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My dog needs surgery. How can I get financial help for vet bills?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi Doc, my dog needs cataract surgery and I cannot afford it. They don't do payment plan either. I don't know what to do. I don't want him to go blind

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Debi Matlack

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 16th, 2015

If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card that is used specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses.

GiveForward is a crowd funding website that helps you raise money to help take care of your pets

Call your local animal shelter and ask if they have or can direct you to a low-cost pet clinic that works with people with limited incomes.

If there is a college of veterinary medicine in your area, call and ask them about a low- or no-cost veterinary care program. Many run low-cost clinics for limited income clients.

The Humane Society website has a lot of links to other organizations that help with veterinary expenses. Some are for working/service animals, some are breed-specific, some are by start or location. Hopefully there is something available in your area.
Vote Icon180Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 8th, 2019

    Unfortunately I cannot give you an exact quote for these, as costs vary between clinics and areas in the US. I can give you some financial resources if that helps. 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/

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 27th, 2018

    Dogs are very good at adapting to blindness. If you do not change your furniture around and everything stays the same Bailey should have no problems adapting to not seeing.
    You can try to get some financial help with veterinary fees here:
    There are quite a few ways to get financial help with vet bills: https://www.youcaring.com/blog/2016/need-help-with-vet-bills
    https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/Financial-assistance-for-veterinary-care-costs.aspx
    https://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
    https://www.paws.org/cats-and-dogs/other-services/help-with-veterinary-bills/
    http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html?credit=web_id98635957
    American Animal Hospital Association 
    http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/
    "Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or 
    injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing 
    financial hardship."
    Angels 4 Animals 
    http://www.angels4animals.org/ 
    "Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment 
    to those pets and pet owners in need."
    Care Credit 
    http://www.carecredit.com/ 
    A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care. 
    "With a comprehensive range of plan options, for 
    treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan 
    and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every 
    budget."
    Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) 
    http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/ 
    "Seniors, People with disabilities, People who 
    have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these 
    folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion."
    The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 
    (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and 
    kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save 
    their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.
    God's Creatures Ministry 
    http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html 
    "This fund helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help."
    Help-A-Pet 
    http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html 
    "Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the 
    working poor."
    IMOM 
    http://www.imom.org/ 
    "We are dedicated to insure that no 
    companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker 
    is financially challenged."
    The Pet Fund 
    http://thepetfund.com/ 
    "The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that 
    provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need 
    urgent veterinary care."
    United Animal Nations 
    http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html 
    "The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued 
    animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require 
    specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve 
    Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured 
    animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens 
    and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 17th, 2021

    You will need to call a local veterinarian and ask about funding, as this website is not associated with a single pet hospital. That is a nasty would and needs veterinary attention badly.

    If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses.

    Call a local animal shelter or college of veterinary medicine in your area and ask if they have a low- or no-cost veterinary care program.

    GiveForward and Youcaring.com are crowd funding websites that help you raise money to help take care of your pets

    Harley’s Hope Foundation is an organization that ensures low income pet parents and their companion or service animals remain together when issues arise.

    Many breed rescues and groups have specials funds available for owners who need financial assistance, such as the Special Needs Dobermans, Labrador Lifeline, and Pitbull Rescue Central.

    Banfield Pet Hospital has its own programs for owners that can’t afford their pet’s care.

    God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.
    IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged.

    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.

    Some groups help with specific disease, such as Canine Cancer Awareness, The Magic Bullet Fund, Helping Harley Fund, and Muffin Diabetes Fund.

    The Pet Fund and Redrover.org are great sources for help to care for your pet.

    The Humane Society website has many links to other organizations that help with veterinary expenses.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 5th, 2020

    Poor Oliver. That sore looks pretty bad, and he does need to see a vet for it. 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. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends.

    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 this helps!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My cat has a growth, but I can't afford vet care. What can I do?
That is something that really needs to be seen by a vet. Keep it clean and dry as possible. If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. Call a local animal shelter or college of veterinary medicine in your area and ask if they have a low- or no-cost veterinary care program. GiveForward and Youcaring.com are crowd funding websites that help you raise money to help take care of your pets Harley’s Hope Foundation is an organization that ensures low income pet parents and their companion or service animals remain together when issues arise. Many breed rescues and groups have specials funds available for owners who need financial assistance, such as the Special Needs Dobermans, Labrador Lifeline, and Pitbull Rescue Central. Banfield Pet Hospital has its own programs for owners that can’t afford their pet’s care. Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) works with seniors, people with disabilities, people who have lost their job, good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten who may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion. The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes. God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. 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. Some groups help with specific disease, such as Canine Cancer Awareness, The Magic Bullet Fund, Helping Harley Fund, and Muffin Diabetes Fund. The Pet Fund and Redrover.org are great sources for help to care for your pet. The Humane Society website has many links to other organizations that help with veterinary expenses.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is very sick with jaundice. How can I afford vet care?
Your dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian right away. This jaundice is a strong indicator for liver failure and this can only be treated properly with intensive veterinary intervention. If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses. Call a local animal shelter or college of veterinary medicine in your area and ask if they have a low- or no-cost veterinary care program. GiveForward and Youcaring.com are crowd funding websites that help you raise money to help take care of your pets Harley’s Hope Foundation is an organization that ensures low income pet parents and their companion or service animals remain together when issues arise. Many breed rescues and groups have specials funds available for owners who need financial assistance, such as the Special Needs Dobermans, Labrador Lifeline, and Pitbull Rescue Central. Banfield Pet Hospital has its own programs for owners that can’t afford their pet’s care. God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help. IMOM is dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged. 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. Some groups help with specific disease, such as Canine Cancer Awareness, The Magic Bullet Fund, Helping Harley Fund, and Muffin Diabetes Fund. The Pet Fund and Redrover.org are great sources for help to care for your pet. The Humane Society website has many links to other organizations that help with veterinary expenses.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat is sick. How can I find financial aid for vet bills?
Hi Here is a long list of charities that can help. I suggest you contact each and every one. I hope that helps! There are quite a few ways to get financial help with vet bills: https://www.youcaring.com/blog/2016/need-help-with-vet-bills https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/Financial-assistance-for-veterinary-care-costs.aspx https://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets https://www.paws.org/cats-and-dogs/other-services/help-with-veterinary-bills/ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html?credit=web_id98635957 American Animal Hospital Association  http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/ "Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or  injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing  financial hardship." Angels 4 Animals  http://www.angels4animals.org/  "Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment  to those pets and pet owners in need." Care Credit  http://www.carecredit.com/  A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.  "With a comprehensive range of plan options, for  treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan  and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every  budget." Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)  http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/  "Seniors, People with disabilities, People who  have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these  folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion." The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501  (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and  kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save  their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes. God's Creatures Ministry  http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html  "This fund helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help." Help-A-Pet  http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html  "Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the  working poor." IMOM  http://www.imom.org/  "We are dedicated to insure that no  companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker  is financially challenged." The Pet Fund  http://thepetfund.com/  "The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that  provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need  urgent veterinary care." United Animal Nations  http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html  "The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued  animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require  specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve  Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured  animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens  and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat's eye is cloudy, and I can't afford the vet. What can I do?
It's concerning that Erebus's eye is getting cloudy, and he has to see a vet for it now. 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. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends. 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/
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog needs surgery, but I can't afford it. What are my options?
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Since you haven't stated what type of surgery it is hard to give any advice. I would suggest however asking your vet if there are any other options (a different type of surgery, medical management, etc), or you can call other clinics to see if the surgery can occur at a lower rate. If this is a surgery that is life-threatening and needs to occur right away, then you may have to contact rescue groups, or ask your vet about any financial assistance programs in your area. If this is a problem that can wait, then you can discuss with your vet about the time-frame the surgery is needed, and save up. Best of luck with Neron.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog needs urgent vet care. Where can I find free or low-cost help?
I would call your local shelter to see if they can treat her for a lower price. Unfortunately, some will help but others will only treat animals that are up for adoption. If they can't, they may be able to direct you to a clinic that is lower in cost or has a free first exam. You could also talk to your vet about prescribing some antibiotics. I would ask if they are any antibiotics that can be prescribed at a human pharmacy that might be cheaper. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My senior dog needs cataract surgery. How can I afford it now?
Hi Sheri, Sorry that Sasha is having this issue. I suggest you refer to the following article. It lists multiple organizations that help owners like you. ( http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ ) Hopefully one of those organizations can help you. Best wishes!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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