Charity Help with Veterinary Bills

When You Can't Afford Your Dog's Medical Costs

Jun 17, 2009

Recession, unemployment and economic hardship make many pet owners unable to afford expensive medical care for their dog, but some charities and organizations can help.

In many homes, the dog is like a family member except that he doesn’t usually have medical insurance or pet health insurance. An accident or illness causing the need for expensive medical care or medications can create a real financial problem, especially for families who have one or more laid off workers. Unfortunately, shelters are full of dogs and cats whose families were forced to make the heartbreaking decision to give them up due to tough economic times.

While there are many government programs and charities available to help humans, there are few resources for pets. However, there are options and private organizations to which pet owners can turn. Each has its own rules and qualifications so pet owners who don’t qualify with one may qualify with another.

Low Cost Pet Care

Check with the local shelter. Many of them run low cost clinics or can refer pet parents to some kind of financial assistance program for pets. Many of them have also opened pet food banks.

Ask the veterinarian if there is a veterinary school nearby that offers services at a discount.

Assistance with Pet Medical Bills

Owners of purebred dogs can sometimes get help through breed specific assistance programs. The Humane Society of the United States website offers a list.

Veterinarians with an animal hospital that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association may request assistance for pet owners from the Helping Pets Fund.

Making Payments

Veterinarians have to make a living too but some will accept payments if asked. This is from the kindness of their heart and their dedication to helping animals. Every effort should be exhausted to meet the obligation of regular payments.

Organizations that Help with Pet Medical Costs

Fortunately there are organizations and pet charities set up by kind individuals who help raise funds for needy pets. Many share their own story of grief or hardship and just want to do what they can to help others in a similar situation.

Preventive Care

Preventive care is always wise. Neglecting preventive care can come back to haunt pet owners. Spending just a few dollars to keep the dog on a quality food and up to date on shots, flea preventive, and heartworm preventive will help to avoid costly medical bills in the future. Some veterinarians may accept payments for preventive care or the pet owner may consider using a credit card for this very important pet care.

Pet Food Banks

In extreme hardship cases, some pet owners find it hard to even afford to buy food for the dog. These low-income pet owners may be able to find pet food banks to help.

Donating to Help Needy Pets

These tough economic times are bringing out the best in many people. Those who are fortunate enough to be able to help, find their heart going out to those less fortunate. Many of the websites above list specific heartbreaking cases of desperate situations. Compassionate souls who want to help may contact their local shelters or any of the organizations above. No other feeling compares to that of helping a needy cat or dog.

The copyright of the article Charity Help with Veterinary Bills in Dog Care is owned by Joy Butler. Permission to republish Charity Help with Veterinary Bills in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.