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My dog is very sick and I can't afford a vet. Where can I get help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 years and 6 months old | 10 lbs

I'm in between jobs and completely broke. My dog has been sick for days, won't eat, and is now so weak she can't walk. No one near me will even look at her without payment. She's going to die without treatment, but I've tried everything and applied for carecredit and other assistance programs without luck. No one will set up payment plans without a down payment, and I just dont have it. I dont have the credit to get a loan. What do I do? Just let her slowly die?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 5th, 2017

I'm sorry you are in such a difficult situation. Contact your local animal shelter or humane society. Either may be able to direct you to a low cost/no cost clinic. You can also contact Red Rover (www.redrover.org) to secure financial assistance with veterinary bills. The Humane Society of the US may also have information regarding assistance on their website as well.
In the meantime, offer Daisy some baby food. You can warm it up to stimulate her appetite. If she eats it, mix in some dog food and some unflavored PediaLyte. Feed her as often as she will allow without vomiting.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
I am sorry to hear the predicamnet you are in, I am sure it is very upsetting. Unfortunatley given all attempts to secure funding have failed, I recommend you consider surrendering her to a humane society shelter where they can assess her condition and ensure she is relieved of her sufferng and treated as appropriate
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 29th, 2019
Your dogs needs to see a vet now, this is a medical emergency. If paying for a vet is an issue, 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 to see if one can help you, and please take them into a vet now. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2018
I would keep an eye on Tequila for now. If she did get into something, it could be that it will pass in due time but it could also be that she could get worse and develop other symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, or collapse among other symptoms. If she does develop other symptoms or her current symptoms do not pass within the next 30 minutes to an hour, she will have to see a vet. I would see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford a vet, and I can 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, best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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