Many of us who have pets, can usually afford the most basic of veterinary costs and thankfully there are many programs out there that can provide low cost vet care for the basics, but what happens, if for some reason your pet develops a health condition that requires more extensive care, not to mention cost that could go into the thousands? There are many animal organizations that can help out with vet bills, either with low-cost care, loans, or grants. Here are a few ...

Having Trouble Affording Veterinary Care?

Help is out there The Humane Society of the United States

No owner wants a pet to suffer because medical care is out of reach. Financial aid is out there, and there are steps you can take to cover an emergency vet bill. Please remember that, depending on the severity of your pet's illness or injury, you may still lose your pet even after great expense. Discuss the prognosis and treatment options with your veterinarian, including whether surgery or treatment would just cause your companion discomfort without preserving a life of good quality.

Work with veterinarians

Be proactive. Check our list of groups nationwide that are offering veterinary care assitance. Or, here are some ways to work with vets to make treatment affordable.

• Negotiate a payment plan with your vet. If you're a client in good standing, she may be happy to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan so that you don't have to pay the entire cost of veterinary care up front. However, don't expect a vet you've never been to before to agree to such a plan; she doesn't know you and understandably doesn't want to get stuck with an unpaid bill.
• Offer to perform a service for your vet like cleaning kennels, answering phones or other work in lieu of actual cash.  
• Get a second opinion. You'll pay a consultation fee, but another vet may have other, less expensive ways to treat your pet.
• Use a vet in a less expensive area. Vets in smaller towns tend to charge lower fees.
• Check out local veterinary schools.  Many run low-cost clinics for limited income clients. The American Veterinary Medical Association's website and Veterinaryschools.com have lists of veterinary schools by state.

Cash in

Explore ways to bring in some extra cash.

• Have a yard sale. One's man's trash is another man's treasure.
• If your birthday or a holiday is near, ask for cash in lieu of a present.
• Sell things on an online auction site such as eBay.
• Consider getting a second or part-time job or working for a temp agency.
• Ask your employer for a salary advance.

Financial assistance

There are many animal welfare organizations that can help out with vet bills, either with low-cost care, loans, or grants. Here are a few:

Dog breed-specific veterinary care assistance programs

CorgiAid: corgiaid.org
Special Needs Dobermans: doberman911.org
Dougal's Helping Paw (Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers and other small, short-legged terriers): http://www.welcome.to/dougalsfund
Labrador Harbor: labradorharbor.org/
Labmed: labmed.org
Labrador Lifeline: labradorlifeline.org
Westimed (West Highland White Terriers): westiemed.org
Pyramedic Trust (Great Pyrenees): http://www.angelfire.com/bc2/pyramedic/summary.html

Veterinary care assistance for working/service dogs

Helping Harley Cancer Treatment Grant: http://grants.landofpuregold.com
Assistance Dogs Special Allowance Program: http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/PG82.htm 

More resources

Still looking for help?

• Contact your local animal shelter. Some shelters have onsite low-cost veterinary clinics or work with local vets who are willing to reduce their charges. Some also have veterinary loan or grant programs.
• There are some organizations that may offer assistance locally (by state or community). See our state-by-state (including Canada) listing.
• Your vet can submit an assistance request to the American Animal Hospital Association's "Helping Pets Fund." In order to qualify, your animal hospital must be AAHA accredited. To learn more about the program visit the AAHA website. 
• http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
  

Financial Help With My Vet Bills

I need financial help with my vet bills.

The first step is to ask your animal hospital or private vet whether they offer a payment plan. Your local humane organization or animal advocacy group also may have information about other groups or organizations in your area that assist pet owners with veterinary bills. In addition, if you live in a state that has a large college or university with degree programs in Veterinary Medicine, you may wish to contact the school and department for information about low-cost services they might offer through their programs. The following organizations may be a good resource for other affordable options for veterinary care. The information given below is provided as a courtesy and does not imply the endorsement, recommendation and/or approval of any company or organization. This information is kept as current as possible, and is updated regularly.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
(800) 248-2862

American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

American College of Veterinary Surgeons
(301) 913-9550

Hearts United for Animals
(402) 274-3679

United Animal Nations

Help-A-Pet
(630) 986-9504

MaxFund (for animals with no known owner)
(303) 595-4917


In New York City only:

NY SAVE
(212) 246-3097

     The Second Chance® Fund

The Second Chance® Fund is a great website !!!

What is the Second Chance Fund?

The medical costs of treating and rehabilitating an abused animal can easily become overwhelming for any animal welfare organization -- particularly when long-term care is necessary. The Second Chance Fund is one way American Humane works to support member organizations in their vital work. By providing financial assistance, in select cases, to animal welfare organizations responsible for the temporary care of animals as they are prepared for adoption into permanent, loving homes, the program provides animal victims of abuse or neglect with a second chance at life.

Just one of the animals helped by Second Chance.

• If your organization has a case you believe qualifies for assistance by the Second Chance Fund, please download and fill out an application.

  Submit your application to grants@americanhumane.org. Please state "Second Chance Fund Request" in the subject line.

• http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/
  

These folks may have some ideas on who to call too.

VCA Animal Hospitals operates VCA Charities to support animal in need. Go to the VCA Charities page to read about the many programs they support and click the “grant application link” from this page.

Banfield Pet Hospital helps financially challenged pet owners and their pets with veterinary services and pet food so pets can stay with their owners. Read more at the Banfield Charitable Trust FAQ page and link to grant information from this page.

The Millan Foundation provides financial support to assist non-profit animal shelters and organizations engaged in the rescuing, rehabilitation, and re-homing of abused and abandoned dogs. Funding programs for spaying and neutering to help reduce or eliminate dog overpopulation are a priority for the foundation. A preference is given in consideration for funding to organizations that do not euthanize healthy, adoptable animals.

PetSmart Charities® partners with and supports thousands of animal-welfare agencies across North America. According to their website, we support programs that help fight homeless pet overpopulation and improve the quality of life of pets through adoptions, spay/neuter and emergency relief. Also see the Grants page for PetSmart charities to link to different grants your rescue or shelter may qualify for.

American Animal Hospital Association offers a Helping Pets Fund. The website explains the mission of the fund:
The AAHA Helping Pets Fund provides financial assistance through AAHA-accredited veterinary practices for emergency and non-elective veterinary care. We can help in three types of cases:
• When a pet owner is receiving certain forms of government assistance for low-income individuals
• When a pet owner experiences a temporary financial hardship
• When a veterinary practice acts as a Good Samaritan and no pet owner exists
From this page link to the guidelines for grant seekers.

To read more: http://animalsheltertips.com/blog/finding-grants/looking-for-an-animal-shelter-grant-check-these-five-charities/

        Animals | Guardian Angels For Animals 

Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets and pet owners in need.

While pets and their human caretakers rely on us, we rely on the generosity and support of our donors. We ask for your help in fulfilling the promise of our society in caring for animals that otherwise would go without treatment, or worse.

http://www.angels4animals.org/

In the UK

The Dickin Medal Of Honor was instituted in 1943 in the United Kingdom by Maria Dickin to honor the work of animals in war.  Maria Dickin was the founder of the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a British charity that provides care for sick and injured animals of the poor.  Maria established the award for any animal displaying bravery and devotion to duty whilst serving with the British armed forces or civil emergency services. The medal was awarded 54 times between 1943 and 1949 to 32 pigeons, 18 dogs, 3 horses and a cat for their heroism during World War II.

PDSA Vet Care

Give your support:

Donate to PDSA

You can help
in many ways

Gifts in wills

Read the Gifts in wills page

   Welcome

Who We Are

The most serious disease for older persons is not cancer or heart disease - it's loneliness. Pets offer affection, unconditional love, fight loneliness, and can help ease the loss of a loved one.

What We Do

The Pets for the Elderly Foundation helps pay the fees to participating animal shelters throughout the United States for senior citizens (age 60 and over) who adopt a companion dog or cat from a participating shelter — including pre-adoption veterinary exams and spay/neuter, if part of the adoption fee.

 To read more or get help: http://www.petsfortheelderly.org/

     Seniors For Seniors

Some help for seniors for their pets.                         

In our Seniors for Seniors program, prospective adopters age 60 or over work with one of our Pet Adoption Counselors to find a perfect fit with a pet age five or over. Other program benefits are designed to reduce the costs of responsible pet guardianship. Some of these include:

    * Wellness exams.
    * Free grooming twice a year.
    * Discounts on selected products, including pet food.

See Full List of Benefits

• No adoption fee.
• Two free groomings per year
• 10% off all products at the NSALA Pet Store
• Benefits at the Medical Center only:
• No exam or medical co-pay within the first 15 days after the animal is adopted.
• Free annual vaccinations.
• Free semi-annual wellness exam (If additional procedures or diagnostics are needed, the adopter is referred to the Pet Health Center).
• Discount on preventative procedures (see chart).
• Discount on diagnostic tests (lab report, screening tests).
• No charge for the following procedures:
  • CBC Differential SMA
  • Thyroid Profile
  • Urinalysis
• All other tests just 10% above our cost.
• Discount microchipping ($15 to inject, $15 registration).
• Today, hundreds and hundreds of pets and their adopters are living fuller, happier lives together! As a result of this success, North Shore Animal League America is actively seeking more shelters and more funding to expand this very popular program. The Seniors for Seniors program was originally founded by North Shore Animal League America in May of 1993. To date, this program has placed more than 1,000 dogs and cats into the homes of senior citizens in the New York metropolitan area.
  

 For more information on the Seniors for Seniors program or help out by donating contact us about this program.
To read more or get help: http://www.animalleague.org/adopt-a-pet/pet-adoption-services/seniors-for-seniors/

Three Grant Sources for Spay Neuter at Your Animal Shelter or Rescue

Animal shelters and rescues can find many grants online to help fund spay neuter clinics. Here are three of them:

The DJ & T Foundation awards two types of grants:

Clinic Grant: Granted to 501 (c) 3 organizations that operate low-cost spay/neuter clinics or are planning to open one. Funds are also granted to 501 (c) 3 organizations that operate a low-cost mobile spay/neuter clinic or are planning to start one. Spay / Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) Grant: Granted to 501 (c) 3 organizations with established public outreach programs for socialized companion animals with homes or that are planning to establish such a program. SNAP grants cannot be used to spay/neuter foster animals, ferals, strays, animals held by adoption/rescue organizations, shelters or sanctuaries.

Humane Alliance in Asheville North Carolina has developed a successful model for setting up spay neuter clinics. This site shows you step by step how to participate in this program and obtain funding for setting up a clinic. You can also find resources concerning veterinarian training. The program is explained in this press release:

PetSmart Charities® and the ASPCA® have announced that they each will pledge 2.6 million to Humane Alliance in 2011 as part of a five-year commitment totaling $5.2 million to increase affordable spay/neuter services across the United States and prevent the births of millions of pets for whom there are no homes.

This funding will help 80 low-cost, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics to open across the U.S. Combined with the nearly 70 Humane Alliance clinics already open, the clinics will provide up to 800,000 sustainable spay/neuter surgical slots, preventing an estimated 11 million births through 2013.

The ASPCA also offers grants directly to shelters and rescues for spay neuter programs. Read the criteria, which include a letter of inquiry. This grant is limited to no more than $3,000 and the website says: Due to budgetary constraints, we are no longer accepting grant requests for the above purposes from the following states: Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

To find local or regional grant sources, do a search on “spay neuter grant sources your area” or “spay neuter grants your area” etc. Many community foundations offer funding in their own region.

To read more about these grants:  http://animalsheltertips.com/blog/finding-grants/grant-sources-for-animal-shelters-and-pets-in-need/

God's Creatures Ministry

Veterinarian Charity Fund

GOD'S CREATURES MINISTRY VETERINARIAN CHARITY

Hello!

We get many requests for financial help. We sadly do not send more than $50.00 when we have money! However, we encourage people to fundraiser in their area, for 'pets' or animal(s) by using two of our simple forms. Some veterinarians will keep an account knowing that you are fundraising through a non-profit organization. One form is 'Walk a Mile' which can be done anytime, and anywhere! The other is a general form for donations.

The two forms we email as attachments, can be copied and given to local churches, schools, scouts, (local media), friends, etc. for donations, walkers, and/or sponsors.

Approval is needed to have these forms. Please email your full name, (group you are with if applicable), address, phone number, the veterinarian clinic's name, address and phone number with the animal(s) need and name. The veterinarian's office should be notified that they may be receiving checks from others before getting the forms.

Others (churches, synagogues, schools, agencies, scouts, etc.) may also use our forms to help other local animals/pets. Please email information for approval.

Sorry we cannot do more, but with the help of everyone, we can all make a difference for God's creatures in need of our help.

Peace for all,

Jan Fredericks Founder,
God's Creatures Ministry
Godscre@msn.com
P.O. Box 266, Wayne, NJ 07474

PS: Catholic Concern for Animals-USA, www.Catholic-animals.org, also has a Veterinarian Charity Fund, but funds are needed. They have similar forms. If you would like to raise funds for them, please contact me.

  Organizations that can help with vet bills for Felines

                                                                                     

Need some help?

Feline diabetes can be managed very frugally in most cases. If you need help to manage your cat with diabetes, you may be eligible for aid. Catastrophic veterinary bills are unusual but no one is immune. If you feel you can't handle your vet care costs, don't give up. Don't forget to contact your vet first and see if you can arrange a payment plan or perhaps a barter for the vet's services. Also, contact your LOCAL animal rescue and aid organizations.

Safety Net Program’s Free and Low Cost Services...   

Behavior Training/Advice for Dogs and Cats (Free phone consults and low cost/sliding-scale home visits with certified trainers)

Low Cost Temporary Pet Boarding/Foster Homes During Crises.
Free Guidance for Pet-Related Landlord/Tenant Issues
With Possibility of Pro Bono Representation
Lower Cost Vet Care For Those on Restricted Incomes
Guidance and Advice for People Who Have Found Strays (including how to introduce a new pet to your current pets)
General Guidance and Support for Pet Guardians

Animal Care & Control of NYC
917-468-2938 www.nycacc.org/safetynet.htm

If you'd like to help:

To many of us a $50.00 medical bill at the vet is nothing, but for an elderly person on a fixed income, a single mother, a student, and for many others, it's an impossibility. There are many instances of elderly people doing without their own medicine or even food in order to care for their animals' medical needs.

 So what do you do if you love your animal but can't afford to pay the bill?  

Shakespeare Animal Fund, a non-profit charity was founded after the loss of a beloved Cocker Spaniel "Shakespeare". He died after a very costly illness, and in his memory this fund was founded to help others who might face financial problems while trying to save their pet. Let Shakespeare help you! Also,each month SAF distributes 500 lbs of dog food and 400 lbs of cat food. We help anywhere from 150 to 200 people each month including deliveries. Sometimes these pets haven't had anything to eat in days when we rush them emergency food. You can be a hero to people in need. Support the efforts of the Shakespeare Animal Fund with your donations of funding and of time.

To read more:

http://www.shakespeareanimalfund.org/

Pets of Homeless Program

Feeding Pets of the Homeless also known as Pets of the Homeless is a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides pet food and veterinary care to the homeless and less fortunate in local communities across the United States and Canada

Grant Program

Pets of the Homeless has two types of grants.  There are no deadlines to apply. 

• Veterinary Care for the Homeless with Pets 
  Grants to veterinarians that go to where the homeless congregate and provide veterinary care such as vaccines, spay/neuter and other needed treatments.  We also award grants on a case by case basis.  To read more   (download Guidelines & Application PDF)

• Pet Sleeping Arrangements at Homeless Shelters
  Many homeless with pets do not have access to the necessary resources to move out of a state of homelessness because there are no accommodations for homeless with pets.  We recognize the need for homeless services to fill a gap left by not allowing pets into shelters. Due to the homeless’ commitment to their animal companions many rarely seek services that could truly help.  Grants are awarded to homeless shelters looking for ways that allow pets sanctuary with their owners.  Homeless shelters that would like more information on Pets of the Homeless Crate Project (download Guidelines & Procedures PDF)

 http://www.petsofthehomeless.org/

PetLuv Nonprofit Spay and Neuter Clinic In Florida

Who We Are

Come Visit Us!

House Foreclosures...No Paws Left Behind Can Help...

          

Our Passion, Our Love, Our Mission

No Paws Left Behind, Inc. is a focus driven not for profit organization, designed to bring awareness to all communities the silent victims of foreclosure who have no voice or rights to implement change.  As a united front, we will restore moral obligations toward all pets that have the potential to be, or have been, left behind to suffer needlessly. 

Who Are We and How Did We Get Here? 

No Paws Left Behind, Inc. is a non profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness and finding solutions to the growing phenomena of fore closure pets.  This trend is increasing in numbers with no immediate end in sight and it is these helpless victims of the mortgage crisis that suffer in silence.  No Paws Left Behind, Inc. is here to be their voice. Foreclosure pets who were once a vital part of a happy family suddenly find themselves alone, helpless, and in many cases, starving due to foreclosure. Children have a lot to say about their pets, and enforcing the decision to leave the pets behind can traumatize children and influence the way they look at the world around them. You don't want to raise heartless adults, do you?

If you are facing foreclosure, first and foremost, contact your lender immediately!  If you have an animal that needs help please create a Paw Alert! by clicking on a blinking image below and find a shelter.  We are here to help keep you and your family together. If you have found an abandoned animal that has been a victim of foreclosure, please create a Paw Alert!

A little short on cash for that pet deposit??  Don't panic and drop us an email.  Maybe we can help out. 

http://nopawsleftbehind.org/paws/

If you'd like to help or need help:

http://nopawsleftbehind.org/paws/Default.aspx

Need help Paying VET bills?

Here are some groups that can help you afford the vet bills:

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
"Seniors, People with disabilities, People who
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion."

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve
Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens
and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

UK Assistance with Veterinary Bills
http://www.petloversonline.co.uk/financial.htm
"Most of us can cope with the financial commitment involved in the
day to day care of our pets. However, how many of us come out in a
cold sweat when our pet is ill or injured and we know we have to take
it to the vet? Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to afford
it but, some of us who love our animals dearly cannot. Unfortunately
we do not have a PDSA or a RSPCA Centre within our area, but there
are a few charities who may be able to help."

Other Groups Who are Breed or Injury Specific:

Corgi Aid
http://www.corgiaid.org/

Dachshunds Needing IVDD surgery
http://members.rushmore.com/~dds/applyforhelp.htm

www.doberman911.org
It's for special needs and senior dobermans who need medical help.You can donate to help them, or have them put your dobie up there if you need help too!!

HandicappedPets.com
http://www.handicappedpets.com/Articles/help/
"From time to time, HandicappedPets.com recognizes a caretaker of
handicapped pets that need some special attention, and a little extra
help. There are those who are so selflessly dedicated to their animal
families that they give up a little more than they can afford."

Labrador Lifeline
http://www.labradorlifeline.org/success/2005-abbey.htm

http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/300198

PGAA does not agree with the Internet sale of dogs, cats or any other pet. E-mail us (ita408@comcast.net ) for breeder referral or adoption assistance

.

         Pet Owner Aid, Spay and Neuter Resources, and Rescue Group Assistance

This Site was Updated: May 4, 2010

PGAA continually gets requests for financial assistance for pet care, mostly for help in paying unexpected vet bills. To respond to this need were are listing all of the financial aid organizations of which we are aware. This is an ever-evolving listing and we appreciate anyone who may know of such organizations that are not on PGAA's lists. If you know of such organizations please E-mail Us.

PGAA has prepared this listing from Internet resources and we do not have any additional information other than what is presented on the website of a linked site. You should investigate any potential site to make sure it is legitimate and sincere about helping.

National and State Listings

Pet Owner Aid: National, Canada, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Louisana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia

Spay and Neuter Resources: National Spay and Neuter (also see individual state listings by clicking on a state listed above)

Shelter and Rescue Group Aid: Shelter and Rescue Support

Raise Your Own Funds by visiting Fundable. Raising money for pet rescue or health projects and needs.

Welcome Home Shelby Financial Aid resources - national, state, breed and disease.

creativePAW. A network of creative professionals who are willing to work pro bono for animal welfare causes.

Animal Sheltering.org Listings of organizations and grant money to help rescues and shelter organizations.

Maddies Fund Maddie's Fund, the Pet Rescue Foundation, is a family foundation established in 1999 to help fund the creation of a no-kill nation. Since its inception, Maddie's Fund has awarded animal welfare organizations and universities $71.6 million to save dog and cat lives.

The Foundation Center A national nonprofit service organization recognized as the nation’s leading authority on organized philanthropy, connecting nonprofits and the grantmakers supporting them to tools they can use and information they can trust.

PetSmart Charities The PetSmart Charities mission is to improve the quality of life for all companion animals by creating and supporting programs that save the lives of homeless pets and promote healthy relationships between people and pets.

http://www.pgaa.com/financialaid.html

Welcome to IMOM

Mission Statement

"Helping people help pets". To better the lives of sick, injured and abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. To educate on the importance of spay and neuter in relation to proven health risks for intact animals.

IMOM will always do everything we can to help a sick, injured or abused companion animal regardless of species or breed.

Contact

• General Fund Committee fax: 1-630-214-8952
  
• Sponsor Committee fax: 1-425-940-9203
  
• Mailing address:
  PO Box 181
  Pennsville, NJ 08070
  
• Phone number for the public: none

http://www.imom.org/

Welcome to The Pet Fund website

The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need veterinary care. Often animals are put down or suffer needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or medical treatment. Companion animal owners must often make the difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect medical needs because of the costs involved. 

Thousands of animals are sent to shelters and euthanized each year, many because of treatable medical conditions. While costs are an inevitable part of the responsibility of owning companion animals, The Pet Fund assists owners in covering medical costs beyond the normal expenses of vaccination, spay & neuter surgeries, food and routine veterinary care. Adopting a companion animal always involves both expense and commitment, and if owners have a resource to help with medical services, their animals can receive necessary care despite the financial burdens involved.

The purpose of the Pet Fund is to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal medical care need never be made on the basis of cost. Perhaps most importantly, we provide information to owners about preventative care, pet insurance programs, and financial services which will ensure that pet owners are able to develop financial resources on their own and avoid future emergencies through care and planning. Such information is often hard to find, and The Pet Fund provides a user-friendly, comprehensive starting place where all of these resources can be easily accessed.

For applicants interested in applying for funds click here.

  http://www.thepetfund.com/

RedRover Relief  Helping people care for ill and injured pets.

RedRover Relief (formerly LifeLine Grants)

The RedRover Relief program (formerly LifeLine Grant Program) provides funding to Good Samaritans, animal rescuers and pet owners to help them care for animals in life-threatening situations. Learn more about our RedRover Relief grants and find out the eligibility requirements by following the links below.

RedRover Relief Grants To help Good Samaritans, animal rescuers and pet owners meet the cost of emergency veterinary care they otherwise couldn’t afford. RedRover Relief Grants for Domestic Violence  To help domestic violence victims escape abusive environments without having to leave their pets behind.

Happy Endings  Meet some of the animals who are alive thanks to a RedRover Relief grant. Other Assistance Programs  A comprehensive list of other programs that provide financial assistance for pet care. Frequently Asked Questions

 http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=28

                            Truth4Dogs

Help with Vet Bills

Looking for a list of organizations that help people in need with their vet bills? Dr. Jean Hofve has allowed me to reprint it here. Please bookmark this page and send it to friends.  Also check out her other terrific articles, and sign up for her newsletter, at LittleBigCat.com.  (I interviewed Dr. Hofve for my book and for three wonderful recordings on pet nutrition called How NOT to Kill Your Dog or Cat. If you’d like to learn more about feeding your pet, we hope you’ll check them out.)

Whether it’s the damage caused by recalled food, an accident or something else, vet bills can be quite a burden. Below are listed some of the programs that can help with financial needs. For a more complete list, including listings by breed, state/province, medical condition, or other particular qualification, please visit United Animal Nations. (Note: not listed elsewhere is a new program just for New Yorkers: AnimalAllianceNYC.org) If you can contribute, there are many suffering pets and their parents who can use your help; any of the non-profits or fundraising sites below would be happy to have your contribution.

Please contact the following organizations about their financial assistance process:

American Animal Hospital Association – (1-866-4HELPETS) Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship.”

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). See “Financial help with my vet bills” under “Pet care.”

Cats in Crisis – “Cats in Crisis Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and humane organizations care for cats with chronic or emergency medical conditions through financial and fundraising assistance.”

ChipIn – a fundraiser/donation site that allows individuals to ask for money for a specific purpose, using social networks and other websites. Requires a PayPal account for deposits.

Feline Outreach – “Feline Outreach is a charitable organization formed to promote the routine and medical care of companion animals, particularly cats. Among other goals, the organization maye enable shelters and the public to adopt, keep, and/or care for companion animals, particularly those with special needs – this support may be financial, educational, or in other forms.”

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) – “The NEED & The HELP: Seniors, People with disabilities, People who have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten – any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion.” The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

Fundable – a fundraising/donation site that allows individuals to request money for a specific project or event. If goal is not met, no money is exchanged. Funds paid by check or PayPal.

Handicapped Pets – “The Handicapped Pets Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the health and well-being of elderly, disabled, and injured pets. We donate mobility equipment to pets in need.”

Handipets – a bulletin board for pets in need of donations, veterinary care, medication, surgery, or other items.

Onyx and Breezy Foundation – supports medical treatment for animals where hardship is present as well as other endeavors that benefit the welfare of animals

Pigger’s Pals – “A nonprofit organization that was designed to assist families in need seek specialty level care for their pets. The foundation will accept applications from individuals or families that require financial assistance to provide advanced medical and/or surgical veterinary care that will extend both quantity and quality of life for their pets that would otherwise not be available to them.”

Tails of Hope – “Our assistance programs are aimed at providing help to individuals whose companion animals are suffering from life-threatening diseases and to the veterinary hospitals treating such animals.”

United Animal Nations – UAN maintains a list of organizations with assistance programs and other fundraising methods. They also maintain LifeLine, its own program of small grants (up to $300). “The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care.”

Wish Upon a Hero – an online community of people helping people.

http://www.dogs4dogs.com/blog/2009/10/27/help-with-vet-bills/

             They help with all kinds of other dog breeds also.

 This information is primarily for individuals with companion animals in a permanent home, but some of them also help rescue organizations for individual animals, or help handicapped people purchase, train, and care for service animals. Perhaps this list of organizations that will help with emergency vet bills may be able to help you in times when the determining factor in saving your pet's life is the ability to pay an unexpected or costly vet bill.

Note: These organizations help only in EMERGENCY situations such as accidental injuries requiring immediate care, or long term health problems requiring surgery or ongoing treatment, such as orthopedic repairs or chemotherapy for animals with cancer. They are not for people who can't or won't provide basic care for their pets.  Most of these organizations also accept donations, and many are tax deductible, so if you are able, these would be worthy causes to donate to, where your donation will go directly to help an animal in need.

Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society
The Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society is a registered charity in Alberta, Canada that is devoted to making cancer treatment for pets a reality. The Lucky Moffat Memorial Fund (in loving memory of a very special dog), was developed by ACTSS to insure that all pets, can receive cancer therapies, regardless of their owner's income.

The Assistance Dog United Campaign
Operated in association with The Assistance Dog Institute, this nonprofit helps people with disabilities find funding to purchase service dogs. Phone: 800 284-DOGS (3647)

Canine Cancer Awareness
Canine Cancer Awareness (CCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting canine cancer. They help sponsor the veterinary costs of dogs diagnosed with cancer for those families in financial need who would not otherwise be able to afford treatment. You can help sponsor these dogs too!

Cody's Club
When facing radiation for your companion animal, this group may be able to make a tough decision easier. Cody’s Club provides financial support for those who face radiation treatments on a limited income, and also emotional support services in the form of a hotline and in-person group that meets monthly.

Good Sam Fund
The Good Sam Fund is administered by MedVet in Worthington, Ohio. Call 614-846-5800 or see their rules on who qualifies for help with vet bills.

Handicapped Pet Help Fund
From time to time, HandicappedPets.com recognizes a caretaker of handicapped pets that need some special attention, and a little extra help. There are those who are so selflessly dedicated to their animal families that they give up a little more than they can afford. This special fund is used to provide support to those people.

iGive.com
Every day, folks just like you list and support the causes (big or small) that they care about most. Over 24,367 organizations have been listed at iGive.com, with 10 - 20 added every day! Any cause in the U.S. or Canada qualifies, and 501(c)3 nonprofit status is not required. Once your cause is registered with them, they will donate up to 26% of every purchase you make to the cause you designate when you shop online at over 680 brand name stores.

The Magic Bullet Fund
The Magic Bullet Fund helps people who have a dog with cancer but cannot afford treatment costs.

R.U.F.F (Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends)
RUFF’s mission is to help pay the veterinary bills for sick, injured and abandoned animals, while also supporting humane education. Serving abandoned, ill and injured animals in Orange County, CA.

United Animal Nations LifeLine
The LifeLine program provides grants for companion animals during life-threatening emergencies when rescuers or caregivers cannot afford the entire cost of treatment. Thanks to generous donations from UAN members and other caring individuals, LifeLine has aided more than 1,500 animals with no-strings attached grants for emergency veterinary care.

http://www.brood-va.org/financialhelp.htm

Financial Help for Pet Owners

Negotiate

1. Veterinarians are in the business of keeping animals healthy. Many will allow payments to be spread over an agreeable time period. Ask your veterinarian if checkups after a severe problem can be charged at a lower rate. Surprisingly, some will be eager to negotiate in a crisis. Compare treatment options and forgo relative luxury items.

Pet Insurance

2. Plan ahead and purchase pet insurance. Preexisting conditions may not be covered. In 2009, basic medical plans can be found for $22 a month for a dog and $15 for a cat. Deluxe plans may include wellness exams, vaccinations, teeth cleanings and heart worm protection. Compare the coverage between providers carefully.

Savings Account

3. Like a college fund, put aside money for emergencies for your pet. The cost of insurance premiums can add up to $2,000 to $6,000 during a pet's lifetime. Save a little each month for unexpected care. For a continuously healthy animal, the cost of care could be far less than years of insurance premiums.

Direct Aid

4. Organizations such as the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), provide adoption and neutering services regionally throughout the country. Many offer veterinary referrals and will pay for emergency medical care for the needy. Contact your local humane society or animal shelter for referrals to low-cost or free service providers in your area. Financial need is determined at the discretion of each facility.

Food Banks

5. Many private food banks receive donations of pet food. If you are a client of a food bank, ask the clerk if there is pet food available.

**PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR FUNDING PROGRAM IS
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.**

WE WILL BEGIN TAKING FUNDING REQUESTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

PLEASE CHECK BACK WITH US IN LATE SPRING.
WE ARE SORRY WE CAN'T OFFER ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BUT PLEASE REFER TO SOME OF THE OTHER RESOURCES FOR HELP.

1. Having evaluated the animal's treatment needs and the client's financial situation, the veterinarian can call The Bearen Foundation directly and recommend financial assistance for the client.
   
   Attention veterinarians: Please refer to the "Client Eligibility Criteria" prior to contacting us with a referral. We rely solely upon the veterinarian's assessment for funding disbursement.
   
   
2. If funds are available, The Bearen Foundation will authorize direct payment to the veterinarian who can then notify the client that he/she has received this funding.
   
   Attention clients: Once you have been notified that you will recieve funding, you must fill out the "Acceptance Agreement" and return it to The Bearen Foundation, in order for funds to be released. Please Note: The acceptance agreement is not an application.
   
   If funds are not available, the request will be declined; however, the request may be resubmitted in the future. Please understand that The Bearen Foundation's funds are extremely limited.
   
   We sincerely hope you will find that our new procedures will help us all to more effectively promote responsible pet care. back to top

• Asking your vet about a payment arrangement.
  
• Asking your vet to accept a dated check.
• Asking about the absolute minimum treatment your vet can provide to keep costs down but still help your pet.
• Contacting several vets for estimates. Some vets are less expensive than others and can offer a first exam free.
• Borrowing from friends, family members, a bank or other lending institution. Tapping the equity in a car or house.
• Asking your employer for an advance.
• Taking a short-term second job.
• Some "fundraising" of your own... have a bake sale at your church; put donation jars in local stores; have a garage sale, etc.
• Selling or consigning: CDs, clothing, furniture...
• If you have high debt and are paying a lot of interest, you might try asking your lenders if they can reduce the interest or waive late/over-limit charges to bring down your monthly payment. Explain your situation. Stick to your arrangement. Use the money you save to help your pet.