Skip to content
Financial Aid for Dog Parents
Caring for a senior dog is expensive. There is no other way to put it. We understand the financial stress and the heartache associated with providing medical care and vital supplies for your beloved dog. That's why we have compiled a list of helpful resources and tips to help you find the financial and emotional support you need at this time.
Financial Aid & Discounted Veterinary Care
If you live in New York City, the Humane Society provides a full service veterinary hospital at a fraction of the cost. Payment is required at the time you schedule the appointment but it's worth it. You will save thousands of dollars and your dog will receive excellent veterinary care.
For Nation wide financial aid you can search for a Humane Society Clinic near you or click on the link above for a more complete list of options in your State.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Hospital provides low cost and affordable veterinary services to eligible dog owners. If you live in NYC and your household income is under $50,000 or you are experiencing financial challenges like unemployment, you are eligible to their financial assistance. Make sure to schedule an appointment and to request financial aid.
For pet owners outside of NYC you can find an ASPCA Animal Hospital near you by calling this number: 1-888-666-2279
If you cannot afford the medical bill
Care Credit helps you pay for your out of pocket veterinary expenses with a financing credit card. If you have a decent credit score and no other options, it's worth the shot. The repayment plan can be extended up to 60 months.
Waggle is a free crowdfunding platform to raise money for veterinary care. You will need your vet's contact info, your dog's medical estimate and pictures of your pooch. After review, Waggle will post your campaign on their Meet Pets in Crisis page and you can start sharing the link on social media and to everyone you know.
The Pet Fund covers ONLY non-basic, non-urgent care and medical needs such as cancer treatment, heart disease, chronic conditions, endocrine diseases, eye diseases etc. To be eligible for their help your dog must:
- Need non-basic, non-urgent care only, and both you and your companion animal must meet their program criteria.
- Your dog’s medical needs must be able to wait the length of their current wait list.
- You must contact them by email with your request prior to sending your application at info@thepetfund.com
RedRover's mission is to keep people and their pets together by providing financial assistance, resources and support to low income individuals. Urgent care grants and other financial assistance programs are available on their website.
Paws 4 a Cure non profit organization is currently accepting applications from individuals and families for a one shot grant of up to $500. Click on the above link to be directed to their application page.
You can apply for an individual grant to Bow Wow Buddies. Their foundation is dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to people struggling to afford their veterinary bills for serious ailments.
The Wishbone foundation offers help to special need pets by providing temporary financial support and equipment for at-home care and rehabilitation. You can apply for help on the link above.
Help-A-Pet is a nonprofit organization which provides financial assistance to pet owners who are unable to afford the cost of veterinary services, medicine, or medical supplies for a sick or injured pet. To qualify your annual income must be below $20,000 for an individual household and below $40,000 for a family household.
AVMF does not provide direct funding to individual dog owners. All requests must come directly from your veterinarian if he or she is an AVMA-member veterinarian enrolled in the VC Charitable Fund. Ask your vet!
- Negotiate a Payment Plan with your vet
If nothing else worked so far, you can try to negotiate a payment plan with your vet. It never hurts to ask. Your veterinarian might help you afford the medical care for your elderly dog.
If your dog has cancer
If your dog has cancer, first of all, don't panic. Leia was a cancer survivor. After a successful treatment she lived cancer free for the rest of her life. If your dog was diagnosed with cancer and you need to secure funds, here is a list of organizations that could help you:
One of our favorite non profit organizations that helps dogs suffering from cancer. Founded in memory of rescue dog Roo, their mission is to provide financial and emotional support to the families of dogs diagnosed with cancer. They will send you a free care package with all the things that Roo loved. To apply for financial assistance you can apply directly on their website.
Frankie's friends can provide financial assistance grants to family owned pets in need of lifesaving emergency or specialty veterinary care whose caregivers cannot afford the full cost of treatment. They have several programs to help save the life of your beloved pet. Click on the above link to be directed to their application page.
The Magic Bullet provides financial assistance for cancer treatment including surgery or chemotherapy only. Read their requirements and if you and your dog are eligible for financial aid before applying for assistance.
Grants are for active, full-time working dogs in the areas of assistance, detection, search & rescue, enforcement, military work or assisted animal therapy. Emotional support dogs and therapy dogs are not eligible for the grant. Their grants are up to $1000 per dog.
The Riedel and Cody Fund (RCF) is a non-profit organized to provide funding for owners who have a pet diagnosed with cancer and cannot afford to pay for the treatment. The organization is partnered with Waggle, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to raise money for pets.
If you and your Senior Dog live in California
If you and your senior pup are residents of California, Frosted Faces can assist with veterinary care that is required to maintain and enhance the quality of life of a senior dog. You are welcome to apply for Frosted Funding if your senior dog needs financing for a lifesaving major procedure, crucial monthly medication, or if you newly adopted a senior dog with pre-existing conditions.