Helpful Ideas For Pet Owners

Animal Charities & Helpful Financing Ideas for Pet Owners with Sick Pets

Veterinary hospitals are often caught in the unfortunate position of wanting to provide care for a sick pet but the owner is unable to afford services.

Because of our love of animals, it is heart-breaking to see our patients suffer, however, our hospitals can’t remain viable if we don’t collect payment. In the desire to help our clients locate funding, we have compiled this list of websites and ideas that have benefited others in similar financial positions.

There are many organizations available to help cover or assist with the costs of veterinary bills. Some are specific to one breed, so it is suggested to check with the local breed rescue organizations to see if there is one for your pet. Many are also focused on specific types of illness.

Check with your local shelter or chapter of the humane society. These organizations typically know of other charitable organizations.

The Following list of Animal Charities and Finance Options has been compiled to help your research.

  • Angels for Animals – 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.
  • Brown Dog Foundation – The typical process takes anywhere from 2-5 business days, depending upon the requirements of treatment and, most importantly, the cooperation of the pet owner and doctor.
  • Care Credit – Financing company
  • VetBilling– A monthly auto drafting service allowing practices to split payments over time. Click to find a participating provider.
  • Cats In Crisis – Non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and humane organizations care for cats with chronic or emergency medical conditions through financial and fundraising assistance.
  • Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) – A nonprofit 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.
  • Frankie’s Friends – We save pets’ lives by providing grants to help with the cost of life-saving or life-enhancing emergency or specialty care for pets whose families cannot afford the full cost of treatment. In addition to Frankie’s Friends’ support, qualifying families are responsible for a portion of the treatment costs for their pets. The veterinary hospitals at which the pets are treated also assist by giving discounts. Special funding may be made available to support the care of certified working dogs as well as rehabilitation of sick or injured wildlife.
  • Gracie’s Mission – Gracie’s Mission, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is staffed completely by volunteers. Our mission is to spread the word about holistic/alternative medical treatments for animals and to give financial assistance to people who want to take their pet to see a provider of alternative medicine for animals. In addition they must meet the guidelines of the grant program set forth by the Mission.
  • Help-A-Pet – Efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more than a diversion.
  • Paws 4 A Cure – The mission of Paws 4 A Cure is to provide financial assistance to qualified families throughout the United States who cannot afford veterinary care for their beloved furry family members without our help.
  • Shakespeare Animal Fund – Anyone can apply for funds, but SAF offers assistance primarily to those on fixed incomes or with annual incomes below $35,000. Exceptions are made depending on circumstances. It is always a one-time grant.
  • Alley Cat Allies – For help with direct and hands-on care, and to connect with local resources for advice and support with stray and feral cats and kittens, use our personalized Online Assistance Form.
  • American Humane Society – The mission of American Humane Association is to ensure the welfare, wellness and well-being of children and animals, and to unleash the full potential of the bond between humans and animals to the mutual benefit of both.
  • ASPCA – The ASPCA works with local, state and federal legislators to help enact meaningful protections for animals. To report inhumane conditions and animal cruelty.
  • Best Friends Animal Society – Operating spay/neuter clinics in L.A. and Utah that offer discounted prices. Promoting trap/neuter/return (TNR) of community cats through our cat initiatives. Holding events in targeted communities to promote spaying and neutering of pit bull terriers. Supporting spay/neuter programming in Albuquerque, New Mexico; San Antonio, Texas; and Jacksonville, Florida, via grants.
  • Humane Society of United States – HSVMA Rural Area Veterinary Services (HSVMA-RAVS) provides more than $1 million in free veterinary services to more than 8,000 animals in more than 40 communities. We go where no other animal services exist, including communities on Native American reservations.
  • Petco Foundation – We help animal-welfare organizations find lifelong, loving homes for millions of orphaned pets, as well as fund spay and neuter efforts, animal-assisted therapy programs and humane education.
  • Petsmart Charities – To find low-cost spay or neuter programs or emergency relief funds for disasters.
  • Feline Outreach – “Feline Outreach is a charitable organization formed to promote the routine and medical care of companion animals, particularly cats.” (Note: Feline Outreach was founded by people who have diabetic cats.)
  • American Animal Hospital Association – 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. Available through AAHA accredited hospitals.
  • Feeding Pets of the Homeless – The first and one of a few national animal organizations focused on feeding and providing emergency care to pets of homeless people.
  • Canine Cancer Awareness – Due to the large number of recent applications, Canine Cancer Awareness, Inc. is temporarily suspending new financial assistance applications. (2/17/2015)
  • Land of Pure Gold Foundation, Inc. – Provides assistance with cancer treatment for all working dog breeds.
  • The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund – Provides information and funding for pets with cancer.
  • The Magic Bullet Fund – Provides funds to dogs with cancer.
  • The Mosby Foundation – Provides funds for dogs fighting cancer.
  • The Reidel and Cody Fund – Funding for animals with cancer.
  • Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) – Nonprofit Charity Organization that provides emergency financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companion when life-threatening illness or injury strikes. Seniors, people with disabilities, people who have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue an injured or ill cat or kitten – any of these folks may need emergency financial assistance.We also have a specialized dedicated fund (Kobi’s Fund) for cats with Vaccine Associated Sarcoma (VAS) (also known as Injection Site Sarcoma).VAS is a group of cancers caused by vaccinations. Please see the Kobi’s Fund Page for details.
  • Cats In Crisis – Non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and humane organizations care for cats with chronic or emergency medical conditions through financial and fundraising assistance.
  • Frankie’s Friends – We save pets’ lives by providing grants to help with the cost of life-saving or life-enhancing emergency or specialty care for pets whose families cannot afford the full cost of treatment. In addition to Frankie’s Friends’ support, qualifying families are responsible for a portion of the treatment costs for their pets. The veterinary hospitals at which the pets are treated also assist by giving discounts. Special funding may be made available to support the care of certified working dogs as well as rehabilitation of sick or injured wildlife.
  • Ginger’s Legacy 646.8891 – The Cartwright Foundation provides financial assistance for a pet’s medical costs when without assistance a pet’s life or well-being is in jeopardy.
  • The Pet Fund – The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need urgent veterinary care.
  • Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) – Nonprofit Charity Organization that provides emergency financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companion when life-threatening illness or injury strikes. Seniors, people with disabilities, people who have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue an injured or ill cat or kitten – any of these folks may need emergency financial assistance.We also have a specialized dedicated fund (Kobi’s Fund) for cats with Vaccine Associated Sarcoma (VAS) (also known as Injection Site Sarcoma).VAS is a group of cancers caused by vaccinations. Please see the Kobi’s Fund Page for details.
  • RedRover – The mission of RedRover 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, RedRover can also assist senior citizens and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care.
  • Fairy Dog Parents – Fairy Dog Parents is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps prevent dogs from being surrendered to shelters. We provide assistance with food, medical and general wellness needs of qualified dog recipients in Massachusetts.
  • Alley Cat Allies – For help with direct and hands-on care, and to connect with local resources for advice and support with stray and feral cats and kittens, use our personalized Online Assistance Form.
  • Petco Foundation – We help animal-welfare organizations find lifelong, loving homes for millions of orphaned pets, as well as fund spay and neuter efforts, animal assisted therapy programs and humane education.
  • American Animal Hospital Association – 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. Available through AAHA accredited hospitals.
  • RedRover – “The mission of RedRover 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, RedRover can also assist senior citizens and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care.
  • Feeding Pets of the Homeless is the first and one of a few national animal organizations focused on feeding and providing emergency care to pets of homeless people.
  • Pay advance from employer
  • Crowd Fund from Social Media connections paid to the hospital
  • Crowd Fund using Waggle
  • Crowd Fund using Co-Fund My Pet
  • Crowd Fund using Free Animal Doctor
  • Pawn old gold jewelry
  • Solicit funds from friends and family
  • Title loans on cars
  • Sell or pawn other valuables like electronics or antiques