Grants and financial assistance
Note: this is not an exhaustive list. Please, if you are aware of additional organizations that offer assistance with any veterinary costs, please email us at Tammy@backupstaging.learningfurlove.com, we would like to provide as many resources as possible.
If you find that one of the listed resources is no longer available please let us know at Tammy@backupstaging.learningfurlove.com so that we can remove it from the list.
Thank you
Actors and Others For Animals
About:
Actors and Others For Animals is a non-profit that offers spay and neuter assistance along with veterinary bill coverage. As with most charities, they don’t cover bills in their entirety, but they can offer a portion to help for some who meet certain specifications. Just apply online.
Location / Region(s) Served:
Available to residents of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Ventura, CA counties only.
The American Veterinary Medical Association
About:
The American Veterinary Medical Association lists accredited veterinary colleges on its website. Some veterinary schools may treat pets at a reduced cost. You would need to find a veterinary college near you and then contact them to inquire about their policies for treating personal pets.
Animal Law 101
About:
Animal Law 101 – Laws for humans that make the world a safer place for animals.
Animal Health Foundation
About:
Animal Health Foundation – financial assistance and other help
ADSA - ASSISTANCE DOG SPECIAL ALLOWANCE PROGRAM
About:
California Department of Social Services Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program. The Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program provides a monthly payment of $50 to eligible persons who use a guide, signal, or service dog to help them with needs related to their physical disabilities. The allowance is to help pay the costs of food, grooming, and health care for the dogs. This program, available to residents of California, will provide these funds monthly toward the care of registered service dogs.
Phone:
(916) 657-2628
ASPCA – Low Cost Spay/Neuter
About:
BANFIELD FOUNDATION
Banfield Foundation – The Banfield Foundation has a resource list for pet owners seeking assistance with veterinary costs and basic care. To learn more about these programs and for a state-by-state listing of additional programs, please visit the Banfield Foundation website: Click Here
For Banfield Pet Hospital’s Hope Funds for emergency care, Click Here
You can also download a coupon for a free first visit to a Banfield: Click Here
Bow Wow Buddies Foundation
About:
Bow Wow Buddies Foundation is a non-profit organization offering veterinary expense relief for pets in serious need. Intended for emergency situations like severe injury or illness, you can apply for this assistance online.
Location / Region(s) Served:
Across the U.S.
BROWN DOG FOUNDATION
About:
Brown Dog Foundation – Provides assistance for one-time life-saving medical treatments as well as for short-term help with the cost of life-sustaining medication for dogs and cats.
CareCredit
About:
CareCredit – extends a line of credit specifically for healthcare expenses (including veterinary bills). The site allows users to search for veterinarians in their area that accept CareCredit.
DEAF DOG EDUCATION ACTION FUND
About:
The Deaf Dog Education Action Fund helps with urgent care for newly-placed deaf dogs.
DIABETIC CATS IN NEED
About:
Diabetic Cats In Need assists with treatment of diabetes for cats.
Dylan’s Hearts
About:
Dylan’s Hearts provides financial aid to owners of pets diagnosed with illness or injury. They do not cover diagnostics, but they can aid in treatment costs. Your veterinarian must apply for you online for consideration. This program is, unfortunately, limited to a handful of southern states.
Location / Region(s) Served:
North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia
Emma’s Foundation for Canine Cancer, Inc
About:
Emma’s Foundation for Canine Cancer, Inc assists those facing canine cancer with medical bills for treatment. Once you’ve received your dog’s diagnosis, you can apply for help online.
Location / Region(s) Served:
New England and Florida residents only
Fetch A Cure
About:
Fetch A Cure offers a Companions in Crisis grant for owners struggling to cover canine cancer treatments. All dogs must have a diagnosis of cancer from a veterinarian before being considered. You can apply online using their provided application.
Location / Region(s) Served:
Virginia, Maryland, DC
Throughout the U.S. and the U.K.
FRANKIE'S FRIENDS
About:
Frankie’s Friends provides help with treatment of life-threatening conditions.
Friends & Vets Helping Pets
About:
Friends & Vets Helping Pets was founded to assist families with financial limitations to pay for extraordinary veterinary expenses necessary to save a pet’s life. FVHP funds treatments for curable (lifesaving, not life prolonging) diseases such as tumors, broken bones, ambulatory care, expensive medication, or post-surgical prosthetics such as a K-9 cart. These treatments are not typically covered by most animal welfare groups. FVHP does not fund diagnostics or preventative measures like x-ray, ultrasound or MRI tests. 859-309-2043.
GOODCHARLIE
About:
GoodCharlie is a new breed of energy provider in Texas with the mission to make Texas the best place for a dog (and cat) to live. This means when you become one of their residential electricity customers – a member of their “Pack” – you’ll also receive completely free Pack Benefits to help care for your pets as well as pets in need. These free benefits include:
- Free, unlimited 24/7 virtual access to licensed veterinarians.
- Free $750 emergency fund for a life-threatening vet bill.
- GoodCharlie donates to local animal welfare organizations, including The Pet Fund, every month!
If you want to get more than just electricity from your Texas energy provider, check out GoodCharlie. Compare their electricity rates against the big dogs Click Here.
Use Promo Code “RESCUE50” during enrollment for $50 off your first full billing cycle and $50 will be donated to The Pet Fund when you choose us as your beneficiary. Click Here
The Guinness Dunn Foundation
About:
The Guinness Dunn Foundation is a website to apply for Emergency Veterinary Bill Assistance.
For Mobility Cart Assistance call 973-294-0326
For Shelter/Rescue expansion and renovation projects call 973-294-0326
Harley’s Hope
About:
Harley’s Hope is a team of pet lovers who offer financial aid to cover treatment costs of companion animals with a fair or better prognosis. To receive consideration for this assistance, owners must apply to Care Credit and be denied first — only then will Harley’s Hope consider assisting you. You can apply online.
Location / Region(s) Served: Only open to Colorado residents
Help-A-Pet
About:
Help-A-Pet offers financial assistance for the treatment of canine injury or illness. An income-qualified assistance program, you must have an annual household income of less than $40,000 for a family (or personally make less than $20,000 a year) to receive this help. You can apply via mail using the application form and instructions on their site.
Location / Region(s) Served: Across the U.S.
HSUS - HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES
About:
The Humane Society of the United States – The following HSUS link provides links for pet assistance organizations in each state, including spay and neuter and basic care resources:
IAADP MEMBER VETERINARY CARE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
About:
The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners has a program for IADDP members whose assistance dogs require emergency veterinary care. This program is available for IADDP members for sudden illness or injury with an assistance dog which requires expensive veterinary care. Only the veterinarian can make the request for a grant, and members (or non members) contacting the program directly will be barred from grant eligibility. For information on membership and the grant program
IAN SOMERHALDER FOUNDATION
About:
The Ian Somerhalder Foundation provides assistance with medical emergencies. For information about the program, click the link below.
JOSHUA LOUIS ANIMAL CANCER FOUNDATION
About:
The Joshua Louis Animal Cancer Foundation – provides assistance with the cost of treatment for dogs and cats with cancer.
Karma Sue
About:
Karma Sue helps owners with the steep veterinary expenses related to canine cancer treatment. They do not cover diagnostics, but you can apply for assistance online once your vet provides a diagnosis.
Location / Region(s) Served: Available to Colorado residents only
Kyle’s Legacy Inc
About:
Kyle’s Legacy Inc is a fund aiming to help owners in need cover the cost of canine cancer care. For consideration, you must apply with proof of financial need (including wage or salary information) and your vet’s information.
Location / Region(s) Served: Massachusetts and Rhode Island residents only
THE MAGIC BULLET FUND
About:
The Magic Bullet Fund – provides assistance with the cost of treatment for dogs and cats with cancer.
Lovie’s Legacy
About:
Lovie’s Legacy provides aid to Tennessee pet owners in need of emergency veterinary funds. You can apply using their 24/7 phone line, making it one of the fastest options for assistance in covering your pet’s health costs.
Location / Region(s) Served: Tennessee
North Shore Animal League America’s SpayUSA
About:
SpayUSA is North Shore Animal League America’s network of low-cost spay and neuter clinics. This group includes vets offering special deals, like steep discounts on pit bull spay and neuter surgeries.
Location / Region(s) Served: Various states across the U.S.
MY PET CHILD
About:
My Pet Child is a resource list for additional links to organizations that help with veterinary care.
ONYX AND BREEZY FOUNDATION
About:
The Onyx and Breezy Foundation will accept applications for grants for medical care for dogs and cats.
PAWS 4 A CURE
About:
The Paws 4 A Cure provides assistance with urgent care for dogs and cats.
PET ASSISTANCE INC
About:
Pet Assistance Inc provides help with urgent care for cats and dogs.
Pets Findhelp
About:
pets.findhelp.com Search for free or low cost pet support services like veterinary care, pet food pantries, temporary pet care and more.
Petsmart Charities
About:
PetSmart Charities offer many low-cost spay and neuter clinics. They also administer the Improving Access to Veterinary Care grant, which owners can apply for help getting access to affordable care. They only accept applications for this grant for a limited time, however, so be sure to check their site for deadlines and details.
Location / Region(s) Served: Multiple states across the U.S. at select PetSmart locations
Pet Luv
About:
Pet Luv is a clinic providing affordable shots as well as spay and neuter services to help owners meet their pet’s routine medical needs for less. They have a walk-in clinic that’s open six days a week, but you have to schedule ahead for spay or neuter surgery.
Location / Region(s) Served: Located in Brooksville, FL
POODLE ANGELS
About:
Poodle Angels, Inc. provides assistance for Poodle owners for medical expenses including medical treatment, surgery and emergency veterinary expenses.
RED ROVER
About:
Red Rover – provides financial assistance grants so pet owners, Good Samaritans and rescuers can care for animals who need urgent veterinary care.
RIEDEL AND CODY FUND
About:
Riedel and Cody Fund – provides funding for dogs and cats with cancer.
Rose’s Fund for Animals
About:
Rose’s Fund for Animals – aids pets or found animals facing life-threatening situations but that have a promising prognosis for recovery.
SafePlace for Pets
About:
SafePlace for Pets – On-site housing and Off-site housing for people and pets who need a safe escape from domestic violence.
Saf-T Shelters
About:
Saf-T Shelters are equipped to accept families of domestic violence along with their pets. There is no guarantee that a shelter can help, so please check with each shelter regarding what pets are welcome and availability. Some shelters may also take out-of-state residents.
SHAKESPEARE ANIMAL FUND
About:
Shakespeare Animal Fund – provides assistance with emergencies for dogs and cats.
The Pet Lifeline Program:
About:
The Pet Lifeline Program: Pet Financial Assistance for Vet Bills – Financial aid of $200 is granted to one applicant per month, one time only. Must read and complete application online to determine eligibility. Must live in the United States. Domestic pets only.
The Street Dog Coalition
About:
The Street Dog Coalition – Veterinarians are volunteers that work with the homeless. Check the calendar for details on upcoming clinics/events. They often refer emergency cases to Feeding Pets of the Homeless for additional care at a local hospital.
They provide preventative care and spay/neuter voucher. If you do not have internet call 970-829-8789 and they will direct you to the correct city clinic.
US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
About:
United States Department of Veterans Affairs – for Veterans who have service dogs, Title 38 Section 1714 enables veterans to ask their caseworkers to file VA Form 10-2641 in order to receive financial assistance for veterinary care of service animals.
Veterinary Care Charitable Fund
About:
Veterinary Care Charitable Fund is a donation-funded charity that covers vet costs for pet owners in need. Unlike some other programs, your vet must apply for your aid using the group’s website. Your vet must also be enrolled in the Veterinary Care charitable organization
Waggle Foundation
About:
Waggle Foundation – Fundraising platform where each pet has a story the owner shares. Raise necessary funds to cover the cost of vital veterinary treatment, whether for an emergency or ongoing treatment.
Location / Region(s) Served: USA
ZEUS ONCOLOGY FUND
About:
The Zeus Oncology Fund covers cancer treatment for rescue dogs only.
STATE ORGANIZATIONS ACTORS AND OTHERS FOR ANIMALS
About:
Actors and Others is available to assist with urgent animal medical care for residents of greater Los Angeles and surrounding counties.
ANIMAL HEALTH FOUNDATION
About:
Animal Health Foundation in partnership with the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) provides assistance with funding for non-elective medical and surgical procedures for Los Angeles and Orange County, CA residents. Participating veterinarians must be members of SCVMA to be eligible for funding.
ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER NYC
About:
AMC Patient Assistance Fund is available to help with the cost of animal medical care for NY residents.
BUSTER'S LEGACY
About:
Buster’s Legacy helps homeless animals by supporting costs for Kern County, CA’s animal rescue and shelter community. Buster’s Legacy will assist with the cost of spay and neuter surgeries as well as medical care for injured homeless/shelter pets for Kern County dogs and cats. For more information, please visit the website:
CDSS ASSISTANCE DOG SPECIAL ALLOWANCE PROGRAM
About:
California Department of Social Services Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program – This program, available to residents of California, will provide $50 monthly toward the care of registered service dogs.
Phone: (916) 657-2628
CSU PETS FOREVER PROGRAM
About:
Pets Forever is a Colorado State University sponsored program which works with low-income senior or disabled Larimer County residents with needed resources, including in-home animal care, transportation to the vet as well as pet food and supplies.
Phone: (970) 221-4535.
LEXIE'S LOVE
About:
Lexie’s Love offers medical assistance grants for low and fixed income families to treat illnesses that are considered non-emergency in nature, but which will greatly affect the quality and length of life of a companion animal. Currently Lexie’s Love only works within Missouri. Email lexieslove1@gmail.com with requests for help.
THE FACE FOUNDATION
About:
The FACE Foundation provides financial assistance for San Diego animal owners who are unable to afford the cost of their pets’ emergency veterinary care.
Phone: 858-450-FACE
LUKE AND LILY LEARNER SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC
About:
Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine – The Luke and Lilly Lerner Spay and Neuter Clinic at Tufts University provides free spay services to low-income pet owners in Massachusetts.
MSU COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
About:
Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine – has a fund called The Lucky Fund for pet owners whose animals have a good chance of recovery but who cannot afford the costs involved.
Phone: (517) 353-4523.
NY SAVE
About:
NY Save helps with urgent care animal medical needs for New York City residents.
ORANGE COUNTY SPCA ANIMAL RESCUE FUND
About:
The Orange County SPCA Animal Rescue Fund assists low-income pet owners with emergency veterinary care, and provides subsidized spay/neuter assistance.
PAWS SAN DIEGO
About:
PAWS provides assistance with veterinary costs and companion animal maintenance for low income seniors and persons with disabilities in the San Diego Area.
PAWS LOS ANGELES
About:
PAWS provides assistance with veterinary costs and companion animal maintenance for low income seniors and persons with disabilities in the Los Angeles Area.
PAWS SAN FRANCISCO
About:
PAWS San Francisco – PAWS provides assistance with veterinary costs and companion animal maintenance for low income seniors and persons with disabilities in the San Francisco Area.
THE PIXIE PROJECT CARE CLINIC
About:
The Pixie Project Care Clinic provides veterinary services to homeless and low-icome residents of Portland, Oregon.
Email: surgery@pixieproject.org.
THE PONGO FUND
About:
The Pongo Fund is a pet food bank that also helps with medical care for residents of Oregon.
Phone: (503) 939-7555.
THE RESPOND FUND
About:
The Respond Fund, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine – This fund is available to elderly and disabled residents of Madison, WI.
Phone (608) 263-7600
ROCKET DOG RESCUE
About:
Rocket Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer nonprofit group dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned animals from euthanasia in overcrowded Bay Area shelters. Rocket Dog Rescue also provides assistance to individuals and animal rescue groups fostering dogs in need of permanent new homes.
Phone (415) 642-4786
SAM SIMON FOUNDATION
About:
The Sam Simon Foundation’s mobile veterinary clinic now provides FREE Surgical Services. If you have a cat or dog in need of a non-orthopedic surgical procedure, contact the foundation at the phone number below to speak with a technician about setting up an appointment. To qualify, the family bringing in its pet must have a total household income of less than $40,000 per year, and the pet either must be already sterilized, or be sterilized at the time of the surgery. Services are only available in the Los Angeles Area, and pet owners must make arrangements to bring their animals in for rechecks after surgery is performed.
Phone (888) 364-7729 (by appointment only).
ST. FRANCIS HOUSE PET CARE CLINIC
About:
The clinic is operated in conjunction with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Basic veterinary care is available free of charge to low-income residents of Gainesville, FL who qualify for the program.
STEVENSON CENTER
About:
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center – This Texas A&M program provides a home and care for companion animals whose owners are no longer able to provide care for their animals. Eligible recipients for assistance include pet owners who are entering a retirement home or are being hospitalized for an extended period.
Phone (979) 845-1188.
UC DAVIS TEACHING HOSPITAL SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC
About:
The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis – (Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital Small Animal Clinic) has a fund called the Angel Fund available for residents of Northern California. Funds are only available for certain conditions and are given at the discretion of the clinic directors.
Phone 530-752-1393
WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY
About:
The Wisconsin Humane Society – has a veterinary assistance program for residents of Wisconsin.For more information, visit the website
Phone: 414-ANIMALS (414-264-6257).
WSU GOOD SAMARITAN PROGRAM
About:
Washington State University Good Samaritan Program – This program works with animals at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University. The fund is used exclusively to treat ownerless or special needs animals that present a teaching opportunity for vet students.
Handicapped Pets Foundation
About:
Grants used for: The Handicapped Pets foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the health and wellbeing of elderly, disabled, and injured pets by donating new or reconditioned wheelchairs to pets-in-need. Grant Eligibility: Proof of financial hardship. This involves a document with the pet owners name and address on it, that shows you are getting state aid or assistance. Among such programs include disability, welfare, food stamps, section 8 housing assistance, TANF, SSI, unemployment, and more.
Hope Mending Hearts Foundation
About:
Grants used for: Financial assistance grants so pet owners, Good Samaritans and rescuers can care for animals who need urgent veterinary care. Grant Information: The goal of the program is to help animals who need immediate veterinary care to survive. Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately cannot help everyone. The typical grant is $100 to $200. Decisions are based upon several factors, including: medical urgency, financial need, available funding, pet eligibility and pet owner financial status. Once an application is submitted online, you can expect to receive a response via e-mail or by phone within one to two business days. Grant Eligibility: The applicant (person/group applying for a grant) must: Be seeking assistance for one animal in need of urgent medical care. Must have a veterinary diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan. Understand that Hope Mending Hearts cannot pay for office exams or diagnostic testing. Demonstrate financial need. Make a concerted fundraising effort, attempting to find funding through your own means and personal contacts. See our suggestions for fundraising. Before Hope Mending Hearts grants can be approved, pet owners must first apply for Care Credit. Submit a completed application online. Provide updates, photos and video if Hope Mending Hearts is able to help. The animal must: Have a life-threatening injury or illness that requires urgent and specific treatment. Have a favorable prognosis. Be spayed or neutered (if the animal is not already spayed/neutered, please include plans for having this done when submitting the application).
The Murphee & Sugar Angel Foundation
About:
Grants used for: The Murphee and Sugar Angel Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit charitable foundation that was established in 2014. Our mission is to alleviate financial strain on pet owners who care for critically ill animals. Grant Information: We recognize that many owners are financially unable to treat their pets as recommended by their veterinary specialist, or are unable to pay for expensive medications. We strive to provide assistance and help with this frustrating challenge. 100% of all donations are used specifically for assistance. Grant Eligibility: Animal must have been diagnosed by a veterinarian with a critical illness, injury, or otherwise serious condition. Must be spayed or neutered. Have been examined by a veterinarian in the past year. For eligible pets, the Foundation may assist with: Medications, Diagnostics, Vet office visits, Procedures as deemed necessary by vet. At times, and on a case by case basis – Euthanasia
ScratchPay
About:
ScratchPay offers simple and affordable payment plans for veterinary care. This option is a one-time loan, not a credit card. If approved for a ScratchPay loan, no need to keep track of a card, they pay for your pet’s care directly to the hospital. Check your eligibility and rates without affecting your credit score. Participating Clinics in Charleston Oceanside Veterinary Clinic, PA 1509 Folly Rd Charleston, SC, 29412 (843) 795-7574 James Island Veterinary Hospital 756 Folly Road Charleston, SC, 29412 (843) 795-5295 Charleston Harbor Veterinarians 280 Rutledge Ave Charleston, SC, 29403 (843) 410-8290 West Ashley Veterinary Clinic 840 Saint Andrews Boulevard Charleston, SC, 29407 (843) 571-7095 Patrick Veterinary Clinic 667 Meeting Street Charleston, SC, 29403 Animal Medical West – Charleston 704 Orleans Road Charleston, SC, 29407 (843) 766-7387 Animal Medical Center of Mt. Pleasant 958 Houston Northcutt Boulevard Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464 Exotic Vet Care 814 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464 (843) 216-8387 Please know there are many other resources out there and we suggest you continue looking online, within your own community, friends and family for assistance.
Home to Home
About:
Home to Home is a website for people who need to rehome their beloved pets. Forms on website. 208-265-7297
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
About:
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans – Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to call. 877-424-3838
Veterans Guide
About:
Veterans Guide – Our mission is to assist veterans with the array of issues they may face, including obtaining proper disability compensation, financial assistance, information on the GI bill, and more.
Rehome
About:
Rehome – Sometimes we are faced with the heart wrenching decision to give up a pet. Rehoming your pet should be easy and stress free both for you and your pet. The experts at Adopt-a-Pet.com, the largest non-profit pet adoption website, has created a simple, reliable, free program to help you place your pet to a loving home.
Victim Connect
About:
Victim Connect – The VictimConnect Resource Map is a searchable tool with national and local resources commonly used by our visitors. The resources can be filtered by categories, services, location, and keywords.
This is not an exhaustive list of resources or available options, but over time we will continue to add resources.
Other Ways to Get Help for Vet Bills
You might need to think creatively about getting your canine the care she needs, so start asking around, far and wide, if necessary. A lack of funds is nothing to be ashamed of, as we’ve all had hard times and surprises happen — usually between pay weeks.
Some ideas for securing funds:
Friends & family: Ask your circle for a loan. Those around you know your pup and may be able to lend a helping hand.
- Exchange a service: Are you a skilled painter? Excellent handyperson? Try to leverage your skills to scrape up extra cash.
- Crowdsourcing: GoFundMe is a favorite site for finding financial support from others online. Make sure you include a photo of your best fur friend and any estimates you have. Just be sure to redact your complete name and address for safety’s sake. Other crowdsourcing sites include Fundly and the pet-focused Waggle, Petfundr, and Plumfund.
- Employer: Some bosses may offer an advance on your next pay if you’re between checks.
- Religious institution: Your place of worship may be able to help or allow you to post on the community board for member assistance.
- Social media: Making a heartfelt post on Facebook can stir up help from friends, but branching out to Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can reach a wide audience, particularly if your plea goes viral. Remember: Everyone has difficult times, and many are willing to pay it forward when they can.
- Neighbors: Because your neighbors probably know your dog, they may be willing to offer a loan in your time of need.
- Vet: Be honest about your finances and inquire about payment plans. Some vet offices offer payment schedules.
- Low-cost clinic: Seeking out a low-cost clinic can save you a chunk of change, especially when it comes to your dog’s regular care, like health checkups, low-cost vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgery.