Several organizations provide grants to help pet owners with veterinary expenses.
Veterinary costs often reach hundreds or thousands of dollars, and many pet owners find themselves struggling to pay the bills to keep their pets healthy. If your pet is suffering from an illness or injury, talk to your veterinarian to see if you can work out a payment plan. Many organizations and charities also offer grants to pet owners in need of financial assistance.
Breed-Specific
Many organizations form to help specific breeds. In addition to providing educational resources and rescues for these animals, many of these breed-specific organizations and foundations provide financial assistance to pet owners in need. Some organizations require proof of financial need, which may include employment and salary information or bank statements. Akitas, boxers, corgis, terriers, spaniels, pit bulls and Labradors are just some of the breeds with organizations to help cover medical costs.
Disease-Specific
Disease-specific organizations focus on helping pet owners dealing with a certain illness or condition. Pets with chronic diseases or conditions that require lengthy treatments often put pet owners in a financial bind. Organizations for cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, heart problems and deafness supply grants to struggling pet owners to help cover the medical costs for their loved ones.
Other Charities
Other charities help pet owners with veterinary costs without regard to breed or disease. The AAHA Helping Pets Fund awards grants for pet owners who are going through a financial hardship. Cats in Crisis helps pet owners and cat caregivers pay for medical care for emergency conditions and chronic illnesses. Help-A-Pet assists physically and mentally handicapped pet owners, senior citizens and children of the working poor pay for medical expenses for their pets. Pigger's Pals, Rose's Fund for Animals and In Memory of Magic (IMOM) also provide financial assistance to needy pet owners to help cover medical and surgical fees.
Petco Foundation and PetSmart Charities
Both Petco and PetSmart award grants to individual pet owners who apply to assist with veterinary care. PetSmart charities provides grants for medical expenses that do not relate to a disease or injury, such as spaying and neutering costs. Petco partners with over 6,200 nonprofit animal welfare groups to help provide grants, material items and educational resources to pet owners, according to the company's website.
