I’m glad to hear your pup is on the road to recovery.
Hi there. My Maltese was recently diagnosed with Cushing’s disease and diabetes. I have been paying for all his medication and testing but have been unemployed since July from a job I was at for 14 years. I need help financially to keep him on his meds. What can I do?
I am so sorry to hear about your job situation. My best recommendation is to call every vet, rescue and shelter in your area and ask for their suggestions. Being in your area, they have a better idea what can be done. Sometimes the maker of the meds will give you a discount on cost. If you are a senior citizen, see if anyone offers a senior citizen discount. Pet meds can often be purchased through a regular pharmacy like Walgreens where you can buy a discount card for about $20 a year and also receive your meds at a discount.
There is also Ashley’s Angel Fund, a nonprofit organization providing monetary assistance for veterinary care to dog owners whose pet is facing a life-threatening condition. It’s for NC residents only.
Make sure you ask everyone you talk to who is unable to help if they have any suggestions. Don’t give up. You’ll find something. It will just take a bit of work. Hugs to your baby.
I need help. My siberian husky female name Maya has diabetes she is blind. She is 12 years old. We have tried 7 insulin to find only the Levemir works for her. I am disabled and on SSDI. I can’t afford her insulin anymore it now cost $410.00. I tried all the discounts coupons but they only take $5.00 off. I contacted the company and was getting her medication for $50.00 until they found out she was a DOG and they said they don’t service animals. WTH!!! Can someone help r direct me.
Too bad they found out she was a dog. I agree with WTH. Here are some possibilities and you might check your local humane society also:
• RedRover (formerly United Animal Nations) works to bring animals from crisis to care and to strengthen the bond between people and animals.
• The Pet Fund provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need vet care. They also provide information about preventive care, pet insurance programs, and financial services to help prevent future emergencies. Note: All applicants are required to contact the Pet Fund by phone at 916-443-6007 before applying for funding. Emergency funding is not available. The Pet Fund has a waiting list for those needing non-basic, non-emergency care. There are links for other funding organizations on Pet Fund’s website.
• Animal Care Foundation
for Hennepin County Residents Receiving Medical Assistance or Social Security Disability
(763) 529-5060
• Brown Dog Foundation
My dog Sadie was diagnosed with diabetes about 3 months ago. I’ve had her for about 7 or 8 years. I found her in my back yard. I’m struggling financially because I lost my job after 15 years, and only found part time work. Sadie urinates all the time, and now she can’t see either. I need help with her.
I’m so sorry for your troubles. And sorry to hear about Sadie’s medical issues. What do you need help with — food, medicine? Where are you located?
I am writing to see if there is someone out there that can help my son with his dog? Casey is 15 years old and is in need of a check up. She is having a hard time walking and now also going to the bathroom she may need to be put down if she is to old to help. My son does not have money to get her to a vet and that is why I am trying to get some help.
What problem is Casey having about going to the bathroom? Maybe the hard time walking means she just need a prescription for pain meds. We all get a little stiff and sore when we get older. And good for her to still doing so well at 15!
Try this group: Paws 4 a Cure. Give them a call, explain your situation and also ask them for the name of other groups that might help. Contact your local rescue groups and even vet clinics. If they cannot help, ask them for suggestions. Food banks may also have some recommendations. There is help out there. It’s just a matter of finding it for dear sweet Casey.
Hi My name is peggy and I have a 10 year old husky shepherd mix that has just been diagnosed with chronic renal disease. She need iv fluids under the skin twice a day for the rest of her life! We live on social security disability and don’t know what we are going to do to pay for the fluids and phosphate binder she needs daily for the rest of her life and I don’t know what I’m going to do! My autistic daughter is very attached to her. We lost two dogs in the past year, one to cancer and one to heart disease. We literally cannot lose this one too my daughter maggie will be devistated. Does anyone know of any financial aid thats available to help us! We are really devistated that we are searching nearly everywhere for an answer . Please pray for us in our search. Sincerely,Peggy
Can you let us know exactly what you need — the name of the product(s) and the price the vet is charging you so we can see what we can do?
Is there any help for puppies diagnosed with Parvovirus? I have a 10 week puppy who was recently diagnosed with parvovirus 6 days after we got him. My kids and I fell in love with him the moment we seen him and he is now our family member. Its breaking my heart to see him suffer and the VCA hospital stated his best bet for survival of this nasty virus is inpatient aggressive treatment. This is costing $1000 a day. He is fighting it but he needs to stay there on IV fluids and ABX until he is eating and this is going on day number two. I don’t know what to do once my carecredit is maxed out and I don’t to euthanize my baby if he has a fighting chance. He’s been so strong in fighting this. Please help me?
The most important thing is keeping him hydrated. Vomiting and diarrhea quickly depletes hydration. When the clinic releases him, they will hopefully send you home with some meds, including anti-nausea meds. While he is in the clinic, be sure to clean your house thoroughly. This is an extremely hardy virus. It resists most household cleaners. The best disinfectant is Clorox (one part bleach to 30 parts water).
Read through some of the many comments. People have offered suggestions for food and such that have worked for them. Build a routine around the suggestion you choose and stick with it 24/7. It may take a few days, but it could take a week. Do not quit just because he looks better. Maintain your routine for several days after that point.
This virus is especially hard on puppies because they do not yet have strong immune systems to fight it naturally. Good luck!
AUGUST 8th, 2016 My friend has a 17 y.o. pitbull that has been loved for his whole life, but is now in need of euthanasia but she does not have the finances to alleviate his pain, since his quality of life is so difficult. He has fallen down the 2 steps to get outside. It’s so sad. Can you recommend anyone that might be of assistance? She lives in Wilkes Barre, PA.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s 17 year companion. That’s a long and wonderful life for both of them. My best suggestion is that you contact local rescues/vets and even your local shelter for their options. Being local to you, they have more knowledge of your options. And good on you for helping during this very difficult time. Our hugs to you all! And again, I am so sorry.
I was a small business owner untill recently due to illness. My business was offering options to toxic pet meds. Ironically My methods are not enough now. I never had problems untill i moved in to a senior complex that doesn’t sprey for fleas or bugs of any kind. Both my animal are now compromised my this complex. Im a disabled senior on a fixed incom and cant move. I ask that you help me to care for my cat. She the worst. I can manage my dog. Is there any grant out there that could pay for a flea treatment for my girl.
Over the years Ive done what I can for animals but now I need help.
If I can get my business back online I will be taking donation to do what I am asking you to do….please, I can see here suffer any more.
Sincerely, Janelle Diters, Owner | Operator of Flea Free Organically
619-538-4889
I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand. Do you not have access to any of the organic flea product? Have you tried diatomaceous earth. It’s available at feed stores and garden centers… and it’s very inexpensive. Maybe that will help?
By the way, I am in Ct.
My 7 year old male Maine coon was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I have him on very expensive food, and will probably have to use insulin. All of this is very expensive. I’m retired….on SS. Is there any financial help? Is my only recourse to put him to sleep. He has been my companion since my son died and the prospect of putting him to sleep is heartbreaking. Help.
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your son.
I would not have your companion put to sleep. He is a very special part of your life. I believe that with some searching, you can find an option that will work for you. Here’s a web page that may help you get your bearings on this. It explains the initial shock of the diagnosis and what you can likely expect. It’s written by people who have first-hand experience with feline diabetes.
Also join their forum where you can read responses to other people’s questions and ask your own. Please don’t give up on your boy.
I am 67 yrs old and barely get by on SS .my beloved cats need frontline for three months. it is 52.00 a month for both.4
I AM 67 AND LIVE ALONE WITH MY BELOVED CATS.THEY ARE INDOOR CATS BUT SOME HOW GOT A BAD CASE OF FLEAS. THE NEED THREE MONTHS OF FRONTLINE . I BAERLY GET BY ON MY SS. THE COST PER MONTH WILL BE 52.00 I LOVE MY CATS SO MUCH I TRULY NEED HELP PAYING FOR THEASE MEDS. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU TO ANYONE THAT MIGHT HELP
You might try lightly “dusting” them with food grade diatomaceous earth. It’s inexpensive and, if they lick it off, it won’t hurt them. It will actually kill worms they might have in their digestive tract. You can even dust your house with it to kill the fleas, then vacuum it up.
Here’s some more info about diatomaceous earth.
You might also look on Amazon or eBay for a product called Quick Tab or Capstar. It contains Nitenpyram, a product that begins killing fleas in about 20 minutes. This is a good product for knocking down the problem, then you follow up with a dusting of diatomaceous earth or your topical products. It’s actually safe enough to use daily if your problem requires it.
I don’t have any money I’m on SSI disability and I can’t afford to get my dog shots could you please help me thank you
Can you give us a little more info? What is your general location — nearby city or town? How old is your dog and what kind/size?
Anything for mobility aids? Not a wheelchair, but like a doggy stroller? Service Dog, disabled handler, low income…….she survived many things but…..having trouble walking longer distances…more than a block? But still mentally with it, happy, etc…
I’ve had my dog, Lilly, for over 7 yrs and i’m on disability! I have been diagnosed with breast cancer that is taking all of my savings and my check every month between co pays and all the doctors I’m going too!
Lilly is a Chihuahua/Boston Terrier. She was a pup at 6 weeks and had been kicked when she was rescued from a drug/pup mill house and she was hurt badly so I took her in and she contracted Parvo 4 weeks later. I took her 3 times a day to a Wonderful Vet who took great care of her and she was given shots for pain, for nausea, IV insertion into her paw for daily fluids and meds and after a week she started getting better! She started having severe seizures on Sept. 2007. We have lived through every test, prescriptions, changes of percriptions and blood work and whatever needed to be done to save her!
Since I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer it seems her seizures have gotten worse, and I truly need to know is there a program that will help with her percriptions, and her visits to the vet? I would be greatly greatful and I’ve had so many to tell me to put her down but when I took her I promised looking into her eyes she would never be mistreated, hated, or ever without as long as the Good Lord allowed me too! Anyway this Precious dog has been with me for so long and has been my rock through some really bad and tragic times and all I’m asking is for some help till I can get back on my feet again. Please tell me there is an organization that helps with dogs with seizures? I pray for some help cause I never dreamed cancer could take so much just to survive. Please contact and let me know and I’ll be glad to give you all the info of her vet and please help me if you can. Thank you so much and may the Lord gladly bless you for your kind and loving heart to these beautiful creatures the Precious Lord created and thank you for helping others in need!!! Bless you and hope to hear soon!!!!
I’m sorry I missed your email a month ago. You were looking for help for your dog with seizures.
I don’t know what prescriptions she is on, and you may think this is crazy, but they make medical marijuana for pets that is legal in all 50 states because it contains very little THC. I started one of my dogs on it a month ago for cancer and I think she is improving. In talking to someone about it a couple weeks ago, I learned it helped her dog who had seizures. I wish I knew about it before I lost one of my dogs to seizures.
Here’s a link for more info about it: //www.canna-pet.com
Let me know if there is anything else I can try to help you with.
do you know of any vet that will take payments for vet care I do alot of fostering and my son came in with a kitten and they tryed to give it water and it went in its lungs it needs help bad this was 2 days ago and it chest is bad and it cant eat or drink its dieing we live in fairborn ohio he is only about 5 to 8 weeks old
I’m sorry I am just getting your message. Were you able to find help for the little baby?
Hi, my name is Ramina and about a week ago I was driving down an extremely dangerous street and saw a small Pomeranian running down the street. I pulled into the middle and called it. To my surprise he jumped into my lap and laid down. I have searched for the owner all over the place, and contacted both the authorities and the veterinarians in the area but no one has turned up. The dog has some serious medical issues that I can’t afford to take care of on my own but I can’t bare to see him suffer. One of the veterinarians said these issues may be what caused the owner to put the poor doll out on the streets. I can’t do that and so without an owner I am taking this precious gift on but am curious if there are any financial aid options for someone rescuing an innocent animal like this one? I really want to help him and would appreciate any feed back I can get. Thank you.
Ramina
A stray dog had a litter of puppies in my barn. I do not want them sent to animal control and euthenized. My fiance and I would like to let them stay until they are big enough to be given to good homes. However, our financial income has taken a major hit recently due to the loss of a job. We already have 3 cats and 2 dogs and cannot afford the financial burden of caring for this stray and her 6 newborn puppies. Does anyone know of any assistance that we could get to help in this situation? I would appreciate any information you could give me.
Thank you!
Contact all the rescue organizations in your area. They will likely be full, but may work with you if you will act as a foster home for the mother and pups. If you have a reputable SPCA (yes, there are some; they have very LOW kill or NO kill rates), you may contact them, too, and offer to work as a foster home.
With a connection to a larger group, the mom and pups will get greater exposure via websites, adoption events, etc. and find GOOD homes faster.
When my 2 year old dog tore her alc and a few other ligaments from getting her leg caught while playing, none of these agencies would help me. Since it wasn’t life threatening. She had to be dying. Just think of the pain she went through.
So you stated that none of these people would help you, like they owed it to you. You owed it to your pet to be able to provide for him. That is not these organizations fault that you took on something that you could not handle. You are rude and disrespectful. Imagine being a dog that had to live with you for life, now that, is unfair.
My 2 dogs need up too date shots. My income is not enought to pay for shots. Nor heart worm testing.Nobody owes me nothing . All I can do is live with the guilt. I love my dogs. I take good care of them. I adopted my first dog.the second was give to me. Any help. KIND REGARDS
I just got a dog today that wll be approved as a therapy dog.. I wish to train it to becomea service dog.I am very low income and would like any suggestions or offers so that I can keep him in good care and trained fo my needs. please email me your info
Hi,
I’m a volunteer for an organization called Stamford Animal Rescue (STAR). STAR’s long term vision is to ensure that no pet guardian will ever have to abandon their pet due to economic hardship. We provide financial assistance grants to pet owners who are unable to pay for veterinary care, free pet food for those who need it and we run monthly rescue pet adoption events in co-ordination with local shelters.
Is it possible for us to be listed on your website?
Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Gin Walsh
Absolutely! What info would you like included?
To Whom It May Concern;
Hi! My name is Oscar and I was rescued from a neglected, abused home and boy it was scary! My mommy is on disability and I’m really not feeling well ~ can please get some financial help so I can go see my doctor? I’m sneezing & congested because I’ve got little points/spurs on my teeth that are poking in my cheeks and REALLY, REALLY HURT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please Help! My doctor’s name is Dr. Reagan @ Foothill Animal Hospital in Lake Forest, CA. His phone number is
[949] 380 – 1255 FAX: [949] 916 – 3863
I found a treeing walker coonhound on my porch yesterday eating out of my trash can. I noticed as they day went on that he kept returning and lounging around the yard. I decided to attempt to pet him and he was very scared & really mal-nutritioned. I eventually got close enough to read his collar and contacted his owner who told me he didn’t want the dog back. I told him I had his dog in my yard and he said he was not coming for him. I had been providing food and water to him throughout the day. He is so skinny that it makes me cringe. He has been lost for over 2 weeks and had nothing in his stomach when he arrived at my house. He needs to be seen by a veterinarian and tested for worms, vaccinated and eventually neutered. I think he may even have a sprain or an old broken bone in his hind end. I would love to make a family pet out of him because he is the sweetest most loving dog…..he just has some trust and anxiety issues. He is very well behaved. This is a horrible time financially for us right now. My husband is in the military but we have no money saved and all of our cc are maxed out. I don’t want to have to give this dog up with a good chance of being put to sleep. Now that he is trusting me and my kids I don’t want him to have to go through another owner or end up being put to sleep all because we were broke. There has to be something we can do or somewhere we can take him where they help with vet costs for rescued animals. Please help us help our doggy!!! He needs care asap! Thank you!!
Hi all, IMOM & Judy G sent me here seeing that my quadruped children are service for me and Mark, my husband…we have an issue with finances and torn ACL’s. We have 3 Fila Service Crew members and 2 of them have torn ACL’s. Sarge, or big boy has both knees done – his is from rough housing too hard; Tootoez I fell on and hurt him. I feel so guilty and now he is barely using his leg even after 6 + weeks of rest per dr.’s orders. Sarge is shared with Mark and me dependent on the days tasks, Tootz is specifically for me and our other boy, specifically for Mark is Sox. Mark and I have different issues but they all are mobility and medical alert. The are also registed and we belong to Baltimore Assistance and Service Dog Club – {meetup.com} If there is any help for us, we have a service child in need. 443 942 3224 . Thanks all!
Gina & Mark D &
The Fila Service Crew
I lost my job sometime ago. Since then I have searched without much luck. I also took some temporary jobs–part-time ones that let me go when the work was completed. I am disabled and my income no longer covers my living expenses, much less the things I need for my dog. He has diabetes, allergies, and naropathy. The insulin costs for the last several years were tough, but I had more income. Now they are virtualy going to make us homeless or I have to get rid of my pet. No one wants him. He needs help with a serious skin disorder now, and is literally biting himself, scratching to bloody messes. My family won’t take me in or him due to his condition–since they are grossed out about it-and think he has mange. He is just an old diabetic dog that I have strived to care well for a long time. I just ran out of funds. Help me and him, or at least help him. I have called everywhere and I get this “that’s too bad” and no real solutions. I don’t have money to euthanize him either–though that has been some folks suggestion.
I emailed you this morning — I think there are some things we can try to get you help. If you did not get my email, please message me again with a way to reach you.
hi, my name is maria pena i took my dog star to planned pet hood. When i took her they told me she had parvol virus and the owner said he will try to keep everything under $200 i have 4 kids. My husband bearlly got a job, and we can’t afford to pay that much money. We really love are dog. We would really want you to help us with any thing you have thank you so much.
How are things working out for your dog?
My name is Hilda and I need financial assistance for my cat Patches she was diagnosed with thyroid and kidney desease,and she needs treament , hospital stay and medications Im very low income at 711.00 monthly can you please help me.Thank you Hilda Landeros phone # 661)946-8708