Solutions for Vet Costs
There are a number of options for financial aid available, as well as alternative steps you can take to help cover vet visits.
For Emergency Vet Care
For General Vet Care
For Emergency Vet Care
- Contact nearby veterinary schools/colleges as they often have programs for free and low-cost emergency services.
- You can also apply for financial aid from the national and state-specific organizations listed below.
- Ask your current vet about the possibility of a payment plan.
- Try a crowdfunding platform such as GoFundMe or Cuddly.com.
- Pet Insurance is a good thing to have in case of emergencies, or even preventative care and maintenance. There are many companies that offer pet insurance, so research and compare their policies carefully. Keep in mind that many policies do not cover dental care.
For General Vet Care
- Veterinary schools may also have low-cost clinics for clients who qualify.
- Check out the low-cost clinics listed in your state, below (more clinics to be added soon! In the meantime, if you don't see one listed in your state/area, try an Internet search).
- Ask your vet if they accept Care Credit, a credit card for health and veterinary care. To learn more about Care Credit, visit www.carecredit.com/
- Scratchpay is a payment plan for veterinary bills. It is not a credit card, so it using it won't affect your credit score and it's easier to get approved. Your vet must be registered with Scratchpay, so be sure to inquire with them about it before applying.
Financial Aid Opportunities and Low-Cost Clinics
There are numerous other organizations in each state that offer assistance with covering vet bills, as well as assistance with spay/neuter costs, cat food, litter, and vaccine costs.
In addition to these organizations, it is sometimes possible to reach an agreement with your vet. If you are a long-time client in good standing, some vets will agree to a weekly or monthly payment plan. Another option is to offer to complete tasks at the clinic, such as cleaning kennels, answering phones, or various other jobs to help work off your bill.
Sometimes it is wise to get a second opinion. While this will cost some additional money up front, another vet may have alternative, less costly ways to treat your cat. If you live in a big city, try using a vet in a less expensive area. In smaller towns, vets will often charge lower fees.
You can also research veterinary schools in your area. Many schools run low-cost clinics for clients with limited incomes. Similarly, you can contact your local animal shelter and inquire if they have a low-cost onsite vet clinic or work with local vets who agree to lower their prices. Some shelters also have loan or grant programs.
If using a credit card is an option, speak to your bank about a limit increase or loan options. Care Credit is a credit card designed specifically for medical expenses, including your pets, and is accepted by many veterinarians. It also offers a variety of payment options that could be helpful in a time of need. Similarly, Scratchpay is an online payment plan for vet costs. Scratchpay pays the clinic upfront, and then you make payments to them. However, your clinic must be registered with Scratchpay so be sure to confirm this first. Some organizations, such as RedRover, allow you to apply for financial aid to help alleviate the costs associated with your vet bills.
Another option is to start a crowd funding page using sites like GoFundMe or YouCaring.
Finally, while it won’t help your current situation, it would be smart to consider enrolling in a pet health insurance plan to help with any future medical expenses.
References
Having trouble affording veterinary care? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care
PetMD. (2018, September 19). PetMD. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-pay-vet-costs
In addition to these organizations, it is sometimes possible to reach an agreement with your vet. If you are a long-time client in good standing, some vets will agree to a weekly or monthly payment plan. Another option is to offer to complete tasks at the clinic, such as cleaning kennels, answering phones, or various other jobs to help work off your bill.
Sometimes it is wise to get a second opinion. While this will cost some additional money up front, another vet may have alternative, less costly ways to treat your cat. If you live in a big city, try using a vet in a less expensive area. In smaller towns, vets will often charge lower fees.
You can also research veterinary schools in your area. Many schools run low-cost clinics for clients with limited incomes. Similarly, you can contact your local animal shelter and inquire if they have a low-cost onsite vet clinic or work with local vets who agree to lower their prices. Some shelters also have loan or grant programs.
If using a credit card is an option, speak to your bank about a limit increase or loan options. Care Credit is a credit card designed specifically for medical expenses, including your pets, and is accepted by many veterinarians. It also offers a variety of payment options that could be helpful in a time of need. Similarly, Scratchpay is an online payment plan for vet costs. Scratchpay pays the clinic upfront, and then you make payments to them. However, your clinic must be registered with Scratchpay so be sure to confirm this first. Some organizations, such as RedRover, allow you to apply for financial aid to help alleviate the costs associated with your vet bills.
Another option is to start a crowd funding page using sites like GoFundMe or YouCaring.
Finally, while it won’t help your current situation, it would be smart to consider enrolling in a pet health insurance plan to help with any future medical expenses.
References
Having trouble affording veterinary care? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care
PetMD. (2018, September 19). PetMD. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-pay-vet-costs