Financial Assistance for Vet bills

Despite providing your cat with the best medical care possible, an emergency trip to the vet could happen at any time. These visits are often costly, and many cat owners struggle to afford the related expenses. The good news is that there are a number of options for financial aid available, as well as alternative steps you can take to help cover an emergency vet visit.

​There are a variety of national and state resources for cat owners struggling to afford vet bills. Below are some of the organizations offering financial assistance:

• Actors and Others for Animals
• Blessed Bonds
• Brown Dog Foundation
• Care Credit
• Companion Bridge
• Diabetic Cats in Need
• For the Love of Alex
• Frankie's Friends
• Friends of Animals
• God's Creatures Ministry Veterinary Charity
• HandicappedPets
• Harley's Hope
• Hearts United for Animals 
• God’s Creatures Ministry Veterinary Charity
• Frankie's Friends
• Joshua Louis Animal Cancer Foundation
• Live Like Roo Foundation
• Lucy the Rescue Dog Inc.
• PAWS
• PAWS 4 A Cure
• Pets of the Homeless
• Red Rover
• Rose's Fund
• Shakespeare Animal Fund
• The Anti-Cruelty Society
• The Big Hearts Fund
• The Mosby Foundation
• The Onyx and Breezy Foundation
• The Pet Fund
• The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund
• Paws 4 a Cure
• Pets of the Homeless
• The Riedel and Cody Fund
• RedRover Relief
• Shakespeare Animal Fund
• SpayUSA

​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

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