Is There Funding to Help Take My Pet to the Vet?

Unfortunately, there may be a point in your pet's life that you find you're unable to pay the hefty bill from an emergency situation. Thankfully, there are ways to finance your pet's care in emergency situations, and even some ways to provide costs for routine care. Generally, funding in the form of grants requires that you show you are unable to provide care yourself.

CareCredit

• CareCredit is a way to pay your pet's veterinarian bills over time. If you can pay off your vet costs in less than 18 months, you can get a no-interest plan. If you will need longer than that to pay off the balance, there is an interest-added plan. CareCredit can even cover routine veterinary care costs such as vaccinations or prescription food. You must fill out an application on the CareCredit website in order to receive the funding, and you need to check that CareCredit is accepted by your veterinarian.

Nonprofit Organizations

• Several national and statewide organizations offer funding for pet care. The Humane Society of the United States offers a list on its website. Each organization has its own methods of providing funding and rules regarding who is eligible for funding. For example, Help-a-Pet only provides assistance to senior citizens, people with disabilities and children of people below a certain income level. The organization asks that the pet's owner pay some part of the pet's expenses, and the donor provides the rest of the money.

Your Veterinarian

• If you believe you will be able to pay for your pet's vet bill at some point, or if you can pay a little each month, speak to your veterinarian about possible payment plans. Your veterinarian may be willing to accept payments that don't go through a third party such as CareCredit or may even let you work off some of the expenses. It is best to discuss a payment plan with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Helping Pets Fund

• Your veterinarian can receive up to $500 a year from the American Animal Hospital Association's Helping Pets Fund. The application for this grant can only be submitted by a veterinarian in a clinic recognized by the AAHA. According to the hospital association's website, "No family can receive more than the lifetime grant maximum of $1,000 through AAHA-accredited practices." The AAHA also requires that you be able to demonstrate need through being on government assistance. You must be receiving Supplement Security Income; food stamps and unemployment together; Medicaid; or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Animal Shelters

• You may be able to receive some treatments in low-cost clinics offered by veterinary clinics at local animal shelters. Some local animal shelters and rescues may also be able to provide financial assistance in the form of grants or loans.