When clients can't afford to pay for a pet's treatment, everyone loses. The animal suffers or is euthanized; the owner grieves from loss or guilt; the veterinarian aches knowing what could have been done.

Thankfully, numerous nonprofit organizations help pet owners pay for veterinary care they cannot afford. For high-end costs, such as cancer or orthopedic surgery, most of these organizations will kick in part of the necessary cost, not all of it. For smaller needs, such as dentals in a diseased mouth, some organizations may foot the entire bill.  Some routine care is covered, although most of these funds are for emergency or long-term treatment. Many hospitals work directly with some funding organizations, and if your pet qualifies for their criteria, your veterinarian will let you know. 

The American organizations listed below that are based in the United States are listed at Guide Star as having a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, unless otherwise noted.

Before applying, be sure to read the organization's guidelines, and be certain to fill out the entire application. Many groups assisting low-income owners require proof of income. Some require that you have exhausted CareCredit.

If you know of an organization offering assistance with veterinary treatment bills and would like to see it listed here, please email it to vpteam@vin.com

Please note: Almost all of these organizations are run by volunteers and often do not have a direct telephone line. They work hard to earn every dollar donated. They understand when you have an emergency or critical need, but that does not mean they will change their application process to help you move faster. 

Disease-Specific Organizations

Czar's Promise, for pets with cancer

Diabetic Cats in Need, for shelters, rescues, low-income owners

FETCH a Cure, for pets with cancer

Live Like Roo, for pets with cancer

Magic Bullet Fund, dogs with cancer

PieFund, focuses on cancer

Riedel Cody Fund, cancer treatment

National Organizations in the United States

American Humane Association's Second Chance Fund, for nonprofits helping homeless victims of abuse or neglect (numerous species)

Brown Dog Foundation, for sick pets that would likely respond to treatment

Cowboy and Rousseau Animal Assistance Fund, for rescued dogs

Compassion Animal Project, vet referrals from specific hospitals

Frankie's Friends, for emergency and specialty care

Handicapped Pets Foundation, provides equipment

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, for assistance dogs

Mosby Foundation, critically sick, injured, abused and neglected dogs

Onyx and Breezy Foundation, medical treatment for hardship

Paws 4 a Cure, illnesses and injuries

Pet Assistance, emergency and urgent care

Pet Fund, medical costs beyond normal expenses

RedRover/United Animal Nations, grants between $100 and $200 to fill small funding gaps  

Shakespeare Animal Fund, for those meeting federal poverty guidelines

Waggle Foundation, fundraising and grants

Regional Organizations

Actors and Others for Animals, for low/fixed income owners in Southern California

Animal Care and Welfare Inc., emergencies in Pennsylvania

Animal Care Assistance Program, Central Virginia

Becky's Gift Equine Relief, for horses in New Hampshire

Concern for Animals (Thurston, Mason, or Lewis County), Washington

Equine Protection Fund, for horses, donkeys, and mules in New Mexico

FACE Foundation, emergency or critical care in San Diego

Hearts United Animals, assists in the Midwest

Healthy Canines, Georgia

Harley's Hope, Colorado

Lexi's Love, Missouri, non-emergency health conditions, Missouri

New Hampshire Pet Aid (Strafford and Rockingham counties)

New York Save, emergency care in New York City's five boroughs

P.A.L.S. (Pets Are Loving Support), basic veterinary care in Atlanta

Paws for a Purpose, Elk Grove, California

Pet Pals of Southern New Jersey, medecine and preventive veterinary care in New Jersey

PETS-DC, pets of HIV/AIDS patients in Washington DC

Rochester Hope for Pets, primarily for unexpected or emergencies in Rochester, NY

RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation, Rhode Island

RUFF (Rescuing Unwanted Furry Friends), Southern California

Sam's Hope, Southeastern Pennsylvana

San Francisco SPCA, for residents of San Francisco

Save U.S. Pets Foundation, New Jersey

STARrelief, urgent and routine care in Connecticut

Tucker's Cupboard, for dogs in Cottage Grove, Oregon

Breed Specific Organizations

Most breed clubs (not all) have medical grants of some type. Even if you are not a member of the club, contact them anyway and see what might be available 

Organizations Outside the United States

Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society, Alberta, Canada, for cancer

Farley Foundation, for seniors and people with disabilities in Ontario, Canada

Vet Pay, continuing credit payment plan in Australia