Financial Help for Pets

General Non-Profit Agencies

Many non-profit agencies and organizations dedicated to helping animals and pets in need can offer financial assistance to pet owners struggling to provide veterinary care for their companions. The American Animal Hospital Association maintains the Helping Pets Fund, which provides financial assistance for veterinary care for abandoned pets and those whose owners cannot afford their care. Other agencies, such as Angels 4 Animals, In Memory of Magic (IMOM), The Pet Fund and United Animal Nations, provide similar services. Most non-profit agencies require an application for financial help. Many of them may ask you to provide proof of income and copies of veterinary bills.

Some agencies offer financial help to specific types of pets and pet owners. The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program provides assistance for cat owners whose pets have been diagnosed with a life-threatening injury or illness. Breed-specific agencies for dogs can help pet owners of specific breeds who cannot afford the veterinary care their pets require. Agencies like Corgi Aid and Labrador Lifeline offer financial assistance to specific breeds. Some organizations have funds to help pet owners whose companions are suffering from a specific disease. Cats in Crisis has funds set up for cardiac disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease and neurological disorders. The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund is dedicated to providing help for pets who require expensive cancer treatments. The Handicapped Pets Foundation provides financial assistance to elderly and disabled pets. Help-A-Pet focuses on helping pet owners who are elderly or disabled themselves.

CareCredit is a credit card company that provides cards to pay for health care. This includes veterinary expenses for pet owners. CareCredit offers several cards with low monthly payments to help pet owners pay for procedures up to $25,000. CareCredit requires a credit application for approval and offers plans with no interest for up to 24 months for individuals who meet certain credit requirements.

Many animal hospitals and veterinary clinics offer in-house payment plans for pet owners struggling to pay for their pets' vet bills in one lump sum. Ask your veterinarian about available payment plans to see if you qualify. If your vet does not offer a payment plan, consider calling other vets in your area to see if any of them would be willing to provide treatment and bill you for the cost or allow you to make payments.