Every pet parent’s biggest dread is a sick animal. The last thing you should have to worry about when your pet is diagnosed with a serious illness is money. However, a lot of the time, parents are forced to choose between giving their dog the opportunity to live a long life and paying for expensive surgery. No matter how much money you have, a pet’s medical requirements should never force you to give them up or find them another home.
Good news! Support is available. The nine organizations listed below provide grants, payment plans for veterinary costs, and other services in an effort to maintain dogs in good condition and with their loving family.
CareCredit
Unlike many other resources on this list, CareCredit can be used for routine pet care — such as diagnostics, check-ups, parasites, and spay/neuter surgeries — as well as emergency care. You are also able to reuse your CareCredit card rather than apply for a one-time grant. CareCredit will allow you to pay up front for big vet bills on a payment plan; if minimum payments are made on time within your payment plan window of six, 12, 18 or 24 months on a purchase of $200 or more, CareCredit will not charge interest. You can apply for a card on their website. Apply Here
The Pet Fund
The Pet Fund provides help with non-urgent, non-basic care for dogs and cats; this includes cancer, eye disease, chronic illness, and heart disease, but excludes diagnostic tests, spay and neuter procedures, and life-threatening injuries. If your pet fits the criteria, you can email The Pet Fund with a description of your pet’s condition for the chance to apply for a one-time grant. Apply Here
North Shore Animal League America’s SpayUSA doesn’t give grants directly, but they serve as a referral network for free and low-cost spay-and-neuter services. You can use their search function to input your zip code and find clinics near you that offer financial assistance for spay-and-neuter surgeries. Apply Here
The Mosby Foundation
The Mosby Foundation gives financial support to dogs experiencing non-emergency health needs. They can’t help with routine or diagnostic care or reimburse veterinary services that have already been performed. All dogs must be spayed or neutered in order to qualify. Apply Here
Brown Dog Foundation
Brown Dog Foundation was founded in memory of “Chocolate Chip,” whose first family surrendered him because they couldn’t afford to treat his cancer; he was rescued and lived for years as a happy, adventurous pup. Families can apply by completing a survey online. Your veterinarian will then be contacted, and Brown Dog Foundation will work with you and your vet to find the most affordable path of treatment and help to bridge the gap with a financial donation. Apply Here
Red Rover Relief
Red Rover provides assistance for dogs and cats with injuries or illnesses who require urgent and specific treatment. Households must make an income of less than $60,000 per year. Apply Here
Friends & Vets Helping Pets
Friends & Vets Helping Pets was founded to help pet parents avoid needing to rehome or euthanize dogs and cats with curable illnesses solely because of cost restraints. They can work with your family and veterinarian to provide medical treatment for health problems, such as broken bones, ambulatory care, expensive medication, or post-surgical prosthetics. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Apply Here