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My dog's ear still hurts, but I can't afford a vet. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 5 years and 2 months old | 28 lbs

My dog had a prescription for surolan but it ran out and his ear is still bothering him. We really don't have the money for a vet visit, though. Is there an alternative no requiring a vet visit?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 8th, 2017

Unfortunately no, Horu does have to see a vet for his ears to be examined considering they haven't healed. I would give you some resources that may help you afford another vet visit. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/
I hope this helps you afford a vet!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 24th, 2018
It sounds like Nugget really isn't doing well, and he should see the neurologist as the vet suggested. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet, and I can give you some resources that may help as well. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/
http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/

Check out these resources, which I hope one will help. Please get him into that neurologist as soon as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 9th, 2017
Unfortunately there is nothing you can do for Lady at home, and it's quite serious she has been suffering from this bad ear infection for about six months. If left untreated for too long, it will cause hearing loss which can be permanent. At this point, this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. I will give you a number of resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/

God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. 
The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information. 
Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay.
IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.

I cannot stress enough how important it is that Lady sees a vet as soon as possible, so I hope one of these resources helps you afford a vet.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 22nd, 2018
Poor little Merial Leahy! It would be best for her to see a vet for this problem, and I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford a vet. I can also give you some resources that may help. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/
http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/

I hope one of these resources helps you!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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