In difficult economic times, many pet owners need help with vet bills. Fortunately, there are programs and organizations that can help pet owners care for their pets when money is tight.
Low Cost Spay and Neuter
Your local ASPCA may offer low cost spay and neuter clinics. More than 4 million unwanted dogs and cats are euthanised in shelters every year. Spay or neuter your pet to help reduce the strain on already-overcrowded shelters.
Neutered male dogs are less territorial Spayed females get fewer reproductive system cancers
Vaccination Clinics
Check your local newspaper for announcements of vaccine clinics. These events can provide core vaccines for your dog or cat without office visit fees. Rabies, Corona, Bordetella and DHLLP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis) vaccines are available for your pets. Heartworm and parasite testing, as well as microchipping may also be available.
Medical Treatments and Emergency Care
Charitable organizations across the country work with caring veterinarians to provide medical care for pets who would otherwise go untreated.
- United Animal Nations provides assistance to animal rescue organizations and helps victims of disasters, domestic violence and foreclosures to care for their pets.
- The Pet Fund provides financial assistance to pet owners for medical and preventive care. They strive to reduce the number of animals that end up euthanised or surrendered due to preventable or treatable illnesses.
- FVEAP, the Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program, offers aid to people with disabilities, cat rescuers and anyone who needs financial assistance to care for a sick or injured cat.
- An award winning organization, Help-A-Pet helps physically and mentally challenged individuals, senior citizens and children of the working poor provide their pets with lifesaving veterinary care.
- IMOM, an organization set up In Memory of Magic, seeks to improve the lives of sick, injured and abused companion animals. They also provide information to pet owners on the importance of spaying and neutering.
- Labrador Life Line helps individuals and rescuers care for Labrador retrievers by providing assistance in the form of medical assistance, supplies and transport to foster and permanent placement homes.
- AAHA, the American Animal Hospital Association, is a companion animal veterinary association. They have established a foundation, the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, to help sick and injured pets.
Food Banks and Low Cost Dog Food
Community food banks accept and distribute pet food to help their patrons feed their pets. Local humane societies may provide lists of sources for low-cost or no-cost pet food.
Veterinary Teaching Hospitals
If you live near a veterinary teaching hospital, you may be able to obtain treatment for your pets at reduced rates.
Other Options
Consider posting your needs on a website. There are sites available that will help you design a request. Be clear and concise when creating your request and be honest about your pet's needs.
Volunteer
If you are fortunate enough to have time, money or supplies to share, consider volunteering or donating to a worthy animal care cause. Even small amounts of time and money can make the difference for a family in need.